Al-Cantàra Winery
History of the Winery
Al-Cantàra is a winery founded in 2005 with the aim of expressing the excellence of Etna wines through a unique combination of art, poetry and winemaking tradition.
The estate that houses the Al-Cantàra project, in its early days had signs of the critical issues the sector was experiencing in the early 20th century. Phylloxera, reduction of vineyards and conversion to other crops. In fact, of the approximately 20 hectares, only 4 were planted with vines. The remainder was all converted mainly to hazelnut and olive groves.

These vineyards were Nerello Mascalese bush-trained converted to espalier by us. And 2000 vines of this oldvineyard present the free foot while the remainder are grafted on American rootstock.
Then a small vineyard of Grecanico, usata often in the tradition as one of the grapes used to produce a house blend.We wanted to leave it and include it in production.

The winery is located on the slopes of Mount Etna, in an area historically devoted to viticulture, where the volcanic soil and favorable climate create optimal conditions for the growth of native grape varieties.
Al-Cantàra produces ETNA DOC and Terre Siciliane IGP wines, using only grapes harvested from its own vineyards. The main grape varieties grown include Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante, which are joined by international varieties such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, chosen to broaden the range without compromising quality..

Since its inception, the winery has established itself nationally and internationally thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines, the value of which is evidenced by the numerous awards it has received. In 2023, Al-Cantàra reached an important milestone by being crowned "Winery of the Year" at Vinitaly, a recognition that underscores the excellence of its work.

Finally, the history and connection to the land is reflected in the very geography of Etna, a volcano that, some 20,000 years ago, was at least 400 meters higher than it is today.
The presence of special geological forms in the area, including some "pyramids," present on the estate. It also testifies to a deep cultural history, linked to religious symbols of ancient origin, dating back more than 5,000 years.


The Owner
Pucci Giuffrida represents the soul and driving force behind the Al-Cantàra winery. Already known as an esteemed Catanese accountant, Pucci has brought to the winery not only his managerial expertise but also a strong humanistic and cultural imprint, which has given birth to a company where love, passion and serenity are the hallmarks.
"Our slogan is "Al-Cantàra drinking poems," telling stories of life and memories, highlighting the importance of connecting wine with artand literature.
Each of the winery's labels plays a narrative role, presenting a poem bearing the name of the wine, thus imparting a deep cultural identity and connection to the land. This approach has captivated many wine lovers, who feel immediately drawn to the history and beauty encapsulated in each bottle.

Pucci Giuffrida makes no secret of his belief that love and passion are the real driving forces behind the company.
Paraphrasing the Divine Comedy , he states that "love moves the sun and the other stars," reflecting the importance of these emotions in his work.
His vision for Al-Cantàra continues to expand, with one eye on tradition and another on innovation, so that Etna and Sicily can shine on the world wine scene.
Ultimately, Pucci Giuffrida considers Al-Cantàra to be not only an enterprise, but a true expression of his life and his love for wine.
"This company, after my family and my daughters, is the thing I have invested the most love and passion in. It is without a doubt the best thing I have done in my life."
Wine, Art and Poetry
Al-Cantàra is more than just a winery; it represents a profound encounter between wine, art and culture. The founding idea of this winery is that a good wine is not just a beverage, but a form of poetry to be enjoyed, and that true artistic expression is necessary to achieve it. This philosophy is reflected in the sophisticated packaging of the wines, which features labels decorated with works by young Sicilian artists, such as Annachiara Di Pietro. Each label is not just a way to identify the wine, but a tribute to the traditions and culture of the Etna region.

The names of the wines are another important aspect of this union between wine and literature: inspired by poems by illustrious Sicilian authors such as Nino Martoglio, Luigi Pirandello and Giovanni Verga, they make each bottle a tale that celebrates the cultural and historical richness of the island. In this way, Al-Cantàra succeeds in creating a multisensory experience, where every sip is enriched with meaning.

A distinctive feature of the winery is its "Museum," known as the "Little Museum," located inside an old farmhouse dating back to 1850. In this space, some 400 works of art, including labels, bottles, stoppers and sculptures, created by some 300 Italian artists, including such well-known names as Oliviero Toscani and Ferdinando Scianna, are housed.
This museum not only celebrates the winemaking tradition but also offers an overview of contemporary art, transforming the winery into a vibrant cultural center.

Every year, Al-Cantàra organizes art events that invite visitors to immerse themselves in Sicilian art and culture.
During these occasions, guests can appreciate the combination of wine and beauty, making each visit an unforgettable experience.
