Donnafugata
The Donnafugata Winery was founded in Sicily in the 1980s by Giacomo Rallo and his wife Gabriella Rallo, two of the most important figures in the Sicilian wine market who are responsible for the rebirth of the wines produced in the provinces of Trapani and Marsala.
The name of the winery means Woman on the run and is inspired by the novel Il Gattopardo and the historical period in which Napoleon’s troops arrived in Naples and the wife of Emperor Frederick IV of Bourbon was forced to flee to Sicily.
Even the logo chosen to label Donnafugata wines, the face of a woman with her hair blowing in the wind, is referred to this story and more. In fact,a second meaning lies behind it: Gabriella Rallo’s choice to leave her job as a teacher to devote herself to the Contessa Entellina vineyards.
The company’s vineyards extend for over 410 hectares, are located in different parts of the island and are managed with full respect for the land and the surrounding environment. The processes of cultivation and processing of the grapes ensure the eco-sustainable management of each phase, organic fertilisers are preferred to chemical fertilisers and specific practices such as green manure and thinning are implemented to allow the grapes to enjoy the right nutrition and light.
Among the excellent wines produced by Donnafugata there are white, red, rosé, sweet, sparkling and elegant distillates of quality as the Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryè or the Moscato di Alessandria Lighea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Donnafugata winery located and in what area of Sicily does it produce?
Donnafugata is located in Sicily, with historic properties in the provinces of Trapani and Marsala, areas whose winemaking revival the estate helped drive starting in the 1980s.
Who founded the Donnafugata winery? Where does the name come from?
The winery was founded in the 1980s by Giacomo Rallo and his wife Gabriella, among the most important figures in Sicily's wine market. The name 'Woman in flight' is inspired by the novel The Leopard and the flight to Sicily of the wife of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon during the arrival of Napoleonic troops in Naples, also referenced in the logo showing a woman's face with windblown hair.
