Donna Franca

Baglio Donna Franca is the heart of the Sicilian vineyards, the symbol of our project to rediscover and valorize our history and culture. The term "Baglio" comes from the Arabic "bahal", which means courtyard, and refers to original architectural expressions articulated around a tower with specific defensive needs. The structure is an oasis of peace amid vast vineyards. Originally owned by the Florio family, the Baglio is now an exclusive wine resort with various types of rooms, a restaurant, a beautiful swimming pool among the vineyards and an impressive cellar.

The winery is run by the owner himself, Giacomo Ansaldi, who is not only a renowned oenologist but also a researcher of Sicilian history in winemaking and Sicilian identity. He's the person who takes care of the vineyards used for the production of three organic wines. Baglio Donnafranca's refined cellar is part of the building where bottling and tasting can be experienced in the same environment.

This is the "heart" of the Relais, where guests can admire the modern and efficient machinery and the cellar where the oak barrels are kept. The philosophy of the production process is to respect the "terroir" and the intrinsic characteristics of the grapes. The wines are not defined by a specific grape variety, but by the uniqueness of the place where they are grown: the final result of a complex wine experience lived to the full. The Ansaldi winery is a good example of the importance and the long history of the winemaking tradition of the area. Visiting the winery is like traveling through a true museum of wine. Visiting wine lovers can enjoy wine tours to discover the cultural values of the territory, wine tasting of organic wines, including the special Perpetuo wine, participate in Sicilian cooking classes and food pairing.

We produce 6 organic wines from native grapes: Grillo, Zibibbo, Nero d'Avola, Perricone. They include two Grand Cru wines, Abbadessa and Cipponeri, and two Premier Cru wines, Rosso di Cipponeri and Bianco di Abbadessa. A late-harvest wine and sparkling wine are also produced: Aruta Passito, a sweet wine made from 100% Zibibbo grapes, and Ansaldi brut, made from Grillo grapes using the classic method.