Along the south-western coast of Sicily, between the Doric temples of the Greek polis of Selinunte and the remains of the Hellenic Heraclea Minoa, on feraci hills sloping towards the blue of the African Sea, lies the urban center of Menfi, in the province of Agrigento. The municipal territory, extended between the valleys of the rivers Belice and Carboj, rich in varied landscapes and natural landscapes, Due to its geographical position and climatic and morphological conditions it is the ideal place for the cultivation of vines and the production of wine. In the nineties, during the beginning of modern island enology, Menfi was the laboratory of the change of Sicilian viticulture having a crucial role thanks to Cav. Diego Planeta (historical president of the Menfitana cooperative for forty years and President of the Regional Institute of Vine and Wine from 1985 to 1992) who gave impetus to the island’s viticulture and family activities, converting most of the land into vineyards and founding his company, managing to create a quality wine supply chain for the wine of the town of Belicina. Today Menfi is one of the most known and appreciated areas for the quality of the wine story and the history that distinguishes it thanks to the commitment of some companies that have made Sicily great. In 2023 Menfi was the Italian City of Wine thanks to the Jury of experts of the National Association Città del Vino that awarded the nomination dossier of "Menfi, in the heart of the Terre Sicane", succeeding Duino Aurisina (Trieste) and Barolo (CN).
The Commission, composed of President Angelo Radica and Director General of Città del Vino Paolo Corbini, and 5 other members chosen from personalities from the world of wine, territorial marketing, the University, research and journalism, took the decision unanimously. The candidacy was supported by the Inycon Foundation that has drawn up with the support of the O.T.I.E. (European Islands Tourist Observatory) the project of participation in the national call: Menfi today represents the door to the Mediterranean of the Municipalities of Sicane Lands, The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection will be voting in favour. A recognition that is the example of a possible territorial collaboration between people and territories, between municipalities and businesses, between enthusiasts and experts, between professionals and young university students, all united by so much enthusiasm.
The partners
INTERNATIONAL ENTITIES:
Observatory on tourism on European islands
Insuleur
Iter vitis
Phoenician route
Gozo business chamber
NATIONAL ENTITIES:
Italian Federation of Olive Oil Wine Roads and Flavors
National association women of wine
REGIONAL AND MUNICIPAL BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS:
Institute of Vine and Wine
Fondazione Unesco Sicilia
Confagricoltura
Strada del vino terre sicane
Italian Naval League
Legambiente
Club of therreo product
Cultural institution Frederick II
Museum network and natural belicina
Selinunte Archaeological Park, cusa quarries and Pantelleria
WWF
Consulta del turismo Menfi
Cresm
MUNICIPALITIES:
Municipality of Sambuca
Town of Santa Margherita Belice
Comune di Montevago
Municipality of Caltabellotta
Municipality of Sciacca
Town of Contessa Entellina