Everything began when Francesco Caruso, in the early 1900s, identified the land in the Trapani area, specifically in the Salemi region, as ideal for grape cultivation. The soil – characterized by “cuti”, large, water-smoothed stones – along with the altitude, sun exposure and microclimate, made it perfect for vineyards. A few years later, his son Nino took over the family vineyards, leading as a young winemaker.
The dream of capturing family tradition in a bottle came to life much later, in the early 2000s, when Nino’s sons – Stefano, Roberto and Francesco – joined forces with Mario and Francesco Minini, owners of a commercial enterprise from northern Italy and ardent admirers of Sicily. Together, they founded Caruso & Minini, blending artisanal expertise with entrepreneurial skill. Now in its fourth generation, led by Giovanna and Rosanna Caruso along with Andrea Artusio, the winery produces over 20 labels, distributing to around 40 countries worldwide.
«In Salemi, green hills and RURAL fields embrace in a landscape that captivates the eye»
120 Hectares of Vineyards
Caruso & Minini’s winemaking spans 120 hectares of vineyards set between 200 and 450 meters above sea level, where the Mediterranean meets the high, breezy hills of Salemi. Constantly caressed by a light, salty breeze, the vines thrive in this highly permeable land enriched with clay, silica and limestone. With most vineyards facing north to northwest and a smaller portion to the southeast, the mild climate brings long summers and limited winter rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 63°F. Each plot is carefully nurtured to achieve the best synergy between vine, climate and soil.
Native and International Varietals
Native Sicilian varietals like Grillo, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese and Perricone, along with international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot, flourish in the Giummarella and Cuttaia estates.
A small portion of land where Caruso & Minini produces Syrah falls within the distinguished Delia Nivolelli Doc area, an appellation established in 1998 and covering Mazara del Vallo, Petrosino, Marsala and Salemi. This precious terroir is named for the Delia River and the Nivolelli marshlands, which were reclaimed in the early 20th century.
«The winery is always focused on precision viticulture»
Certified Organic Under the Equalitas Protocol
The vineyards are certified organic (or in the process of conversion) and adhere to the Equalitas protocol, positioning Caruso & Minini as a sustainable winery. This certification requires compliance with three key standards: company organization, product quality and territory respect, ensuring environmentally conscious production.
The commitment to sustainability is evident through responsible water and energy usage, organic fertilization and continuous monitoring for potential pests. Cover cropping with nitrogen-fixing legumes enhances soil fertility, while flowers and plants growing between the rows attract pollinators and promote soil health. This approach embodies a true “green” philosophy at the estate.
«The unique characteristics of the land are reflected in the cellar»
Heritage and State-of-the-Art Wine Production
The winery is nestled in Marsala’s traditional winemaking district, housed within a historic “baglio” constructed from yellow tuff stone in the early 1900s. Fully renovated and modernized, this charming and sustainable facility combines the elegance of its heritage with state-of-the-art wine production, reflecting the estate’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.
The winery employs a minimalist approach in its winemaking to capture the unique qualities of the hillside terroir and preserve the natural balance of the grapes. Environmentally conscious practices include the use of nitrogen to shield musts and wines from oxygen, reducing added sulfites and cryomaceration to retain distinctive organoleptic properties. Cutting-edge machinery helps lower CO₂ emissions, while a solar energy system powers much of the facility, bringing it close to self-sufficiency.
The structure also boasts a barrel room featuring 225-liter barriques, 550-liter tonneaux and large 30-to-50-hectoliter barrels crafted by master coopers from Trapani region. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming reception area, wine bar, shop and tasting rooms, making the winery an immersive and sustainable experience.
«The labels illustrations are part of a beautiful social inclusion project»
Research, Innovation, Sustainable Future
Collaboration with the University of Palermo is a key part of the winery’s commitment to natural winemaking. Together, they work on selecting yeasts to support a fermentation process as “natural” as possible. Another initiative, the “Stra.vi.na.” Project, focuses on research and experimentation, studying the interactions between grape varieties and terroir. This research not only explores each variety’s potential but also helps define new agronomic protocols aimed at enhancing sustainability across all facets of production. These efforts allow the winery to honor Sicily’s wine heritage while shaping wines with a modern, forward-thinking character.
A Beautiful Story of Social Inclusion
The label illustrations reflect a meaningful social inclusion project, crafted in collaboration with Turin’s Laboratorio Zanzara – a nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and integration for individuals with intellectual and behavioral disabilities. Inspired by Matisse and the flora and fauna of Marsala, the artwork expresses the simplicity, fragrances and essence of Sicily, naturally resonating with the wines inside each bottle.
«In the early 20th-century baglio, you’re surrounded by the scents of lemon, pomegranate, carob and olive trees»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS & WINE CATALOG
– For reservations: enoturismo@carusoeminini.it, https://carusoeminini.com/experience/
– 5 tasting possibilities:
Tonnò (winery tour, technical tasting of 4 wines paired with tuna menu in various nuances worked by chef Emanuele Russo, duration 2 h, about 120 euros)
Ciavuro di Mare (tour of the winery, tasting of wines from the “I Floreali” line paired with 3 samples of gourmet seafood street food, Wednesdays and Fridays, duration 1.30 h, about 30 euros)
Ciavuro di Terra Veg (tour of the winery, tasting of wines from the “Gli Eclettici” line paired with 3 samples of veg gourmet street food from the land, Wednesdays and Fridays, duration 1.30 h, about 25 euros)
Pani e Tumazzo (tour of the winery, tasting of some of the House wines paired with black bread, House evo oil and 5 Sicilian cheeses, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, duration 1.30 h, about 30 euros)
Pititto (tasting of 2 glasses of wine of your choice paired with a board of Sicilian delicacies, Tuesdays and Saturdays, duration 1.30 h, about 25 euros)
– Languages: Italian and English
– Pets allowed
CONTACTS
Via Salemi 3
91025 Marsala (TP)
tel. 0923 982 356
info@carusoeminini.it
www.carusoeminini.com
