Arianna Occhipinti

Occhipinti, now 36, has been crafting exceptional wines in Sicily's Vittoria since she was 22. Her innovative, refined natural wines made from native grapes like frappato and zibibbo have captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. She is a trailblazer, dedicated to showcasing her picturesque corner of Sicily with authenticity, shining a spotlight on this hidden gem.

"The first gesture I learned while making wine was to accept. To accept the diversity of soils, the slope of the land, the altitude, and the originality of a vineyard. Accepting means respecting. Respecting the land and its balance. Respecting the vineyard with the wise gestures of sensitive agriculture. Respecting fermentations thanks to the contribution of indigenous yeasts. Respecting wine as if it were a person. A person who carries with him a world, a story, a soul that knows the land from which it is born. The wine I like to make is not simply an organic wine. It is a coherent wine, natural in its becoming. A wine that is born from sensitivity for real things, from attentive gestures, from listening and love. A wine that, in its harmonies and asperities, tells of the land where it was born and also of the person who made it. This is why I am convinced that natural wine, in addition to being a good wine, is also a human wine. I do not like to label the wines we make according to methods. We work in Biodynamics in the countryside and naturally accompany the wines in their becoming in the cellar. It is a wine born from the constant love of those who made it. Born from the respect of the land and the vineyard. From a respected land comes a respectful wine: respectful of its uniqueness and of those who will drink it because it is a healthy, sincere wine.

The profession of winemaker has enveloped my entire life. Today I maintain the same desire as always to make wine and thanks to this wine make this territory known. Fortunately, over time I have managed to embrace other people that I have tried to train. I understood, working in these places, that it could not all be reduced to my individual experience. Today the agricultural project brings with it many other meanings, ethical, social, agricultural, territorial. Far from what is commonly found in these latitudes. I like to think that this project supports a fundamental part of our agriculture, without which the wine would not be the same, a call that I cannot help but listen to, lands otherwise forgotten by a few careful hands, small plots that perhaps would no longer exist because they are unsustainable if taken individually. We are wine but we are also biodiversity, we are agriculture and the demonstration that you can believe in dreams even in less simple places. And we are people who every day compare ourselves and in some way, fascinated by the world around us, we continue to build step by step our project in progress." Arianna Occhipinti.

With her unwavering dedication to terroir-transparent winemaking, Occhipinti has truly captivated the wine world from the very beginning of her career! Sommeliers, writers, and her import partner all rave about the indescribable charm and vitality that shine through not just in her wines, but in the remarkable Arianna herself.

Sicilian winemaker Arianna Occhipinti and Stanley Tucci - CNN

I recommend watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy on SBS to see Arianna Occhipinti passion for her wines and amazing countryside. While sipping on one of her wines with a bowl of pasta, you'll feel you are almost there.

OCCHIPINTI SP68 BIANCO $60

Get ready to be blown away by the SP68 Bianco if you're a fan of skin contact whites! This extraordinary blend of Albanello and Moscato di Alessandria will surely captivate your senses. With its enchanting aromas spanning from citrus blossom to honeycomb, and a delightful mix of tropical and stone fruits, this wine is a true gem. And let's not forget about the amazing texture that will leave you craving for more!

OCCHIPINTI SP68 ROSSO $52

Experience the incredible Nero d'Avola and Frappato blend! Named after the picturesque road that runs by the winery, this wine embodies the perfect balance of power and finesse. Indulge in the rich dark fruits from the Nero d'Avola, while the Frappato adds a delightful touch of high-toned raspberry. A harmonious combination that will surely delight your senses!

Check out the full Occhipinti range online