Our team is totally obsessed with these wines
Sciara wines are crafted next to Mount Etna in Sicily – the highest volcano in Europe – which is still active!
The name “Sciara” means “Lava Road” in the local dialect, a fitting tribute to the fiery, ancient landscape that Stef has come to master.
These high-elevation vineyards present unique challenges.
The steep, terraced slopes are too rugged for machines, so everything – from tending the vines to harvesting the grapes – has to be done by hand.
It’s time-consuming, labour-intensive, and expensive, but when you take your first sip – it’s absolutely worth it.
Etna’s soil is rich with volcanic nutrients, creating a perfect environment for grapevines. The high elevation also offers an inviting climate where the hot Mediterranean sun and warm breezes extend the growing season, while the drastic day-to-night temperature swings add layers of complexity to the grapes.
After reading the book “The Official Guide to Wine Snobbery” when he was just 12 years old, Stef became obsessed with the complexities and culture of wine.
Stef’s intention is to challenge the often pretentious and intimidating aspects of wine culture and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Drawing on his experience as a sommelier and working in restaurants, Stef became increasingly fascinated with wines from volcanic soils.
His winemaking journey took him from the vineyards of California to the renowned wine regions of France, with a brief detour to Tenerife, before he ultimately found his true home on the mineral-rich soil of Etna’s slopes.
Stef’s wines boast a spectrum of flavours, from delicate notes of redcurrant and strawberry to a supple, elegant spiciness with subtle hints of ginger. Some expressions also play with tasty nuances of mint, fennel, and a touch of pine nut.
These wines have not only knocked the socks off our team but have also captivated the rest of the world, securing Double Gold Medals at the China Wine and Spirits Awards in both 2018 and 2019.
If you’d like to get your hands on one of the few bottles we have left, get in touch.
