More about Gurrieri

There is something special going on in Sicily; artisans reclaiming the land from the industrial wine production that has dominated the island for so long. It's about small family estates who have discovered the wonderful pockets of terroir in Sicily and are exploiting it with organic farming and natural wine production. Some of these have become world-wine sensations, like the natural wines of Occhipinti.

Others are less well known, but their stories are equally as compelling and we are happy to give them an introduction here. Gurrieri is one of our most important discoveries. The winery is located in Vittoria, the same corner of southeastern Sicily where you find Occhipinti, as well as her uncle's famous winery, COS. It is here, as long as on Mount Etna to the North, that the most exciting things in Sicily are happening.

Gurrieri specializes in grapes. That may be an odd thing to say about a winery, but in this case it makes sense: for generations the Gurrieri family has been growing grapes, but primarily to eat! But in 2010, a new generation took over and decided to start making wine in a serious but all-natural way.

The wines are affordable and honest. They reflect Sicily's bountiful sunshine, but not in a way that makes the wines heavy or too ripe. If you're new to Sicily, it is as good a place as any to see what the fuss is all about. And if you're already committed -- perhaps thanks to a delicious bottles of COS -- you definitely understand why it's important to try something new.