Antonio Rallo

Years of Participation

Antonio Rallo, Sicilian, born in 1967, is a dedicated agronomist and winemaker with strategic vision, responsible for the production of Donnafugata in Western and Eastern Sicily. Together with his sister José, he is today the CEO and co-owner of Donnafugata, the company founded by his parents, Giacomo and Gabriella.

In 5th generation, Antonio started working in the family business that has produced quality wines since 1851 from a very young age. Growing up amongst vineyards and wineries, he is driven by a passion for Sicily, where he intends to implement an innovative interpretation of the wine-growing potential offered by this land.

Before immersing himself completely in the wine-making, he graduated with highest honours in Agricultural Science and lived in Germany for a while, developing his knowledge by working for an importing company. On his return to the island, he dedicated himself to his lifelong passion for vines and wine.

Antonio is married to Barbara Pezzano, with whom he shares his busy life, working, travelling and developing connections. He gained considerable experience abroad: in Europe, Germany, Switzerland and England and further away in countries such as the United States, Canada and Japan. His work as a professional and credible ambassador has brought him into contact with leading figures in the wine trade and some of the best international wine critics.

Among the many recognitions, Antonio was appointed “Chevalier du Tastevin” of Burgundy since 1999 and academic member of The Georgofili Academy since 2014. From 2011 to 2014, he was the Chairman of Assovini, an association of the most important wine producers in Sicily. In 2011, he became a board member of Unione Italiana Vini – the Italian Confederation of Vines and Wine – and since June 2013, he has chaired the Federazione Nazionale Viticoltori e Produttori di Vino (Italian Federation of Vine Growers and Wine Makers) and was elected Senior Deputy Chairman of Unione Italiana Vini Società Cooperativa.

In June 2012 Antonio established and was elected Chairman of the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Sicilia (consortium for the protection of DOC Sicilia), position he currently helds after having been reconfirmed in 2014 with erga omnes functions by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. He also presided the Italian Wine Union (UIV) from 2016 to 2017, the main national association of wine sector companies.

Antonio Rallo has promoted the growth of the wine industry through his personal commitment and an inclusive process adopted with wine makers in pursuit of strategic goals such as quality, image and value.