Antonio Rallo, a life dedicated to wine
Antonio Rallo, born in Sicily in 1967, started working in the family business from a very young age.
Born into the fifth generation of a family that has produced quality wines since 1851, he graduated with highest honours in Agricultural Science.Before immersing himself completely in the wine-making, he lived in Germany for a while, developing his knowledge of what is traditionally a strategic market for Italian wine.
He grew up amongst vineyards and wineries and is driven by a passion for Sicily, where he intends to implement an innovative interpretation of the wine-growing potential offered by this land.
On his returned to the island, he dedicated himself to his lifelong passion for vines and wine.He is married to Barbara Pezzano, with whom he shares his busy life, working, travelling and developing connections.
Antonio Rallo, a wine-maker of great passion and technical skill, manages the production for Donnafugata, a Sicilian wine-estate with vineyards and wineries located in Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria and Marsala.
He also 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.
Antonio Rallo, together with his sister José, is now the CEO of Donnafugata, the company founded by his parents, Giacomo and Gabriella.
He 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 June2013,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, he established and was elected Chairman of the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Sicilia (consortium for the protection of DOC Sicilia).In June 2014, he was once again confirmed Chairman of the consortium, which was attributed erga omnes functions by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture.
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.
In May 2016 he has been elected President of Unione Italiana Vini.
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