At Casa Planeta, winemaking in Sicily is not a random endeavor – it’s deeply rooted in the diversity of landscapes and the character of its people. It’s a journey through time and space, stretching across Sicily from west to east, in five distinct territories – Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Mount Etna and Capo Milazzo – where Planeta wines are born today. Along this journey, Planeta has committed to preserving the uniqueness of the environment and local culture with the same care it dedicates to exploring the characteristics of terroirs and grape varieties, highlighting the individuality of each region.
Guided by a search for native grape varieties and inspired by maps in ancient books that told tales of “ghost wines”, once a hallmark of Sicily’s wealth, Planeta embarked on its voyage across the island. The mission: to produce each wine in its native territory, embracing the diversity of each unique setting to interpret and share its story.
«The Buonivini Estate consists of 41 hectares of vineyards that slope down from the hills to the sea»
In the Heart of the Val di Noto
The Buonivini Estate lies in the heart of the Val di Noto, in southeastern Sicily, surrounded by the late Baroque towns of Noto and Modica, the charming seaside villages of Marzamemi and Portopalo di Capo Passero, and the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Spanning 41 hectares, the estate’s vineyards stretch gracefully over rolling hills that slope toward the sea.
Buonivini’s gently sloping hills, situated at elevations between 35 and 70 meters above sea level, are characterized by limestone-rich soils with fine textures, small rocks and light-colored clay. These unique conditions, combined with one of the lowest rainfall levels in Europe and the moderating influence of the nearby sea, provide an exceptional terroir for cultivating vines.
Here, in the heartland of Nero d’Avola cultivation, Nero d’Avola and Moscato thrive alongside almond, carob and olive trees – emblematic plants of Sicily’s Mediterranean landscape.
«This is, above all, the land of Nero d’Avola, where the grape thrives in its ideal growing conditions»
“Planeta Terra”: A Vision of Sustainable Agriculture
Planeta embraces sustainability as a cornerstone of its philosophy, viewing agriculture as an activity that not only respects but harmoniously coexists with the surrounding environment. Alongside green winemaking practices designed to enhance environmental quality over time, Planeta has implemented projects fully dedicated to sustainability. This commitment is encapsulated in “Planeta Terra”, a comprehensive program that integrates protocols and actions aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture that benefits both nature and people.
Buonivini Estate: A Model of Eco-Friendly Winemaking
Sustainability, seamless integration with the landscape, minimal environmental impact and hospitality define the Buonivini Estate. Here, organic viticulture guided by the SosTain protocol is practiced alongside meticulous winemaking processes. From its inception, Buonivini has been a benchmark for eco-conscious viticulture, combining respect for the natural surroundings with innovative approaches to wine production.
«The “Invisible Cellar” is the symbol of Planeta’s presence in the territory of Noto»
The “Invisible Cellar”
The “Invisible Cellar”, born from a vision to minimize environmental impact, stands as a symbol of Planeta’s commitment to the Noto region. Completed in 2003, this groundbreaking project continues to impress, blending respect for the land with technical excellence and architectural innovation.
Designed to merge seamlessly with its surroundings, the cellar is cleverly built into a natural slope of the hillside. Above ground, only a lush garden of fruit trees and aromatic herbs hints at its presence. The first level, dedicated to the winemaking process, opens to the vineyard through a striking floor-to-ceiling window, creating a direct connection between nature and craftsmanship. Below, the second level is fully underground, where the barrel cellar is kept at a naturally controlled temperature, ensuring the ideal environment for aging wines.
«In the “Buonivini Project”, the restoration of the palmento and the Case Sparse played a significant role»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– For info and reservations for wine tours: tel. 0925 195 5460, www.planeta.it/en/hospitality/buonivini/, reservation@planeta.it
– 8 tasting opportunities:
Art Constellations: a journey with itinerant tasting that blends the beauty of the Sicilian landscape with the creativity of national and international artists, creating an experience that celebrates the interaction between art and nature (visit to the winery with an itinerant tasting of 3 selected Planeta wines, aperitif with typical and local products pairing with 2 Planeta wines, duration 1.30-2 h, about 50 euro)
Repertorio 1694 – Old Vintages Journey: from the Repertory 1694 of old vintages it is possible to taste a selection of labels, the evolution of Planeta wines, which for years have been carefully and patiently kept in the family vault (quotation on request by telephone or email booking)
Journey Through Doc Noto: protagonist of the experience is the territory of Noto, where the presence of viticulture is witnessed since the time of Greek colonization (visit to the winery, guided tasting of 4 Doc Noto wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp oil, duration 1.30 h, about 50 euro)
Journey Through Doc Noto Grand Tour: protagonist of the experience is the territory of Noto, where the presence of viticulture is witnessed since the time of Greek colonization (visit to the winery, guided tasting of 4 Doc Noto wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp oil, lunch, duration 2.30 h, about 80 euro)
Grand Cru Planeta: this tasting tells about the Planeta winery and the achievements in the individual territories (tour of the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 cru wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp oil, duration 1.30 h, about 55 euro)
Grand Cru Planeta Grand Tour: this tasting tells about the Planeta winery and the achievements in the individual territories (tour of the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 cru wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp oil, lunch, duration 2.30 h, about 95 euro)
Journey Through Sicily: this tasting covers 5 terroirs and explores the universe of Sicilian Doc wines and its unique Docg (visit to vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 5 wines with food and wine pairings of Sicilian delicacies, tasting of Planeta Igp oil)
Cooking Class Experience at the Winery: the chefs of Casa Planeta take participants into the kitchens at the heart of Planeta hospitality, while sipping a good glass of wine
– Meeting with the guide is scheduled 15 minutes before the start time of the tour
– Possibility to stay in the Case Sparse at the Buonivini Estate
CONTACTS
Contrada Buonivini
96017 Noto (SR)
tel. 0925 195 5460
planeta@planeta.it
www.planeta.it
