Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most iconic wineries and very strong evidence that volcanic islands, sunshine and slightly dramatic Italian family energy can produce absolutely brilliant wine. Founded by the Rallo family in the 1980s, the estate works across several parts of Sicily including Marsala, Contessa Entellina and the slopes of Mount Etna, which honestly feels like unfairly good winemaking geography all at once.

The wines cover everything from crisp whites and fresh rosés to rich reds and sweet wines, but there’s always a strong Sicilian identity running through them. Indigenous grapes like Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Zibibbo and Carricante play major roles, producing wines packed with Mediterranean herbs, citrus, stone fruit, dark berries and loads of volcanic minerality. Even the richer wines tend to carry freshness and energy rather than drifting into heavy sunshine overload.

What makes Donnafugata especially memorable is the sense of personality in both the wines and the branding. The labels are colourful, surreal and slightly theatrical in a way that somehow perfectly matches the wines themselves. Thankfully there’s serious quality underneath all the artistic flair too. These are wines with genuine precision and regional character rather than simply relying on “Italian holiday energy” to do all the work.

The Etna wines in particular have become hugely respected over the last few years, showing a more elegant and mineral side of Sicily that feels almost Burgundian at times. Slightly smoky, beautifully fresh and deeply food friendly. Basically Sicily showing off at this point.