Since its inception in 1985 the Planeta winery has in a relatively short space of time established itself as one of the most dynamic and quality orientated wineries in the whole of Italy. The fact that the estate is based in the south west corner of Sicily – an island which for so long has been a quality winemaking backwater – makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

Run by cousins Francesca, Alessio and Santi Planeta, the family has long believed in the potential of local Sicilian grape varieties and is now making outstanding wines from the likes of Nero D’Avola and Frappato. Improvements and investment continue apace. A new winery in Noto was up and running for the 2003 vintage, a year which also saw the purchase of further land in Vittoria to the east.