The 2025 harvest has begun in Sicily: forecasts point to a quality year.

Predictions for the Sicilian grape harvest—the longest in Italy, lasting an average of 100 days—are cautious, but they're already confirmed by the technicians' work and the first harvest.
Seasonal conditions played a crucial role: a generally rainy winter and a mild spring favored more manageable vegetative growth, better accompanying the ripening of the grapes and allowing for a harvest schedule more closely aligned with the usual periods. These conditions helped maintain the vineyards in good phytosanitary condition , with a lower incidence of the critical issues observed in the past, although some areas had to manage specific challenges related to humidity.
In terms of quantity, estimates suggest an improvement compared to 2024 , with an expected recovery in grape production. However, caution remains warranted, pending the weather dynamics of August, which could still influence the final outcome.
In terms of quality, the climatic balance and the good health of the grapes lay the foundations for an interesting vintage.
"The grape harvest ritual, which involves our producers, is returning. Sicily is demonstrating resilience and the ability to manage the challenges of climate change, with the goal of protecting and guaranteeing the quality of the harvest," commented Mariangela Cambria, president of Assovini Sicilia.
Western Sicily
The 2025 harvest in Western Sicily promises to be a promising one, marking a return to normal harvest times compared to the previous year. The balanced climate, the phytosanitary integrity of the grapes, and a strong start to the harvest create the foundation for a high-quality harvest.
"The conditions have been particularly favorable: the mild climate, combined with abundant rainfall—particularly on May 15th—has allowed for excellent vegetative and productive development for the vines," comments Filippo Buttafuoco, agronomist at Cantine Settesoli. " This ideal combination has ensured that the vineyards and grapes are in excellent phytosanitary condition, without any particular critical issues. The current result is also the result of the constant attention and meticulous care of local winemakers in their treatments. Regarding production estimates, an average quantity of grapes is expected for the 2025 harvest. Although the previous year had hinted at an increase compared to 2023, a certain degree of caution is maintained for this season," concludes Buttafuoco.
South-Eastern Sicily
The 2025 harvest in southeastern Sicily promises to be a year of redemption after the climatic challenges of recent years. Specifically, after a drought-ridden 2024 with an early harvest, this year promises greater balance, thanks to a rainy winter and a mild spring that favored optimal vegetative growth.
“The quantity estimates are also encouraging: a significant improvement is expected compared to 2024, with an estimated 20% increase in the quantity of grapes harvested,” comments Feudi del Pisciotto winemaker Marco Parisi.
Once again, Frappato confirms itself as the region's flagship grape variety, proving extremely resilient to climate change and free from particular phytosanitary problems.
"Its adaptability undoubtedly establishes it as a 'variety of the future' for Sicilian viticulture," Parisi continues. "In terms of vineyard health and grape quality, the prospects are excellent. If current trends persist, the 2025 harvest could be remembered as the best in the last four years. The presence of plant diseases is very low, and even the leafhopper, which has caused numerous problems in the past, is under control," Parisi concludes.
Aeolian Islands
The 2025 harvest in the Aeolian Islands begins about a week earlier than last year. This advance is the result of both climatic factors, which lead to more rapid ripening, and a shift in market preferences, which favor less structured, fresher, more minerally, and more acidic wines—characteristics often achieved with an early harvest.
The winter was unusually mild, with a very short dormancy that led to early bud break. Spring, although not heavily rained, was characterized by high humidity.
"This condition, combined with the limited cold, contained downy mildew, but favored the spread of powdery mildew, which proved to be the main phytosanitary problem in the vineyards. However, thanks to targeted and soil-friendly treatments, the beginning of summer was managed with peace of mind," comments winemaker Pietro Colosi of the Colosi winery.
"Water shortages have impacted production: an estimated 15% drop in grape yields is expected, primarily due to smaller berries. Given that this is an area without irrigation systems, rainfall is crucial, and August is hoped for a potential recovery. Despite these challenges, the 2025 harvest looks promising in terms of quality. The real unknown remains the market: with high supply and declining demand, the ability to sell the final product, despite its excellent quality, is the main current concern," Colosi concludes.
Pantelleria
The climate on the island of Pantelleria is good—good rainfall in autumn and winter has provided the soil with an excellent moisture reserve—and the regular vegetative-productive cycle will produce healthy, well-ripened grapes.
"The harvest will begin at the end of this week in the earliest-ripening districts, such as Punta Karace, on the terraces closest to the sea. The first grapes harvested will be dried for the production of Ben Ryé," comments Antonio Rallo, CEO and winemaker of Donnafugata . "The harvest will get into full swing after mid-August, depending on the ripening period of the Zibibbo in the 16 districts where Donnafugata's vineyards are located, and will conclude by mid-September. The expected yield is lower than the company average, but better than the 2024 vintage. The quality is very promising."
Etna
The forecast is also good on Etna, where the harvest is expected to begin in mid- to late September. The rainy winter has allowed the soils to retain excellent water reserves, despite their excellent drainage, and the plants have also managed to accumulate the hours of cold needed for the growing season. A cool spring was followed by a regular summer, with a few hot spells in July, which accelerated grape growth.
"The health of the vines currently appears to be perfect. A regular harvest is expected, with excellent quality, if these weather conditions continue. The yield is estimated to be higher than in previous years—about 10%—thanks to the accumulation of water that has allowed for a regular cycle," comments Tenute Nicosia winemaker Maria Carella.