A historic Marsala wine house founded in 1880 by Paolo Pellegrino and his son Carlo, now one of Sicily’s most significant enological producers.
At a glance
Pellegrino Cellars is a family-run winery in Marsala that has shaped the region’s wine tradition for over 140 years. Founded two decades after Garibaldi’s landing in Sicily, the house grew from a small family enterprise into a major industrial producer, guided by successive generations of Pellegrinos and their relatives.
History
Paolo Pellegrino, a notary and winemaker, established the cellars in 1880 alongside his son Carlo. Within years, the operation expanded from a family venture into one of Marsala’s most important enological industries.
After Paolo’s death, his son Carlo and French-born wife Josephine Despagne—daughter of the renowned Sauternes winemaker Oscar Pierre Despagne—took the helm. Their son Paolo and brother-in-law Vincenzo Alagna later managed the company’s technical and administrative operations. The Cavaliere del Lavoro Benedetto Tumbarello, husband of Agata Pellegrino, presided until 1996. CEO Michele Sala (married to Tumbarello’s daughter Doretta) led operations until 2008, when Pietro Alagna and Benedetto Renda assumed the roles of president and chief executive officer respectively.
What you see
The cellars occupy a substantial facility on the Marsala waterfront, with extensive production and storage areas dedicated to winemaking and aging Marsala wines.
Cultural significance
Pellegrino Cellars exemplifies the role of family enterprise in shaping Sicily’s wine heritage. The house’s longevity and growth reflect both the region’s enological potential and the tradition of multi-generational stewardship that characterizes Italian wine production.
Key facts
- Founded: 1880
- Address: Via Battaglia delle Egadi, 10, Lungomare Salinella, 91025, Marsala
- Coordinates: 37.806901947775906, 12.43925929069519
- Phone: 0923 719911
- Website: https://www.carlopellegrino.it/
Practical information
The cellars welcome visitors interested in Marsala wine production and the house’s history. Contact the winery directly for information on tours and tastings.
Getting there
The facility is located in Marsala on the Salinella waterfront. You can reach it by following Via Battaglia delle Egadi toward the coast. Check the official website for parking and access details.
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