Since 2001, the Tasca d’Almerita family has embarked on an ambitious journey across Sicily’s diverse landscapes, each with its own unique identity and winemaking potential. Their mission is to enhance the finest grape varieties, creating wines that capture the distinct character of each area and form a captivating mosaic of flavors, a true reflection of Sicily’s soul.
Capofaro Estate is located on Salina, the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, in the Malfa area. Perched on the scenic Capofaro promontory overlooking the sea, this enchanting estate embodies the beauty and spirit of the Mediterranean.
Capofaro: A Tribute to Malvasia and Aeolian Heritage
As with all Tasca d’Almerita projects, the vineyard was the starting point at Capofaro. Upon acquiring the estate, its 6 hectares of vines – including the historic and picturesque “Anfiteatro” vineyard – had been planted with Malvasia for approximately 30 years. The finest parcels, among the oldest in the Aeolian Islands, were carefully preserved, with the vineyard structure restored and gaps replanted.
Today, Capofaro is celebrated for producing one of the finest expressions of the region’s signature wine: Malvasia delle Lipari.
«Malvasia grapes belong to a diverse group of varieties, primarily cultivated across the Mediterranean basin»
Sustainable Viticulture: B Corp & SOStain certifications
The soils at Capofaro, dedicated to cultivating Malvasia, meet the rigorous sustainability standards of B Corp certification and the SOStain Sicilia protocol, which promotes eco-conscious viticulture in Sicily. These shallow, sandy soils offer excellent drainage and high porosity. Despite their structure, they retain water effectively, providing ideal conditions for the vines to flourish.
Crafting Malvasia at Capofaro
At Capofaro, Malvasia vines are primarily trained on trellises, with a small portion cultivated as bush vines, honoring local tradition. Harvesting is tailored to the desired wine style: grapes picked slightly early yield fresh wines with vibrant acidity and hints of flowers and aromatic herbs, while late harvests, followed by a brief drying process, produce exceptional sweet wines.
The drying of Malvasia grapes at Capofaro is done in the shade, a method that preserves the fruit’s fragrance and lends the wine its signature aromatic elegance. Gentle pressing and low-temperature fermentation ensure the extraction and preservation of the grape’s distinctive aromas, creating wines that embody the essence of this unique terroir.
«IN addition to the 6.3 hectares of vineyards at Capofaro on Salina, there are “Le Vigne di Paola”, 4.25 hectares ON Vulcano»
The Capofaro Lighthouse
Since the 19th century, the Capofaro Lighthouse has stood watch over the promontory and sea, its intermittent light serving as a symbol of safety and welcome for travelers arriving at night from the Tyrrhenian Sea. With a range twice that of coastal lighthouses, it is the first guiding signal visible to sailors.
The view from the lighthouse is nothing short of breathtaking. To one side, the cliffs of the cape plunge into the crystalline waters of the Aeolian Islands, while behind the lighthouse, the twin volcanoes rise majestically. The tower itself stands 12 meters tall, with its light reaching 56 meters above sea level and boasting a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 35 kilometers).
Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia
Since 2017, the Tasca d’Almerita family has been the proud custodian of this extraordinary piece of Salina history, now part of the “Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia” relais. The lighthouse’s former keeper’s quarters have been thoughtfully transformed into six exclusive guest rooms, offering a unique blend of charm, history, nature, wine and cuisine, weaving together – with a contemporary twist – the island’s traditional flavors with the Tasca d’Almerita family’s culinary heritage inspired by the legacy of the Monsù, the chefs who defined Sicilian aristocratic cuisine centuries ago. In addition, to deepen their experience, guests can participate in residential natural cookery courses and guided visits to local producers and fishermen.
«At Capofaro, guests can enjoy residential courses in natural cooking, along with guided tours of local producers and fishermen»
The Vineyard on Vulcano
In addition to the 6.3 hectares of vineyards at Capofaro on the island of Salina, the Tasca d’Almerita family cultivates 4.25 hectares on Vulcano, specifically in the Gelso area. Here, the family tends to the “Vigna di Paola”, an extraordinary vineyard with a unique microclimate that has been lovingly cared for over the years.
Altogether, the vineyards span 10.55 hectares, hosting 52,900 grapevines within a total area of 12.13 hectares (this includes a one-hectare olive grove with 60 trees). Located at elevations ranging from 40 to 300 meters above sea level, these vineyards thrive in ideal conditions, producing wines that beautifully capture the distinctive character and splendor of the Aeolian Islands.
CONTACTS
Tenuta Capofaro
Via Faro 3
98050 Malfa
Isola di Salina (Isole Eolie – ME)
www.tascadalmerita.it
