Planeta

The Planeta family has been present in farming Sicily for more than five centuries, but the modern wine project began in the ’90s.
In 1995 the first cellar was built in Ulmo, near Lake Arancio (Menfi), giving concrete shape to the vision of a Sicilian wine culture rooted in its land.
Today Planeta operates in seven wineries spread across five areas different parts of the island, each with its own winegrowing identity.

Philosophy & Guidelines

  • The land at the centre: each cellar is designed to hold the character of the local soil and microclimate.

  • Innovation with respect: varietal experimentation (including old Sicilian grapes), sustainable practices, environmental certifications.

  • Sustainability: many of the vineyards are farmed according to SOStain® protocols, and the estate has a vision that brings together hospitality, culture and the environment.


Regions & Estates

Here are the key areas where Planeta works, and their special features:

TerroirCharacteristics / Notes
Ulmo / MenfiIt is the original core: mixed soils of limestone and silt, ideally free-draining; varieties grown: Chardonnay, Grecanico, Negro d’Avola, Merlot, Grillo.
PantryA winery at Menfi with vineyards on limestone soil; it focuses on international varieties and innovative blends.
Noto / BuoniviniAn area geared to Nero d’Avola and local aromatic varieties, with a warm climate ventilated by the nearby sea.
Vittoria / DorilliA dedication to Cerasuolo di Vittoria (DOCG) with Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes, on reddish sandy soils.
Etna / Feudo di Mezzo / Sciara NuovaProjects on altitude, volcanic soils and alpine varieties (Carricante, Nerello Mascalese).
Capo Milazzo / NoceraAn extreme area, in Messina, with native varieties such as Nocera; poor soils and close to the sea.

Iconic Wines & Distinctive Ranges

Some labels that represent the Planeta vision well:

  • Santa Cecilia (Noto) – red wines from Nero d’Avola in the Noto area, often among the best-known labels.

  • Planeta Eruzione 1614 – an Etna project; Carricante from high-altitude volcanic soils.

  • Planeta Rosé Sicilia DOC – a nimble rosé blend that draws on the estate's experience of the local area.

  • Terre Siciliane / white and red wines blending indigenous and international varieties – in the estate's wider range.


Strengths & Why Choose It

  • It is one of the wine estates most influential and widely recognised of modern Sicily.

  • Wide geographical spread allows varied experimentation while keeping local identity.

  • Close integration with culture, hospitality and the visitor experience (guest houses, wine tourism).

  • A balance between indigenous and international varieties, in keeping with the area and with the dialogue between past and future.

Planeta: My personal top three

  • 1
    Menfi Chardonnay DOC 2023 - Planeta

    Menfi Chardonnay DOC 2023 - Planeta

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Italy, Menfi, Sicily
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Rosé 2025 - Planeta

    Rosé 2025 - Planeta

    • Type: Vino Rosato
    • Region: Italy, Menfi, Sicily
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried