The name Donnafugata, translated as “woman in flight” refers to the history of Queen Maria Carolina, wife of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, who in the early 1800s, fled Naples to escape Napoleons troops and sought refuge in the part of Sicily where the winery’s vineyards now stand. This event inspired the winery’s logo, the effigy of a woman’s windblown head which can be found on every bottle.

Donnafugata was established in 1983 by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo, both hailing from winemaking families going back several centuries. The Rallo’s, with their deep insight and passion for the rich, wine growing history of Sicily, have been unyielding in their pursuit of excellence earning them an astounding 7 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Awards.

Gambero Rosso is a publication on Italian food and wine with a focus on promoting culinary and winemaking excellence throughout Italy. The Gambero Rosso established a rating guide whereby the ‘Tre Bicchieri’ or Three Glases is awarded to only the best wines of the vintage.