Founded in 1907 by a group of vintners with expansive vineyards across the Marsala-Salemi countryside, Chitarra Winery takes its name from the local contrada where it’s nestled. Located in a lush valley known for its intense viticulture, this winery sits at the crossroads of Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Salemi and Trapani.
In 1975, the winery became a cooperative, a move that allowed it to preserve its distinct identity and maintain a steadfast commitment to tradition. With a focus on protecting and enhancing its wealth of skills and expertise, Cantina Chitarra continues to produce wines that honor its historical roots.
«A commitment to sustainability shines through in Cantina Chitarra’s wines, each crafted to respect nature»
Chitarra Winery: 600 Hectares of Vineyards
In 2012, Cantina Chitarra embarked on an evolutionary journey blending tradition, innovation and cultural heritage to highlight the unique characteristics of its terroirs. By 2018, the winery had expanded to manage roughly 600 hectares of vineyards, including 126 hectares certified organic. These vineyards span across Marsala, Paceco, Mazara and Trapani, from sea level up to elevations of 450 meters, and present different types of soil – ranging from sandy to calcareous and clay-rich.
Sustainability and Grape Varieties
In its pursuit of sustainability, Chitarra Winery is dedicated to producing wines that honor nature and the environment. Native Sicilian varieties like Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Nerello Mascalese take center stage. The winery also grows selected non-native varieties that have adapted well to Sicily’s Mediterranean climate, including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot and Fiano. Around 30% of Cantina Chitarra’s wine is bottled under its own label, while the remaining 70% is sold to third parties.
«Since 2020, the enhancement of the territory is done through wine tourism in the winery»
The Chitarra Winery’s Core Values
Nestled among rolling hills, vineyards and olive trees, Chitarra Winery’s sleek and modern home invites wine enthusiasts to explore a range of thematic experiences. Guests can tour the winery and enjoy wine tastings paired with authentic, locally-sourced products. Tastings are customizable, designed to highlight the winery’s core values: love for the land, the unique fusion of wine and music, and the legacy of Cantina Chitarra’s wines. More than just wine, Cantina Chitarra offers an immersive experience steeped in authentic Sicilian hospitality.
A Sip of Sicily
At Chitarra Winery, hospitality managers guide guests on a unique experience that begins at Terrazza Chitarra, where visitors can take in the breathtaking colors of the Marsala sunset. From there, the tour continues with a guided stroll through the olive grove, citrus orchard and aromatic herb garden, followed by a walk through the vineyard rows adjacent to the winery. Along the way, sustainable cultivation and winemaking practices are explained. The tour culminates with a tasting in the winery’s dedicated space, “A Sip of Sicily”.
«Strolls through vineyards, citrus groves, olive orchards and aromatic herb gardens…»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS & WINE CATALOG
– Monday through Sunday (mornings or afternoons) depending on the tasting route
– Reservation required: www.cantinachitarra.com/degustazioni/ (reservation to be confirmed by email from the winery)
– Minimum number of participants: 2 people (check tasting route)
– 5 tasting possibilities:
Suluq, The Wind of Your Desires (tour of the winery and cooperage, tasting from the Suluq line of 2 whites + 2 reds with a selection of Sicilian finger food and an oil, Francisco Tarrega background music upon request, duration 1 h, about 20 euros per person, Tuesday through Sunday)
Gattopardiana (tour of the winery and cooperage, tasting from the Il Gattopardo line of 2 whites of your choice + 2 reds of your choice + 1 sparkling wine with a selection of Sicilian finger food and an oil, background music Giuseppe Verdi’s Valzer Brillante upon request, duration 1 h, about 25 euros per person, Tuesday through Sunday)
Natives of Sicily (tour of the winery and the cooperage, tasting from the Cutò line of 2 whites of your choice + 2 reds of your choice + 1 passito “Chi Duci” with a selection of Sicilian finger food and an oil, background music Carmen Consoli on request, duration 1 h, about 30 euros per person, Monday to Sunday)
Cru Experience (tour of the winery and barrel cellar, tasting from the Cantina Chitarra line of 2 white Grillo Superiore and Chardonnay Superiore + 2 red Nero d’Avola Vendemmia Tardiva and Nero d’Avola Riserva + 1 passito “Chi Duci” with a selection of Sicilian finger food and an oil, background music Antonio Vivaldi on request, duration 1 h, about 40 euros per person, maximum 20 people, Tuesday to Sunday)
Sensory Analysis (tasting of 6 wines including 2 native Il Gattopardo whites of your choice + 2 Cutò reds of your choice + 1 Grillo Superiore Cantina Chitarra + 1 Nero D’Avola Vendemmia Tardiva Cantina Chitarra, an oil, background ambient music upon request, duration 45′, about 35 euros per person, minimum 6 people, Monday to Sunday)
– Tours in Italian, on request in English and French
– Prices for groups subject to quotation from the winery
– Possibility to customize the types of tasting (between reds and whites), indicating the request in the “Additional Requests” section of the booking form, with additions selected by the winery
– Communicate in advance in the “Additional Requests ” section of the reservation form: presence of children and their ages, food intolerances or allergies, vegetarian or vegan food, participation of disabled people, presence of pets, birthdays (dedicated surprise if on the day of the tasting someone celebrates a birthday)
– Pets welcome
CONTACTS
Contrada Chitarra
Via Salemi Km 19
91025 Marsala (TP)
tel. 0923 185 8044
info@cantinachitarra.it
www.cantinachitarra.com
