In 1998 this small co-op grew out of ‘Project Jonathan’, thanks to the Salesians of Camporeale wanting to find constructive activities for wards of the court. Members of the co-op commit to supporting the young people of the project, and help them integrate into the community.

Valdibella includes 8 grape growers with a combined 60 hectares of vineyards, producing 130,000 bottles in a typical vintage. The vineyards, overseen by Massimiliano Solano, the passionate leader behind the winery project (and current president of the co-op), are located around the towns of Camporeale & Monreale, in the province of Palermo. All vineyards — at 300–500m elevation, on leached red ‘regosuolo’, a lime and red clay mix over sedimentary soils — are certified organic; and production methods extend to minimal (sometimes zero) added sulphur, and no chemicals in cellar or vineyards. Indigenous grapes are the focus — Catarratto, Grillo, Zibibbo, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese & Nero d’Avola. Leading the ‘new wave’ of Sicilian winegrowers, Valdibella eschews overripe, high alcohol wines in favour of bright, fresh and elegant wines that express the terroir of the region.

Winemaking, in a cellar completed in 2009, embraces a non-interventionist philosophy. Increasingly, native yeasts are used for fermentation. Every year, new steps are taken to improve quality and reduce environmental impact. The charming Antonino Vilardi is winemaker.

There are now 11 additional members of the co-op, managing the business, and growing organically farmed crops; including almonds, olives, cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables which are turned into Valdibella-branded products such as extra-virgin olive oil, almond milk, marzipan, pasta (from an ancient, indigenous strain of wheat), and more. Including 60 ha of vineyards, members farm a total of 250 ha in the region. Organic farming and biodiversity, including woodland & nature preserve, are an integral part of the philosophy. At-risk youth from the community (and further) are given the opportunity to work, both on the farms and in the production of food and wine products.

On top of being socially and environmentally conscious, Valdibella is also Mafia-free. Founded in 2004, Addio Pizzo (addio = goodbye / pizzo = protection money), is a movement supporting those in the economy who are pizzo-free. By bearing the slogan on their wines, Valdibella confirms their commitment to supporting pizzo-free business. Luigi Montalbano, co-op member and past-president, is especially determined in this, as his father, a prominent Palermo physician, was murdered by the Mafia.

valdibella.com