Discovering Donnafugata on Etna

The production winery in Contrada Statella opened its doors to visitors in 2019. At the time it served approximately 18 hectares of nearby vineyards distributed among six districts and formed the centre of the family-led Etna operation.

The visitor route began with the pedoclimatic character of the northern slope and continued outdoors through the volcanic landscape. Guests were introduced to the sciare, the layered lava deposits that gradually become sandy cultivable soils and give individual micro-terroirs their particular composition.

A vineyard walk covered Carricante and Nerello Mascalese, planting layouts, training systems and pruning. The route then entered the vinification area and the newly established barrique cellar overlooking Etna. Four tasting formats were introduced, ranging from a Nerello Mascalese-focused itinerary to comparisons among native Sicilian varieties and the volcanic territories of Etna and Pantelleria.