Catarratto Festival

A festival for a great Sicilian grape

The Catarratto Festival debuts in 2026 in Santa Cristina Gela, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, as the first event in Sicily entirely devoted to a single grape variety: Catarratto, the most cultivated native white grape on the island. The event is promoted by ARCA - Regional Association of Authentic Catarratto, an organization born from the commitment of six founding wineries (Bagliesi, Caruso & Minini, Castellucci Miano, Di Bella, Feudo Disisa, and Tenute Lombardo) to promote a grape variety long considered secondary. The festival marks the grand finale of the Catarratto Tour, a twelve-month promotional journey.

The Arbëreshë village of Santa Cristina Gela

The choice of location is no coincidence. Santa Cristina Gela is one of three Arbëreshë municipalities in Sicily, alongside Piana degli Albanesi and Contessa Entellina, where the medieval Albanian language is still preserved. Founded at the end of the 17th century by settlers from nearby Piana degli Albanesi, the village sits on a hill over 650 meters above sea level, overlooking the hilly landscape of the Palermo area. This distinct cultural identity provides the backdrop for the event, which weaves wine together with the traditions of the Arbëreshë community.

Tastings and wineries

The heart of the festival lies in the tastings open to the public, featuring thirteen participating wineries, most of which belong to the DOC Monreale denomination. The producers associated with ARCA cultivate a total of about eighty hectares of Catarratto, with a production capacity of approximately seven thousand hectoliters across the island's hilly areas. Alongside the wine, nine producers offer local products: cheeses, honey, and other Sicilian gastronomic delights.

Masterclasses and culture

The program includes an in-depth masterclass on Catarratto led by Othmar Kiem, director of Falstaff Italia, and winemaker Tonino Guzzo. There is no shortage of moments dedicated to local culture: two parades in traditional Arbëreshë costumes, at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, bring the town streets to life, while at 6:00 PM, there is a tasting of strangùli, a traditional local pasta. The inauguration takes place in the morning on the church square of Santa Cristina.

Practical information

The event takes place in the town's historic squares, Piazza Polizzi and Piazza G. La Masa, with continuous hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is free; for wine tastings, a 5-euro deposit for the glass is required. The Catarratto Festival is a precious appointment for those wishing to discover a signature Sicilian grape variety in one of the most fascinating cultural settings in the Palermo area.