In Planeta’s history, every estate has always been launched alongside a dedicated hospitality project. For over 20 years, Planeta has been welcoming visitors to its Ulmo winery, located on Lake Arancio in Sambuca di Sicilia, inviting them to discover where the winery’s wines are crafted. Meanwhile, the Dispensa estate in Menfi is reserved for exclusive events.
Between Ulmo and Dispensa – just a 20 minute drive apart – the story of the family and the company began. This is where Planeta planted its first vineyards and where many of its most renowned wines originated, including iconic supercrus like Chardonnay and single-vineyard wines such as Merlot and Syrah, alongside other terroir-driven varieties.
From the sea to the hills, reaching altitudes of up to 400 meters above sea level, this region is home to the largest expanse of Planeta’s vineyards – over 250 hectares. Here, the winery carefully selects and adapts both indigenous and international grape varieties to match the unique characteristics of each terroir.
«The story of Planeta winery began between the Ulmo and Dispensa estates, located in the territories of Sambuca and Menfi»
Ulmo: The Birthplace of Planeta’s Winemaking Journey
Planeta’s story began at Ulmo, where a total of 87 hectares of vines are cultivated. Here, in the mid-1980s, the family planted their first vineyards around their historic 16th-century “baglio”. This magical place, full of memories, became the starting point for a new chapter in their future.
Located on the shores of Lake Arancio, near its surrounding forests, the winery’s first cellar was built in 1995. The design of this cellar reflects the local traditions and natural beauty of the landscape. Below ground, over 700 barriques are housed in a grand cellar, where some of Planeta’s most iconic wines are aged.
Nestled at altitudes between 200 and 350 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Planeta benefit from perfectly sloped terrain that ensures excellent drainage. The deep soils are rich in gravel, becoming more calcareous and clay-based at higher elevations. Here grow Grillo, Chardonnay, Grecanico, Merlot, Viognier, Nero d’Avola and Sauvignon Blanc.
Here, the Iter Vitis museum was established, surrounded by a “collection field” showcasing various grape varieties, celebrating Sicily’s rich wine culture. Visitors can also embark on the La Segreta nature trail, which offers three paths running alongside the vineyards, providing unique scenic views.
Maroccoli, 415 meters above sea level, has been home to Syrah, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc since 1999. The soil here is predominantly clay-based with a high silt content, while the area’s unique microclimate is enhanced by refreshing sea breezes just a few kilometers away.
«When visiting the Ulmo Estate on Lake Arancio, don’t miss the fascinating Phoenician Palmento and the “Iter Vitis” Museum»
Tenuta Dispensa: The Heart of Planeta’s Winemaking Legacy
Hidden in the rolling hills of Menfi, where Planeta cultivates a total of 141 hectares of vineyards, Tenuta Dispensa is the epicenter of the winery’s operations. Established in 1996, this estate stands at altitudes ranging from 75 to 415 meters above sea level. The family’s residences are gathered around the traditional “baglio” (courtyard), while the surrounding area houses the production, administrative and logistics headquarters.
Most of Planeta’s wines originate here, which led to the construction of two cellars. The “Cantina Piccola”, active since 2001, is dedicated to red wine production and houses around 900 barriques for aging on its underground level, alongside the Repertorio, the family vault. Here, a selection of the world’s best labels is preserved, along with the complete collection of Planeta’s vintages, allowing for an in-depth study of their evolution over time. In contrast, the larger cellar, “Cantina Grande”, was completed in time for the 2005 harvest.
The estate also features a vast library, containing hundreds of volumes from the 18th century to today, all focused on the history of viticulture and winemaking.
The soils here are moderately deep, primarily limestone-based with a mix of yellow and dark gray clays and a moderately fine texture. With minimal rock content, the land is ideal for cultivating international grape varieties. The vineyards grow a variety of grapes, including Viognier, Grillo, Merlot, Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fiano and Grecanico.
In particular, in Contrada Gurra, Grecanico, Viognier, Syrah, Chardonnay, Fiano and Grillo have been cultivated since 1996. The soil here is divided into two distinct microzones – one made up of red sands with minimal rock content, and the other characterized by a limestone soil very rich in clay. It is in Contrada Gurra where the stunning La Foresteria Planeta Wine Resort is located.
«in the rolling hills of Menfi, Dispensa Estate is the true heartbeat of the Planeta winery»
Monte Cirami: A New Chapter for Planeta
With the 2022 harvest, Planeta achieved another milestone: the creation of a winery dedicated to crafting premium red wines, set within a historic building in the Sambuca di Sicilia area at an elevation of approximately 450 meters.
Spanning 31 hectares on the namesake hill overlooking Lake Arancio and the Channel of Sicily, the winery employs vinification techniques designed to preserve the grapes’ natural characteristics. The thoughtfully adapted interior spaces harmonize with the building’s historical charm, making Monte Cirami Winery an inspiring fusion of timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge winemaking.
«The latest addition to Planeta’s presence in this AREA is the Monte Cirami Winery»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– For info and reservations for wine tours: tel. 0039 0925 195 5460, www.planeta.it/en/hospitality/ulmo/, reservation@planeta.it
– 7 tasting possibilities:
Repertorio 1694 – Old Vintages Journey (Ulmo): 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 Menfi: the protagonist of the experience is the Menfi area, versatile and highly suited to wine production with both indigenous and international grape varieties (visit to the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 Doc Menfi wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp olive oil, duration 1.30 h, about 50 euros)
Journey Through Doc Menfi Grand Tour: the protagonist of the experience is the Menfi area, a versatile area with a strong vocation for wine production using both indigenous and international varieties of grapes (visit to the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 Doc Menfi wines with tastings of typical local products, tasting of Planeta Igp olive oil, lunch, duration 2.30 h, about 80 euros)
Grand Cru Planeta (Ulmo): this tasting narrates the excellence of the Planeta winery and the goals achieved in individual territories (visit to the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 cru wines with tastings of typical and local products, tasting of Planeta Igp olive oil, duration 1.30 h, about 55 euros)
Grand Cru Planeta Grand Tour (Ulmo): this tasting narrates the excellence of the Planeta winery and its achievements in individual territories (visit to the vineyards and winery, guided tasting of 4 cru wines with tastings of typical, local products, tasting of Planeta Igp olive oil, lunch, duration 2.30 h, about 95 euros)
Journey Through Sicily (Ulmo): 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 Winry (Ulmo): the chefs of Casa Planeta take participants into the kitchens at the heart of Planeta hospitality, while sipping a good glass of wine
– Meetings with the guides are scheduled 15 minutes before the start time of the tours
CONTACTS
Contrada Ulmo
92017 Sambuca di Sicilia (AG)
tel. 0925 195 5460
planeta@planeta.it
www.planeta.it
CONTACTS
Contrada Dispensa
92013 Menfi (AG)
tel. 0925 195 5460
planeta@planeta.it
www.planeta.it
