Donnafugata has been present in Pantelleria since 1989 and today cultivates 68 hectares of vineyards spread across various “contrade”, including Kharuscia, Bukkuram, Bugeber, Favarotta, Khamma, Punta Karace, Mueggen, Tracino, Ghirlanda, Gibbiuna, Serraglia, Barone, Martingana, and Monastero. These vineyards vary in altitude (ranging from 20 to 400 meters above sea level), exposure, microclimate and vine age, with some exceeding 100 years. This diversity creates a multitude of micro-terroirs that enhance the unique character of the grapes. The volcanic soils are predominantly sloping, sandy, deep and rich in minerals.
«In the wild landscape of Pantelleria, Donnafugata has embraced the challenge of heroic viticulture»
“Alberello Pantesco”: A Heritage Cultivation Method
The grape variety grown is Zibibbo, cultivated on small terraces bordered by dry-stone walls made of lava rock. These walls help prevent soil erosion while preserving the landscape and biodiversity.
Pantelleria’s windy and dry climate has led to the traditional cultivation method known as the “alberello pantesco”. This technique involves low-growing vines planted in shallow basins about 20 cm deep, designed to collect rainwater. The vines are pruned to grow in a horizontal, almost creeping manner, helping them withstand the island’s strong winds. Recognized for its sustainability and ingenuity, the “alberello pantesco” has been designated a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage practice.
«The vines are trained in the low, traditional Alberello Pantesco style»
Perfect Conditions for Exceptional Grapes
Pantelleria’s mild, low-rainfall winters and dry, breezy summers create ideal conditions for high-quality grapes. The island’s unique combination of heat and wind also enables a natural drying process, allowing the grapes to wither directly on racks, intensifying their flavors and aromas.
Vineyard density ranges from 2500 to 3600 plants per hectare, carefully balanced to ensure high-quality production within the framework of “heroic viticulture.” Yields remain low, averaging between 40 and 60 quintals per hectare, with each vine producing approximately 1.6 to 2 kg of grapes.
Harvesting takes place from mid-August to September, timed precisely to capture the grapes’ optimal sugar levels and aromatic complexity.
Passito di Pantelleria: The Jewel of the Island
Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, is an aromatic grape variety with North African origins that later spread throughout the Mediterranean. The name “Zibibbo” comes from the Arabic word “zabīb”, meaning raisin, highlighting its natural suitability for drying. Thanks to Pantelleria’s unique climate and volcanic soils, this grape thrives on the island, producing both aromatic dry wines and exquisite dessert wines such as the renowned Passito di Pantelleria. This wine achieves an exceptional balance of sweetness and freshness, showcasing Zibibbo’s highest expression.
«This is where Ben Ryé, Donnafugata’s iconic Passito, is born»
Donnafugata’s Passito from Century-Old Vines
A true symbol of this winemaking tradition is Ben Ryé, Donnafugata’s iconic Passito di Pantelleria. Crafted with meticulous care, this artisanal wine is the result of a painstaking production process.
In 1999, Donnafugata restored an ancient Zibibbo vineyard in Pantelleria, home to vines over 100 years old that had survived phylloxera. These rare, ungrafted vines are healthier and longer-lived than grafted plants, demonstrating remarkable resilience to the island’s drought, limestone and salinity. Their unique balance between growth and yield produces exceptional grapes, which represent a “historical relic” for Sicilian viticulture, adding further complexity and elegance to Ben Ryé.
The production process begins with the natural drying of fresh grapes on racks, followed by meticulous manual destemming of the dried grapes. Each batch is vinified separately before the final blend, allowing the winery to highlight the distinct characteristics of different vineyard sites through its refined winemaking approach.
«In this labor-intensive environment, Donnafugata champions gender equality and professional training»
“Giardino Pantesco”: Pantelleria’s Unique Oasis
Sustainability is at the heart of Donnafugata’s philosophy, guiding the company’s production practices for over 30 years with a deep respect for both the environment and people.
As part of this commitment, the “Giardini di Donnafugata” (Donnafugata Gardens) – present at the winery’s estates in Pantelleria, Marsala, Contessa Entellina, Vittoria and Randazzo (on the northern slopes of Mount Etna) – serve as unique examples of biodiversity, linking tradition, knowledge, landscape and agriculture while preserving the identity of each location.
In Pantelleria, the “Cammino di Khamma” (Khamma Trail) is a scenic path that winds through Mediterranean maquis, ancient olive trees and caper plants. At the heart of the vineyards lies the “Giardino Pantesco” (Pantelleria Garden), a self-sustaining agricultural system restored and donated to Fai, the Italian Environmental Fund. Designed in a circular shape with lava stone walls, this garden creates a unique microclimate that shelters an ancient orange tree, protecting it from wind and drought.
Sustainability at the Core of Donnafugata’s Winemaking
Since 2010, Donnafugata has also been enhancing wine biodiversity in Pantelleria with an experimental field housing 33 Zibibbo biotypes from various Mediterranean regions. This initiative aims to identify the clones best suited to the island’s terroir.
In 2021, the winery further reinforced its commitment by aligning with the UN’s Agenda 2030 sustainability goals and joining SOStain Sicilia, a sustainability program for Sicilian viticulture.
«The winery is set within the natural embrace of an open-air amphitheater»
The Winery: A Sustainable Architectural Gem
The winery, located in “contrada” Khamma, is a small architectural gem designed for sustainability, harmoniously integrated into a natural amphitheater of terraced vineyards. Thoughtfully designed to blend with the island’s landscape, the facility features two main areas: the winemaking zone, clad in hand-crafted lava stone, and the hospitality space, known as the “palazzotto pantesco”, with its vaulted ceilings inspired by traditional “dammusi” houses. This evocative and charming setting offers wine tastings with breathtaking sea views.
Tailor-Made Wine Experiences
Like all Donnafugata estate, the Pantelleria one provides customized experiences tailored to visitors’ time and preferences. Guests can choose from a variety of tasting options and guided tours, all set in an enchanting atmosphere of relaxation and discovery.
With a focus on green spaces, vegetable gardens and scenic landscapes, a visit to Pantelleria, as to Donnafugata’s other estates, involves a multisensory experience. Alongside tasting the wines and local flavors, visitors can also immerse themselves in the sights and scents of nature, turning their visit into an aesthetic and emotional journey.
Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Donnafugata ensures that all visits and tastings reflect its eco-conscious philosophy. The winery has eliminated plastic and single-use packaging while prioritizing locally sourced products, offering an environmentally responsible experience that embodies its guiding principle: “There is no quality without sustainability”.
«On Pantelleria’s terraces, Donnafugata also cultivates 7 hectares of olive trees»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– The winery is open to the public every day from 28 May to 7 October; visit and tasting times with required booking 11 am, 5 pm, 6.30 pm, 9 pm (requests without booking can only be accommodated if available at the time); shop hours 10 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm (Monday to Saturday). For info and reservations: tel. 0039 0923 915 649, visitare.pantelleria@donnafugata.it, https://visit.donnafugata.it/en/wineries/pantelleria, https://visit.donnafugata.it/en/faq
– 6 tasting possibilities:
Pantesco Brunch: Discovering the Typicity of the Island (Wine & Food, 11 am, duration 1h 15′, about 40 euros, available online only): a look at the Zibibbo vines cultivated using the “alberello pantesco” system, guided tour of the winery immersed in the vineyards, tasting of 4 wines paired with 4 samples of island cuisine, it is possible to visit Donnafugata’s Giardino Pantesco anticipating your arrival at the wine cellar or following the tasting
Zabib: A Unique Journey Discovering Zibibbo (Wine, 5 pm, duration 1 h, about 35 euros): a guided tour of the Zibibbo vines cultivated using the “alberello pantesco” system, guided tour of the winery, tasting of 3 wines produced using Zibibbo in its various expressions, it is possible to visit Donnafugata’s Giardino Pantesco on one’s own after the tasting
Iconic Wine Library: Discovering the Iconic Wines (Wine, 5 pm, duration 1 h, about 55 euros): a look at the Zibibbo vines trained to the “alberello pantesco” system, a guided tour of the winery immersed in the vineyards, a tasting of 4 iconic Donnafugata wines
Ben Ryé Vertical Tasting (Wine & Food, 5 pm, duration 1 h, around 60 euros, available online only): a guided tour in the vineyard to better learn about the “alberello pantesco” and the heroic viticulture of this island, vertical tasting of 3 vintages of Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria accompanied by small food pairings
#Donnafugatatime Pantelleria: A Delicious Outdoor Tasting (Wine & Food, 6.30 pm, duration 1h 15′, about 40 euros, available online only): tour of the winery with an introduction of Donnafugata’s history, tasting of 3 wines accompanied by 3 Pantelleria specialties, tasting of the Passito Ben Ryé to discover the Pantelleria’s bush-trained vineyards, possibility of visiting Donnafugata’s Giardino Pantesco on your own before arriving at the winery
Ben Ryé Under the Stars: A Gourmet Tasting in the Magical Night of Pantelleria (Wine & Food, 9 pm, duration 1h 40′, about 70 euros, available online only, reservation required at least 1 day in advance): visit to the winery, tasting of 5 wines in the “Palazzotto Pantesco” paired with local cuisine classics, tasting of Passito Ben Ryé under the stars among the vineyards planted with Pantelleria’s alberello vines
– Languages: Italian and English
– Any food allergies and intolerances or special requirements must be reported in advance, if not reported in advance the company declines all responsibility
– Alternative pairings for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs are provided for each tasting; please enter the number of vegetarians, vegans or coeliacs in the Notes of the booking form when filling in
– For minors under the age of 18 taking adults during the guided tour, a free service is provided in place of the tasting; enter the number of minors in the appropriate field and in the Notes of the booking form when filling in
– When booking, indicate the presence of any children or contact the winery at https://visit.donnafugata.it/en/contacts
– During visits and tastings in the cellars, people with limited mobility are guaranteed accessibility of the spaces
– Internal car park
– Small pets are welcome if inside the pet carrier, for further information contact the winery at https://visit.donnafugata.it/en/contacts
– Comfortable shoes are recommended if the chosen tasting includes a visit to the vineyards
– Visitors are kindly requested to arrive 20 minutes before the start of the visit to check-in
– All prices include Vat; for online purchases, amounts paid in advance are to be considered as a deposit
– Reservations are considered confirmed only after written communication by e-mail from the winery
– All changes must be communicated by e-mail within 2 working days from the date of the visit, providing name, surname and booking code; in the event of a decrease in the number of bookings and/or modification of the type of tasting, if communicated within the aforesaid term, the corresponding amount will be directly credited to the credit card used, otherwise Donnafugata will retain the amount due; in the event of an increase in the number of bookings and/or modification of the type of tasting, the reservation must be confirmed by Donnafugata
– Any booking cancellation must be communicated by e-mail and must be received within 2 working days from the date of the visit, providing name, surname and booking code; if communicated within the aforementioned term, the corresponding amount will be directly credited to the credit card used, otherwise Donnafugata will retain the total amount
– Donnafugata reserves the right to change the location of the event or to cancel the event, at any time, for reasons of force majeure and/or impossibility (including, but not limited to, weather events that make it impossible to organise the event, impediments caused by the Covid-19 emergency, etc.); participants are guaranteed a full refund, through the same means of payment used for the purchase, whether the event is cancelled or the change of venue does not allow the purchaser to take part in the visit with tasting
CONTACTS
Contrada Khamma
Fuori 6
91017 Pantelleria (TP)
tel. 0923 915 649
visitare.pantelleria@donnafugata.it
https://visit.donnafugata.it
info@donnafugata.it
www.donnafugata.it
