We are a stone’s throw from Mazara del Vallo – from its historic center, the kasba and the museum of the Dancing Satyr -, with its characteristic gastronomy, made of cous cous and red shrimp. The coast, very close and with a crystal clear sea, is a destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts, in the nearby Puzziteddu, and archaeology lovers, in the area of Selinunte.
The story of this estate dates back more than 100 years, but it was in 2000 that Michele Sala, after over 40 years in the wine world, decided to create a family winery with his wife Doretta and daughters Annamaria and Clara on their land of four generations. The two sisters, after pursuing different life paths, returned to their family vineyards, inheriting and later taking up from their father the challenge to shape a future inspired by an old dream and following in the footsteps of their great-grandmother Dora.
«family vineyards flourish within a natural reserve that’s both wild and harmonious»
Tenuta Gorghi Tondi’s Natural Oasis
The vineyards of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi overlook the Mediterranean across two estates, Ramisella and San Nicola, covering 115 hectares – with the remaining 15 reserved for olive groves. Primarily flat, the vineyards have a unique connection to nature: 35 hectares lie within the Natural Reserve of Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi, a Wwf-protected oasis since 1998 and a rich haven of biodiversity. The remaining vineyards border the reserve and its natural, salty karst lakes, formed over time by rainwater eroding the surrounding limestone soil.
A Winery Rooted in Nature
Tenuta Gorghi Tondi takes its name from the unique landscape that surrounds it – specifically, the Gorghi Alto, Medio and Basso, three natural sinkholes that form the heart of this wild yet harmonious nature reserve. Nestled within this protected area, the winery is a unique blend of natural heritage and coastal winemaking, what the Sala family calls “viticoltura del mare” or “winemaking by the sea”. Here, they are committed to preserving the land’s biodiversity, maintaining a delicate balance with the surrounding environment.
«The WWF Oasis is a key habitat for migratory birds, including herons, marsh harriers and mallards»
Vineyards by the Mediterranean
Set on limestone soils interspersed with red clay and bathed in sun and sea breezes, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi’s vineyards are surrounded by Mediterranean shrubland, marshes and olive trees. Despite the seemingly wide expanse, these vineyards are actually small parcels, each ranging from 1 to just over 3 hectares. They vary in location – closer or farther from the sea – as well as in soil composition, exposure, airflow, age and grape variety.
A Celebration of Grillo
The estate’s vineyards are primarily planted with native grapes like Grillo, Zibibbo, Catarratto, Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Perricone, alongside international varieties such as Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Leading the way is Grillo, covering nearly 40% of the vineyard area – an emblem of the region’s winemaking heritage and versatility.
«Organic farming fosters a deeper connection between the vine and the land»
Sustainable Winemaking and Organic Certification
The grapes of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi are cultivated and vinified under certified organic practices. Thanks to the unique location of some vineyards within the Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve, several wines have been classified as organic since 2014. These wines benefited from an accelerated organic conversion period, as conversion for all plots began in 2013. Early certification was feasible due to the strict environmental protections in the reserve, established in the 1990s, which allowed the vineyards’ organic suitability to be verified well ahead of the typical conversion timeline. By 2016, the remaining estate vineyards also received organic certification, underscoring the family’s dedication to sustainable and eco-conscious viticulture.
A Commitment to Green Practices
The “green attitude” at Tenuta Gorghi Tondi is essential within this protected natural reserve. Here, sustainability means preserving local flora and fauna, minimizing the winery’s environmental impact and focusing on eco-friendly practices. Every step in the vineyard and winery is carefully controlled, with no chemical substances used and irrigation applied only when absolutely necessary. Clean energy is harnessed to meet the estate’s energy needs, creating a low-impact, environmentally mindful approach that aligns with the biodiversity of this unique location.
«The CELLAR, set within the traditional family baglio, serves as the vibrant heart of the estate»
A Winery in Harmony with Nature’s Beauty
Nestled between the sea and the Natural Reserve, the winery is the vibrant heart and central hub of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi. Set within a traditional “baglio“, it blends seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards and natural landscape. Just steps away, one can find falcon nests, turtles, wild orchids, and the vivid hues of Mediterranean flora.
Capturing Terroir Through Precision Winemaking
In the cellar, the remarkable diversity of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi’s vineyards is brought to life through a meticulous “zoning” process. Here, grapes from each individual vineyard plot are carefully vinified in separate tanks. This precise approach, supported by advanced technology, reveals the nuanced facets of the estate, producing wines that reflect the kaleidoscope of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi, while also embracing varied winemaking experiments.
«Grillodoro captures the golden essence of the Sicilian sun, crafted into a rare bottle for discerning wine lovers»
Grillodoro: A Rare Jewel of the Noble Rot
The winery is equipped with specialized tanks and tools designed to handle small quantities of grapes, ideal for creating exclusive, limited-edition wines such as the prized muffato, Grillodoro.
Produced only in exceptional vintages, Grillodoro is a rarity akin to some of the world’s finest natural sweet wines. It emerged from a fortunate discovery: a late harvest of overripe grapes touched by Botrytis Cinerea, the “noble rot”, which appears naturally in the vineyard closest to the sea. These botrytized wines boast a balanced sweetness, distinct aromatic profiles and remarkable aging potential, maturing gracefully over several years before revealing their full allure.
«Nature’s elegance shapes the winemaking style at this estate, guiding every step of production»
Experience Sicily’s Unique Terroir at Tenuta Gorghi Tondi
It’s in this unique and unspoiled Sicilian habitat – extreme, breathtaking and captivating – that Tenuta Gorghi Tondi crafts its one-of-a-kind wines. Here, the experience of tasting wine takes on a particular and at the same time global value, transcending the glass and merging local wine culture, stunning landscapes and a deep respect for nature.
Visitors can explore the winery, complete with its French oak barrel room holding 80,000 liters, and enjoy tastings in the on-site enoteca. These visits reflect the winery’s passion for attentive hospitality and its commitment to preserving the land’s heritage.
«Sicilian Art, History, Coastal Beauty, Cuisine, Atmosphere and Refined Taste: all of these inspire Tenuta Gorghi Tondi»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS & WINE CATALOG
– From January to April and from November to December the wine tourism activity takes place from Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, from May to October the winery is also open on Saturdays and observes the same hours except for specific events (it is recommended to arrive at the winery at least 15 minutes in advance of the agreed activity time)
– Reservation is required: tel. 0039 351 093 0988, enoturismo@gorghitondi.it, https://visit.gorghitondi.com/en/ (the reservation is considered confirmed only after receiving a direct response from the staffof Tenuta Gorghi Tondi by e-mail or phone; the organizer will confirm the appointment or contact to arrange an alternative time)
– 8 tasting possibilities:
Sicily in a Bottle (introduction to the winery with a view of the water mirrors of the Wwf Oasis and a guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, tasting of 4 wines with a pairing of 4 local finger foods, duration 1.30 h, no minimum number of participants, bookable up to 24 hours before the start, about 28 euros)
To Drink with a Smile (introduction to the winery with a view of the water mirrors of the Wwf Oasis and guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, tasting of 3 wines with pairing of local bread and organic evo oil, duration 1.30 h, no minimum number of participants, bookable up to 1 hour before the start, about 20 euros)
SigNature Tasting (introduction to the winery with a view of the water mirrors of the Wwf Oasis and guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, tasting of 4 wines from the best and most emblematic selection with pairing of 4 gourmet finger foods, duration 2 h, no minimum number of participants, bookable up to 48 hours before the start, about 40 euros)
SigNature Tasting Week End (introduction to the winery with a view of the water mirrors of the Wwf Oasis and guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, tasting of 4 wines from the best and most emblematic selection, duration 1.15 h, about 30 euros)
Waiting for Sunset (every Thursday from mid-July to September starting at 7 pm, appointment on the lawn of the winery, included in the ticket 2 glasses of house wine with a tray of appetizers and live music, duration 3.30 h, about 28 euros, menu dedicated to children at a cost of about 8 euros, if weather conditions do not allow the Happy Hour will take place under the porch inside the baglio)
Picnic Tasting (introduction to the winery with a view of the mirrors of water of the Wwf Oasis and guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, picnic inside the Gorghi Tondi Estate with a bottle of wine + picnic basket + blanket, duration 1.30 h, no minimum number of participants, bookable up to 24 hours before the start, from May to September, about 25 euros, in case of bad weather conditions the picnic package can be replaced with another tasting package of equal or greater value)
Lunch at Gorghi Tondi (introduction to the winery with a view of the Wwf Oasis bodies of water and a guided tour of the winery and barrique cellar, three-course lunch consisting of appetizer + main course + dessert served in the baglio, tasting of 3 wines, duration 2.30 h, minimum 6 participants, bookable up to 48 hours before the start, about 55 euros)
The Sunday Brunch at Gorghi Tondi (guided tour of winery and barrique cellar, 3-course brunch served in the baglio, tasting of 2 wines, duration 2.30 h, bookable up to 48 hours before start, tasting available 1 Sunday a month from April to October excluding July and August, about 35 euros, extra glasses about 5 euros)
– Languages: Italian and English
– Wine tastings are intended for visitors of age and older
– In packages that include food, the reservation request must indicate any food allergies or intolerances; in the absence of such indications, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi declines all responsibility
– Wine-only tastings include bread, breadsticks/crackers or an alternative for visitors with food intolerances
– All proposals are to be considered Vat included (22% Vat in wine tours and tastings and 10% Vat in packages where food pairing is provided, including picnic)
– Underage visitors accompanied by parents do not pay the cost of wine-only tasting packages and have a 50% reduction on packages that include food pairing
– For groups, payment is always in advance by bank transfer, the date is understood to be blocked with a 20% deposit calculated on the total amount
– The costs will be charged by credit card, the charge will be made only when the organizer has confirmed the date
– Any changes and/or cancellations related to the reservation must be communicated only in writing, by e-mail; the full amount will be refunded if cancellation is made 3 days or more in advance of the start of the event; the amount will not be refunded if cancellation is made 3 days or less in advance of the start of the event; for group cancellations received at least 5 days before the requested date of the visit and tasting, 100% of the amount paid as both deposit and balance will be refunded; the change in the number of participants must be communicated within 48 calendar hours from the beginning of the agreed activity, in case of failure to communicate a lower number of participants, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi reserves the right to ask for the payment of all the fees included in the originally confirmed reservation
– For large group bookings, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi may reserve the right to request and obtain a deposit as a guarantee of at least 50% of the amount of the agreed activity, this deposit will be retained in case of modification/cancellation of the reservation beyond the previously indicated limits from the beginning of the agreed activity.
– Gorghi Tondi Estate does not take care of visits inside the Wwf Oasis, but it is still possible to book a visit (lagopreola@wwf.it) with qualified staff of Wwf Italy. The reserve can be enjoyed year-round, although spring and fall are the best times to view the various species of waterfowl passing through and wintering within the oasis.
CONTACTS
Contrada San Nicola
91026 Mazara del Vallo (TP)
tel. 0923 657 364
info@gorghitondi.it
www.gorghitondi.it
