Funaro

Sicily (Sicilia), Italy

Funaro is a family-owned winery located in Sicily, Italy, known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the island’s diverse terroir. Founded in 2003 by siblings Tiziana, Clemente, and Fabio Funaro, the estate has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and its dedication to showcasing indigenous Sicilian grape varieties. The winery is situated in the heart of western Sicily, near the town of Santa Ninfa, and spans over 85 hectares of vineyards and olive groves.

Read More
    • EU Organic Certification

Funaro’s philosophy is rooted in organic farming, and the estate has been certified organic since its inception. The family’s respect for the environment and natural resources drives their approach, with a focus on maintaining biodiversity, soil health, and minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting sustainable practices, Funaro ensures that their wines are a true expression of the land.

The vineyards are planted at an altitude of around 400 meters above sea level, benefiting from Sicily’s sunny climate, cool breezes, and a variety of soil types, including limestone and clay. This combination of factors creates ideal growing conditions for the estate’s grapes, allowing them to ripen fully while retaining freshness and balance. Funaro specializes in native Sicilian varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto, Nero d’Avola, and Perricone, though they also cultivate international varieties like Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot.

The Funaro family places great emphasis on letting the natural characteristics of the grapes and terroir shine through in their wines. In the cellar, the winemaking process is guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention. Fermentations are carried out with natural yeasts, and the use of oak is limited to avoid overpowering the fruit. The result is a range of wines that are fresh, vibrant, and true to their origins.

Among Funaro’s standout wines is the Grillo, a crisp and aromatic white wine that embodies the essence of Sicilian whites. It offers refreshing notes of citrus, green apple, and Mediterranean herbs, with a bright acidity that makes it perfect for pairing with seafood. The Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s signature red variety, is another highlight, with its rich flavors of dark berries, spice, and earthy undertones. The wine is well-balanced, with fine tannins and a smooth finish, making it versatile and food-friendly.

In addition to their varietal wines, Funaro produces several blends that combine both native and international grapes, showcasing the diversity of their vineyards. Their "Vigna di Mare" range, for example, includes a blend of Grillo and Chardonnay, as well as a red blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, and Merlot. These wines are designed to be approachable and expressive, offering a modern take on Sicilian winemaking.

Funaro’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyard. The winery is powered by renewable energy, and the family has implemented water conservation and recycling practices to minimize their environmental footprint. Their dedication to organic and sustainable farming has earned them recognition as one of Sicily’s leading eco-friendly wineries.

With a focus on quality, authenticity, and sustainability, Funaro continues to play a key role in the resurgence of Sicilian wine on the global stage. Their wines capture the vibrant character of Sicily’s indigenous grapes while maintaining a modern sensibility, making them popular among wine lovers around the world. As a family-run estate, Funaro is deeply connected to the land, and their passion for winemaking is evident in every bottle they produce.