The Noble Families of Sicily

The exact number of noble families in Sicily has changed over time, but historically, there have been several dozen prominent noble families, especially during the Norman, Swabian, Aragonese, and Bourbon periods. Some of the most famous Sicilian noble families include the Lanza, Moncada, Branciforte, Paternò, Alliata, and Ventimiglia families, among others.

Erice Sicily

The history of Sicilian nobility dates back to the Middle Ages, when the island was ruled by various foreign powers. The Normans established the feudal system in Sicily in the 11th century, granting lands and titles to loyal knights and families. Over the centuries, these families gained wealth and influence, often building grand palaces and playing key roles in Sicilian politics, culture, and the church.

Many of these families maintained their status through strategic marriages and alliances. Their influence began to wane in the 19th and 20th centuries with the abolition of feudal privileges and the unification of Italy, but their legacy is still visible in Sicilian architecture, culture, and traditions.

The Tasca family is considered part of the Sicilian nobility. The Tasca d’Almerita family is especially well-known for its historic estates and contributions to Sicilian wine culture. Their noble status dates back to the 19th century, when the family acquired titles and land, including the famous Regaleali estate in central Sicily.

The Tasca family has played a significant role in Sicilian agriculture, winemaking, and social life, and their legacy continues today through their renowned wines and commitment to preserving Sicilian traditions. Their history is a great example of how noble families have influenced the region’s culture and economy.

The Tasca family’s noble roots trace back to the early 19th century. In 1830, brothers Lucio and Carmelo Mastrogiovanni Tasca purchased the Regaleali estate, a vast property in the heart of Sicily near Sclafani. Their vision and investment transformed the estate into a model of modern agriculture for the time. The family was later granted the title of Count, becoming the Counts Tasca d’Almerita.

Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita

Regaleali Estate: The Regaleali estate became the heart of the family’s legacy. Over generations, the Tascas introduced innovative farming techniques and focused on quality wine production, helping to elevate the reputation of Sicilian wines both in Italy and internationally.

20th Century and Modern Era: In the 20th century, Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita and his descendants continued to modernize the estate, introducing new grape varieties and sustainable practices. The family expanded their holdings to include other historic estates across Sicily, such as Capofaro on the island of Salina, Tascante on Mount Etna, and Sallier de La Tour near Palermo.

Several noble families in Sicily have played—and continue to play—important roles in wine production and tourism, often transforming their historic estates into renowned wineries and hospitality destinations. Here are a few notable examples:

Planeta Family

• While not of ancient nobility, the Planeta family has deep roots in Sicilian agriculture and landholding, with a legacy that spans 17 generations. Their modern wine business is one of Sicily’s most internationally recognized, and their estates offer wine tourism experiences across the island.

  
  

  

  Planeta Noto Estate

Florio Family

• The Florio family, originally from Calabria, rose to prominence in the 19th century and became one of Sicily’s wealthiest and most influential families. They are famous for pioneering Marsala wine production and for their grand palaces in Palermo. The Florio Marsala cellars are a major wine tourism destination.

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  Florio Marsala

Alliata di Villafranca

• The Alliata family is one of Sicily’s oldest noble lineages, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. They have been involved in winemaking for centuries, and their estates, such as the Castello di Solanto, are part of Sicily’s wine and cultural tourism circuit.

Spadafora Family

• The Spadafora family, with noble origins, owns the Tenuta dei Principi di Spadafora near Monreale. They produce organic wines and offer tours and tastings at their historic estate.

Duca di Salaparuta

• The Duca di Salaparuta brand was founded by Giuseppe Alliata, Duke of Salaparuta, in the 19th century. The company is now one of Sicily’s most famous wine producers, and their cellars are in Casteldaccia.

Barone di Villagrande

• The Nicolosi Asmundo family, Baroni di Villagrande, have produced wine on Mount Etna since the 18th century. Their estate offers wine tastings and hospitality, blending noble tradition with modern ecotourism.

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  Marchesi Oneto

• The Oneto family is recognized as part of the Sicilian nobility. The Oneto family, often referred to as "Marchesi Oneto" , has noble origins dating back several centuries. They are particularly known for their historical ties to western Sicily, especially in the Marsala region.

  The Oneto family has been involved in wine production for generations, notably with the Cantine Florio and their own estates, contributing to the development and prestige of Marsala wine. Their noble status and influence are reflected in their titles, estates, and longstanding role in Sicilian society.

  
  

These families and their estates are central to Sicily’s wine culture and tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience the island’s noble heritage, local traditions, and exceptional wines.

Several other noble families have historically influenced and continue to shape wine production in Sicily. In addition to the Tasca, Oneto, Alliata, Spadafora, and Nicolosi Asmundo (Villagrande) families, here are a few more with notable roles:

Moncada Family The Moncada family, one of Sicily’s oldest and most powerful noble lineages, has historically owned vast estates, some of which have been involved in agriculture and viticulture.

Paternò Family The Paternò family, with roots in Catania and noble titles such as Prince of Biscari, has been associated with landholding and agricultural innovation, including wine production.

Ventimiglia Family The Ventimiglia family, Counts of Geraci, have a long history in northern Sicily, with estates that have contributed to local wine and olive oil production.

Lanza Family The Lanza family, Princes of Trabia, have been influential landowners, and some of their estates have been involved in viticulture.

Branciforte Family The Branciforte family, with titles such as Prince of Butera, have historically owned large agricultural estates, some of which have produced wine.

Sallier de La Tour Family The Sallier de La Tour family, Counts of Santa Cecilia, are part of the Tasca d’Almerita group and have their own estate near Palermo, producing quality wines.

Rallo Family The Rallo family, with noble connections, have been influential in Marsala wine production and own the Donnafugata winery, a leader in Sicilian wine tourism.

Many of these families have transitioned from traditional landholding to modern winemaking, blending noble heritage with innovation. Their estates often offer wine tourism experiences, preserving both Sicilian culture and viticultural excellence.

Donnafugata Cellars in Marsala