About Planeta
Planeta is a family-owned winery based in Sicily, Italy, with roots in the region dating back several generations and a modern winemaking operation established in the 1990s. The estate operates multiple vineyards across Sicily, including sites at Menfi, Vittoria, Etna, and Noto, reflecting the island's diverse terroirs. Planeta is known for producing both international varieties and indigenous Sicilian grapes such as Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Fiano.
Prices are for take away and shipping. The wine bar serves from its own list.
The winery
About Planeta
History
Planeta's website calls it a Sicilian winery since 1694, a nod to the family's long farming roots. The modern wine project began in the 1980s. According to Decanter, in 1985 the family planted 59 hectares near their farmhouse at Ulmo, close to Menfi. The first commercial vintage came in 1995, after about ten years of trials. Diego Planeta, born in Palermo in 1940, guided the family's early years and also led the Settesoli cooperative from 1973 to 2011. He died at 80.
The land and the vineyards
From Menfi the family spread across the island, with a winery for each area. Dorilli, near Vittoria, was acquired in 1997, and Buonivini in Noto was founded in 1998. Vines on Mount Etna, at Feudo di Mezzo, were first planted in 2008. La Baronia at Capo Milazzo is the fifth area. Together they make seven wineries in five areas. Decanter counts 386 hectares of vines, while other sources give about 400 hectares of land.
The wines
La Segreta is the family's widely known pair. The white is 40 percent Grecanico, 20 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Grillo, with the rest other varieties. The red is 50 percent Nero d'Avola, 25 percent Merlot, 20 percent Syrah and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. Allemanda is a Moscato Bianco, Eruzione 1614 is a Carricante from Etna, and Nocera is made entirely from the grape of the same name.
Today
The family now runs the wineries together. Alessio Planeta was named Winemaker of the Year at the 2023 Wine Star Awards, and the family was named Wine Family of the Year in 2024. Visitors can stay at La Foresteria in Menfi or visit Palazzo Planeta in Palermo.
- Founded
- 1985 (first vines), first vintage 1995
- Vineyards (hectares)
- About 386 (Decanter)
- Owners
- Planeta family
- Winemaker
- Alessio Planeta