If you’re in Palermo and have a couple of days free, and you enjoy wine, you’re in for a real treat. This part of Sicily isn’t just known for its amazing food, colourful culture, and beautiful buildings—it’s also a wonderful place to explore local wines. In this final part of my Sicilia DOC series, I want to introduce you to three wineries that are not only close to Palermo but also showcase the region’s wine potential: Brugnano, Augustali, and Duca di Salaparuta.
Palermo and Its Wine Scene
Palermo may not be as well-known for wine as places like Etna or Marsala, but that doesn’t mean it lacks quality or variety. In fact, the area around Palermo is perfect for grape growing. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers that help grapes ripen fully, and mild, rainy winters that let the vines rest. These weather conditions also help reduce the need for pesticides, which means more natural and sustainable wines.
Another important factor is the wind. Cool sea breezes coming in from the Tyrrhenian Sea help keep the vineyards dry and healthy, preventing mould and mildew. This makes it easier for wineries to use fewer chemicals and still grow top-quality grapes. The combination of heat and breeze gives the wines from this area a bright, fresh personality.
The soils in this part of Sicily are quite diverse. Coastal areas tend to have sandy soils full of calcium, which produce light, crisp, and mineral-driven wines. As you go further inland, the soils become heavier with more clay, which gives more structure and body to the wines. Thanks to this diversity, winemakers in the Palermo area can successfully grow both local and international grape varieties. Some of the local heroes include white grapes like Inzolia, Catarratto, and Grillo, and reds such as Nero d’Avola, Perricone, and Frappato.
Now let’s take a look at the three wineries I had the chance to visit, each offering something unique.
Brugnano – Partinico
Cantine Brugnano is a family-run winery located in Partinico, just under an hour’s drive from Palermo. It’s now led by two young and energetic brothers, Francesco and Giuseppe Brugnano. They inherited the winery from their father and grandfather, who founded it in the 1970s. Since taking over in 2022, the brothers have infused the estate with modern ideas and fresh perspectives.
They’ve revamped the wine labels with a contemporary design, started using solar energy, and even transport some of their wines by boat within Sicily to reduce their carbon footprint. These steps reflect their dedication to sustainability—not just in the vineyard but across the entire production chain.
They farm 72 hectares, focusing mostly on native grapes, while using international varieties mainly in blends. During my visit, I tasted three of their Sicilia DOC wines:
Lunario 2023:
100% Grillo from vineyards located at 600 metres above sea level. A light and fresh wine showing aromas of pear, lemon, tomato leaf, basil, and peach. On the palate, it’s light-bodied with good acidity and balanced alcohol. The dominant saline character complements the citrus and stone fruits beautifully.
Naisi 2022:
A blend of 75% Nero d’Avola and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, classified as Alcamo DOC. It’s made entirely in stainless steel tanks. The nose leans more towards red fruits than spice—ripe dark cherries, strawberry, black currant, cinnamon, and pepper. The palate is approachable with ripe, present tannins. Fruit dominates the palate while the spices emerge more in the long, elegant aftertaste.
Honoris Causa Riserva 2018:
The top wine of the winery, created in honour of their grandfather. It’s a powerful blend of 90% Nero d’Avola and 10% Syrah, aged for two years in new French oak and one year in bottle. Only 1000 bottles are made every four years. Still youthful and structured, the wine shows early signs of tertiary development but maintains high tannins and firm structure. A serious, ageworthy wine with excellent potential.
Their wines are stylish, youthful, and very enjoyable—a reflection of the new generation running the show.
Augustali – Bosco Falconeria, Partinico
Augustali is not just a winery; it’s a beautiful mix of farm life and wine culture. Located in the hills of Bosco Falconeria, between the sea and the mountains, this small estate is full of heart and passion. It was founded by Finella Ammoscato and her husband Vincenzo Bambina. Finella’s dream was to create an educational farm where children could learn about nature, farming, and sustainability. Vincenzo, with 30 years of winemaking experience, brought wine into the picture.
Together, they built a charming estate where you can walk among olive trees, herbs, and vineyards. Out of their 19 hectares, 6 are planted with vines. When I visited, we tasted wines outdoors in their garden, with sunshine and a warm breeze—an unforgettable moment.
Their wines are pure expressions of Sicilian terroir:
Grillo Il Mare 2023:
A beautiful golden colour, with aromas developed through battonage. Ripe stone fruits blend with a touch of pineapple and lemon peel. On the palate, it’s structured and full-bodied with high acidity and a slight almond-bitter aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more. A generous and well-balanced wine.
Nero d’Avola La Vigna 2022:
An inviting nose of sweet chocolate, black pepper, coffee, and dark forest fruits, with a refreshing minty hint. The palate offers balanced alcohol and acidity with a high yet smooth tannin structure. Dark fruits and spices linger in the long aftertaste.
Catarratto Il Suolo 2023:
Sourced from Monreale, south of Palermo. A sweet and honeyed nose with golden apple and hints of brioche. Despite the aroma, the wine is dry and fresh, delivering ripe apple, apricot, and yellow pear flavours with an almond-tinged finish.
Augustali feels like a secret garden—a place where wine and family life blend together in the most joyful way. It’s a must-visit if you’re travelling with kids or just want a more personal winery experience.
Duca di Salaparuta – Casteldaccia
If you’re looking for something a little more classic and iconic, Duca di Salaparuta is a name you need to know. Located in Casteldaccia, just 30 minutes from Palermo, this historic estate was founded in 1824 and has played a huge role in shaping Sicily’s wine reputation around the world. While it was once most famous for its Marsala wines, today Duca di Salaparuta also produces a wide range of modern, high-quality wines under the Sicilia DOC designation.
The winery itself is a grand and impressive place, with historic cellars and elegant tasting rooms that combine tradition with innovation. Despite being a large and well-known producer, Duca di Salaparuta continues to focus on quality and authenticity. During my visit, I had the chance to taste a beautiful Nero d’Avola section of their wines:
Passo delle Mule 2022:
A deep ruby colour with purple hints. The nose is fruit-driven, offering ripe dark forest fruits like blackcurrant and blackberry, with just a touch of black pepper. On the palate, it’s smooth and fruity, with medium-plus tannins and a gentle touch of dark chocolate. Alcohol and acidity are balanced, and the finish is medium in length.
Triskelé 2021:
This wine starts with sweet, spicy aromas of vanilla, chocolate, and coffee, lifted by lighter fruit notes like strawberries and cherries, and even some floral hints of rose. The palate continues in this sweet-spice style. The tannins are ripe and still youthful, giving it a structured backbone that promises beautiful integration with time. A spicy, lingering finish rounds it out.
Duca Enrico 2020:
A full-bodied wine where spice leads the nose with hints of tart cherries, dried roses, cassis, black olives, mint, and chocolate. The palate is powerful, with smooth yet high tannins and beautifully integrated 15% alcohol that doesn’t overwhelm thanks to the wine’s freshness. A long, flavourful finish packed with sweet red fruits.
Duca Enrico 2004:
A mature, earthy expression showing dominant tertiary aromas—tobacco leaf, salami, mushroom, and dried rose petals. Still lively thanks to good acidity and ripe, smooth tannins. Flavours of dried raspberries, coffee, and tobacco unfold on the palate. A medium-plus bodied wine with a long finish. This wine is nearing its drinking window, so don’t wait too long to enjoy it.
This winery offers guided tours, tastings, and a deep dive into Sicilian wine history. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to experience both heritage and top-level winemaking in one spot.
Conclusion
At all three wineries, I had the chance to explore Sicilia DOC wines that show just how high the quality is in this region. But honestly, that’s just the beginning. Sicily is home to an amazing range of native grape varieties and wine styles—from the zesty Carricante to floral Zibibbo, from powerful Perricone to elegant Nerello Mascalese.
If you’re in Palermo and love wine, make sure to carve out some time for a tasting adventure. Whether you’re into modern, sustainable projects like Brugnano, cosy family-run estates like Augustali, or grand, historic wineries like Duca di Salaparuta, there’s something here for everyone.
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