Ben Ryé

In love with the extreme nature of Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Sicily and Africa, Donnafugata arrived here in 1989 to develop an innovative project of quality and heroic viticulture.

Today, Donnafugata boasts 68 hectares of vineyards located in 14 districts, different for soil, altitude (from 20 m to 400 m above sea level), exposure, microclimate and the age of the plants (also over 100 years old). In addition, in the Khamma district winery, a small jewel of sustainable architecture perfectly set in a natural terraced amphitheater, the individual batches of grapes are processed separately, up to the final blend, respecting and enhancing the plurality of the wine-growing contexts.

The island’s grape variety is Zibibbo (Moscato d’Alessandria), the prince among the aromatic varieties. The vineyard is cultivated with very low bush vines (alberello pantesco), on small terraces, bordered by dry lava stone walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that help prevent soil erosion, protecting the landscape and biodiversity.