Azienda Vinicola Barone di Villagrande
A winery on the slopes of Mount Etna whose family has cultivated volcanic soil since the late 1600s, pioneering modern wine classification in Sicily.
At a glance
The Barone di Villagrande winery stands as a testament to three centuries of viticulture on Mount Etna’s challenging terrain. The Nicolosi Asmundo family transformed rough volcanic land into productive vineyards, establishing practices that shaped Sicilian wine production. Today it remains a working estate committed to preserving its heritage while respecting the mountain’s unique terroir.
History
The family’s connection to Villagrande dates to the late 1600s. In the early 1700s, the Bishop of Catania tasked the Nicolosi Asmundo family with converting Mount Etna’s “horrid and uncultivated” slopes into productive land. In 1727, Emperor Charles VI of Austria, King of Naples, bestowed the title of Baron of Villagrande upon Don Carmelo Nicolosi, cementing the family’s standing.
In 1869, Paolo Nicolosi built a new cellar and introduced revolutionary practice: separate vinification for white and red grapes. This marked a departure from tradition across Mount Etna and much of Italy, where grapes were fermented together regardless of variety. Paolo’s approach created what became the ancestor of modern Etna Bianco Superiore.
The 1968 recognition of D.O.C. Etna—Sicily’s first controlled designation—was shaped by Carlo Nicolosi Asmundo, a university professor of enology at the University of Catania, who drafted the regulations. Today, winemaker Marco Nicolosi continues the family’s commitment to the territory.
What you see
Visitors encounter a working winery estate on Etna’s slopes, centred on the cellar established in 1869. The facility reflects generations of refinement in wine production and aging techniques, adapted to the mountain’s distinctive volcanic soils and microclimates.
Cultural significance
The winery holds considerable importance in Sicilian wine history. Paolo Nicolosi’s 1869 decision to separate vinification by grape colour and type anticipated modern classification by over a century. The family’s role in drafting D.O.C. Etna regulations demonstrates their influence on contemporary regional wine standards. The estate embodies the broader story of how volcanic terrain, combined with technical innovation and family commitment, shaped one of Italy’s most distinctive wine regions.
Key facts
- Address: Via del Bosco, 25, 95010 Milo, Catania, Sicily
- Coordinates: 37.7139067, 15.1191857
- Website: https://www.villagrande.it/
- Phone: 095 708 2175
Practical information
The winery operates as an active estate and production facility. Visits and tastings are available; contact the winery directly for current hours and booking details.
Getting there
Milo is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania. The winery address is Via del Bosco, 25. For detailed directions and transport options, consult the official website or contact the estate by phone.
Sources & resources
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