Sicilian Wine Consortium Launches U.S. Promotion

- The Consorzio di Tutela vini DOC Sicilia represents more than 7,000 winegrowers and around 500 bottlers, overseeing the annual production of over 80 million bottles. The consortium was founded in 2012 to protect, promote, and enhance the value of wines with the Sicilia DOC designation. - The promotion will likely emphasize Sicily's native white grape varieties, which are growing in popularity. In 2023, exports of Sicilian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) still white wines to the United States increased by 29%. - Key grapes to know are the red Nero d'Avola and the white Grillo. Grillo, once primarily used for fortified Marsala wine, has been successfully reborn as a dry, aromatic white wine with notes of citrus, white flowers, and peach. - Sicily is a leader in sustainable viticulture, ranking as Italy's largest region for organic vineyards and representing 8% of the world's total organic wine-growing surface. This effort is supported by the SOStain Sicilia Foundation, which promotes reduced environmental impact in winemaking. - The campaign targets a U.S. market where consumer preferences are shifting. While overall wine sales have declined, demand is growing for white, rosé, and organic wines, especially among younger consumers who prioritize sustainability. - After two difficult harvests, Sicily's 2025 vintage saw a return to more typical production levels, yielding approximately 3 million hectoliters of wine from 97,000 hectares of vineyards.