Urban vineyard in Palermo preserves Sicilian wine heritage and biodiversity

In the center of Palermo, inside the historic Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo, a small vineyard is drawing international attention for its unique approach to preserving Sicilian wine heritage. The ‘Diego Planeta’ Vigna del Gallo, established in 2018, has become a symbol of both tradition and innovation in Sicilian viticulture. This urban vineyard, covering just 200 square meters, is now recognized as a key destination for wine tourists, researchers, and travelers interested in the intersection of biodiversity, culture, and science.

Vigna del Gallo stands on land that once belonged to the Sant’Erasmo vineyard, a well-known estate on the city’s outskirts. Today, it serves as a living archive of Sicily’s native grape varieties. The project was developed through collaboration between the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines (Consorzio di Tutela Vini Sicilia DOC), the Museum System of the University of Palermo, and the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences. Their goal was to safeguard local grape biotypes and promote sustainable wine growing practices.

The vineyard is home to 95 different biotypes of native and traditional Sicilian grapes. Among them are Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Perricone, Catarratto, Inzolia, Prunella, Muscaredda, Corinto bianco, Cutrera, Zuccaratu and Visparola. Each variety represents a piece of Sicily’s agricultural history and genetic diversity. According to Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines, every biotype in Vigna del Gallo tells a story that could have been lost without this effort. He describes the vineyard as a “living guardian” of Sicilian identity.

Since its inauguration seven years ago, Vigna del Gallo has expanded its role beyond conservation. It is now integrated into tours of the Botanical Garden—one of Italy’s oldest academic institutions, founded in 1789 and home to more than five thousand plant species from around the world. Visitors can participate in guided tours that include wine tastings and educational workshops designed for both tourists and local school groups. Storytelling sessions are also held among the vines to share knowledge about Sicilian wine culture.

The vineyard’s approach aligns with trends in slow tourism and conscious hospitality. Rather than focusing solely on production or research, Vigna del Gallo offers an immersive experience that connects visitors with Sicily’s landscape and traditions. Its efforts have gained international recognition from organizations such as the Urban Vineyard Association (U.V.A.), which links urban vineyards in cities like Paris, Milan, Vienna, Turin and Adelaide. This network promotes projects that enhance urban agriculture while raising awareness about biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Vigna del Gallo’s presence in Palermo sends a clear message about Sicily’s place in global wine culture. The island is often described as a “wine continent” due to its extraordinary range of grape varieties and winemaking traditions. By bringing together nature, research and community engagement in one small plot within a bustling city, Vigna del Gallo demonstrates how historical memory can be preserved while embracing new ideas.

As interest in sustainable tourism grows worldwide in 2025, Vigna del Gallo continues to attract visitors from across Europe and beyond. Its success highlights how even modest spaces can play an important role in protecting cultural heritage and promoting responsible travel. For many who visit Palermo today, a walk through this urban vineyard offers not only a taste of Sicilian wine but also a deeper understanding of what makes this region unique.