Planeta: Sicilian Wine from a Family Estate 17 Generations Old

Wine has been made on the sun-soaked island of Sicily for more than 6,000 years. Despite this history, Sicilian wines were often eclipsed by others on the world stage. Then came Diego Planeta.

A vision for Sicily

Diego knew Sicily had the potential to be a major international wine success story. In the mid-1980s, he convinced his siblings to take on a project that was revolutionary at the time: plant Chardonnay and other unconventional varietals around their property, which had been in the family for over 17 generations, and grow wines that would "put Sicily once again on the map."

By the 1990s, their single-family firm was created and the first Planeta winery was established. Diego served as President of the Instituto Regionale della Vite e del Vino from 1985 to 1992. He and his family revolutionized Sicilian wine production through fearless experimentation and pioneering research.

The next generation

Nicknamed "Didacus," Diego built an enterprise that could be passed on to future generations to make wines of international caliber. He entrusted the vision to his nephew Alessio, who had worked beside him for years on different agricultural projects. Diego's daughter Francesca, nephew Santi and niece Chiara joined soon after. The family created its Didacus wine in honor of Diego and his vision of a world-class Sicilian wine culture.

Alessio has earned marks in his own right, with numerous industry accolades for his skill in the cellar, including Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Award for Winemaker of the Year in 2023.

Five territories, all organic

Today the family owns estates in five different territories across Sicily. They focus on researching native grape varieties and understanding each terroir so that international varieties can thrive. All cultivated land — vineyards, olive groves, almond groves and grain fields — is certified organic.

The family also collaborates with local, national and international organizations to stay engaged with communities and give back. Projects include the Parco della Salute in Palermo, created with the ViviSano Association, and the Dream project with the Sant'Egidio Community, which supports AIDS patients in Africa.

Find Planeta at Eataly

Diego's far-seeing dream has come true, and Planeta's wines are recognized among the best in the world. Stop by your local Eataly or wine shop to find your favorite bottle and savor a taste of Sicily.