The Wine Table: Donnafugata's Last Toast Lights Up Cilento, a Food and Wine Experience Not to Be Missed

In the beating heart of Cilento, amidst rolling hills and the scent of millennia of history, the Franciscan Convent of Cuccaro Vetere is preparing to host the pinnacle of a food and wine experience that has enchanted all of Italy. On Saturday, September 12th, in an atmosphere suspended between past and present, The Wine Table reaches its sixth and final event, culminating in an unforgettable toast with Donnafugata, one of Sicily's most prestigious wineries. This evening is more than just a dinner, but a true celebration of the senses, a profound dialogue between Sicily's wine-growing landscapes and the culinary traditions of Cilento, orchestrated by the skill of Chef Patrizia Portolano.

The Wine Table project, born from the successful collaboration with Wine&Thecity, represented an unprecedented wine journey, crossing six Italian regions, bringing a selection of outstanding wineries to the Convent cloister. Each event was an opportunity to discover the stories, territories, and people whose passion and dedication animate our country's wine scene. The final evening, dedicated to Donnafugata, promises to be the most enlightening, a tribute to the richness of an island that has so much to tell through its wines.

The intimate and secluded atmosphere of the Franciscan Convent, with its history permeating every stone, offers the perfect setting for such an exclusive experience. A table reserved for a limited number of guests, where every detail is carefully crafted to create a moment of profound connection. Here, wine is not just a beverage, but a silent narrator of distant lands, of toil and triumph, of profound identities that find echo in the authentic flavors of Cilento cuisine.

The Franciscan Convent: Where History Embraces Authentic Hospitality

Before immersing ourselves in Donnafugata glasses and the flavors of Cilento, it's important to consider the venue hosting this event of such magnitude. The Convento Francescano Experience Hotel, inaugurated in April 2025, is much more than a simple accommodation. It is the masterful restoration of a 14th-century convent located in Cuccaro Vetere, a small village of about 600 inhabitants nestled among the lush mountains of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. This place, steeped in mysticism and history, has been brought back to life thanks to the vision of two young pioneers: Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel.

Alberto, who at just 29 chose to return to his father's roots in Cilento from Brianza, and Maria Chiara, a sustainability manager who left Friuli to embrace a new lifestyle in the south, have created a project that embodies the principles of slow, authentic, and sustainable tourism. Their philosophy translates into hospitality built on people, care, and passion, where luxury is not ostentation, but tranquility, pure air, and the intrinsic beauty of the landscape. Il Convento offers seven suites, each with its own unique character, a panoramic pool nestled among centuries-old olive trees, the Osteria del Convento, and the Bar dell'Orto—all spaces designed to foster a profound connection with nature and local culture.

The thousand-year-old cloister, the heart of The Wine Table events, is a place of disarming beauty, where time seems to stand still. Here, within ancient walls that have witnessed centuries of history, tasting becomes an almost meditative experience, amplified by the silence and evocative atmosphere. The restoration of this building was not only architectural, but also cultural, transforming a piece of history into a beacon of hospitality and regional promotion, attracting visitors from far and wide, eager to discover the discreet yet powerful charm of Cilento.

Donnafugata: The Soul of Sicily in a Glass

The winemaking heart of this evening is undoubtedly Donnafugata, a name that immediately evokes the richness and complexity of Sicilian wine. Founded in 1983 from the passion and foresight of the Rallo family, Donnafugata is more than just a winery, but a true ambassador of Sicily to the world. Its history is rooted in generations of winemakers, who have masterfully interpreted the island's diverse terroirs, transforming them into wines of character and recognized excellence.

Donnafugata's winemaking project spans several emblematic areas of Sicily, each with its own distinctive characteristics and unique microclimates. From Contessa Entellina, home to richly structured reds, to Pantelleria, home of the legendary Passito, passing through Vittoria with its Cerasuolo and Etna, with its volcanic whites. This strategic location allows Donnafugata to produce an incredibly wide range of wines—white, red, rosé, and passito—that faithfully and fascinatingly portray Sicily's many winemaking identities. Each bottle is the fruit of a constant quest for balance, a profound respect for the vine and the land, and an innovation that never betrays tradition.

The company has become synonymous with quality and innovation, but also with sustainability and a love of the land. The Rallo family has always believed in promoting native grape varieties and experimenting with cutting-edge agronomic practices, ensuring wines that are not only delicious, but also an authentic expression of their place of origin. This philosophy has allowed Donnafugata to conquer international palates and achieve international recognition, cementing its reputation as one of the most representative and respected Italian wine producers.

Donnafugata Gems Tasting: A Unique Sensory Journey

The evening of September 12th at the Franciscan Convent will be a true journey through Donnafugata's most iconic and significant labels, a carefully crafted sensory journey that captures Sicily in every sip. Five wines will be selected for this exclusive tasting, each with its own story, character, and distinctive provenance:

• Bollicina Gold: A sparkling wine that elegantly ushers in the evening. Part of the prestigious Donnafugata and Dolce&Gabbana collection, it combines expert winemaking with the excellence of Italian design. Its fine bubbles and persistent perlage prepare the palate for a refined experience.
• Isolano Etna Bianco: Another gem from the Donnafugata and Dolce & Gabbana collaboration. Sourced from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this white wine embodies the minerality and complexity of the volcanic terroir. Citrus and floral notes and a distinctive savory character make it a wine with great personality, capable of expressing all the energy of a unique terroir.
• Floramundi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG: A wine that celebrates tradition and elegance. Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily's only DOCG, and Floramundi is a magnificent expression of this. With its bright cherry red color and aromas of red fruit and spice, it is a versatile and enveloping red, perfect for pairing with traditional dishes.
• Mille e una Notte: Donnafugata's iconic wine, a red from Contessa Entellina that has become a symbol of opulence and elegance. Made from a blend of Nero d'Avola and other grapes, it is a wine of great structure and complexity, with notes of berries, tobacco, and spices, and a long, lingering finish. It tells stories of Sicilian nobles and enchanted nights, a true winemaking masterpiece.
• Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria DOC: The king of Italian dessert wines, Passito di Pantelleria, considered one of the most renowned and appreciated Italian dessert wines in the world, couldn't be missing. Produced from Zibibbo grapes dried in the sun on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, Ben Ryé is an ode to sweetness and intensity. With its aromas of dried apricot, candied citrus, and honey, and an extraordinary persistence, it concludes the tasting with an explosion of flavor. It will be paired with a selection of Cilento cheeses, creating a pairing of contrasts and harmony that will enhance both these excellent wines.

Each glass will be a step along this fascinating journey, guided by those who know and best represent these labels, transforming the tasting into an authentic educational and sensory experience.

Chef Patrizia Portolano's Cilento Cuisine: Harmonies of Land and Sea

An excellent wine deserves an equally excellent accompaniment, and the cuisine of Osteria del Convento, under the guidance of Chef Patrizia Portolano, proved to be the ideal partner to enhance Donnafugata wines. Patrizia Portolano, resident chef, is a true guardian of the flavors of Cilento. Her cuisine pays homage to local tradition, yet with a contemporary twist and a balanced flavor.

For the occasion, Chef Portolano has created a menu that pays homage to the Cilento region, a skillful blend of local products, time-honored recipes, and the freshest ingredients from this blessed land. Cilento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cradle of the Mediterranean Diet, offers a rich larder: from extra virgin olive oil to wild herbs, from legumes to goat cheeses, from fresh Tyrrhenian fish to mountain-raised meats. Patrizia's cuisine perfectly showcases these ingredients, transforming them into dishes that tell stories of conviviality and authenticity.

The menu was designed to create a harmonious dialogue with Donnafugata's diverse offerings, taking guests on a gastronomic journey from the most complex savory dishes to the sublime sweetness of Ben Ryé. Each course is a carefully crafted balance, a thoughtful choice to enhance the aromatic notes and nuances of each wine, demonstrating how food and wine pairing can elevate the tasting experience to a higher level. Osteria del Convento is more than just a place to eat, but a laboratory of flavors, where Cilento's gastronomic culture is celebrated and reinterpreted with mastery and passion.

The Wine Table: More Than an Event, an Emotional Journey through Italy's Wine Region

The appointment with Donnafugata is not a one-off event, but the culmination of a complex and fascinating journey: The Wine Table. This project has constructed a small but significant wine geography, bringing the stories of six Italian regions, six outstanding wineries, and six signature tables to the evocative cloister of the Franciscan Convent. From Friuli Venezia Giulia to Tuscany, from Lazio to Campania, from Puglia to the final stop in Sicily, The Wine Table has offered a diverse and profound panorama of Italy's winemaking heritage.

Every evening was a success, attracting enthusiasts and curious onlookers from all over, eager to participate in these immersive experiences. As Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel, the driving force behind the Franciscan Convent, emphasize, The Wine Table is "much more than a dinner: it is an experience of connection, listening, and beauty, built around the Convent's wine and cuisine. These are immersive moments, precious opportunities for encounter and learning, for enjoyment and conviviality." This is the true strength of the format: its ability to transcend simple tasting to create an environment of cultural and human exchange.

Irene Bernabò Silorata, co-founder of Wine&Thecity, adds a crucial piece to this narrative, explaining the philosophy behind the wineries' selection: "They were carefully chosen, not only for the excellence of their production, but above all for their ability to excite and enchant guests. They are not just producers, but ambassadors of regions and terroirs; they are incredible stories of families and entire generations devoted to wine." This attention to storytelling, to the human story behind every bottle, is what has made each The Wine Table event an unforgettable experience, capable of combining wine culture, high-end hospitality, local cuisine, and a slow and mindful approach to tourism.

Cilento: Cradle of History, Nature, and Authentic Flavor

The choice of Cilento as the location for The Wine Table is no coincidence, but an integral part of the project's vision. This region of Campania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and culture. Here, the landscape ranges from the crystal-clear coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the majestic peaks of the Apennines, passing through expanses of centuries-old olive groves and medieval villages that seem suspended in time. Cilento is the ideal place for those seeking an authentic experience, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, where the pace of life is still dictated by nature and tradition.

Its history spans thousands of years, evidenced by archaeological sites such as Paestum and Velia, and by the presence of a deeply rooted rural and maritime culture. This historical and natural wealth is also reflected in its gastronomy, considered the cradle of the Mediterranean Diet, a nutritional model that combines flavor, health, and sustainability. Hosting an event like The Wine Table in the heart of Cilento means offering guests not just a tasting, but a complete immersion in a region that enchants with its beauty, tranquility, and authenticity.

The Franciscan Convent, located in the small village of Cuccaro Vetere, fits perfectly into this context. Its mountain setting, overlooking the hills and the distant sea, makes it an ideal retreat for those wishing to unplug and reconnect with nature. Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel's project perfectly complements the Cilento region's identity, promoting a type of tourism that respects the environment and local communities, a type of tourism that celebrates the area's cultural and gastronomic heritage. It's an invitation to explore not just a place, but a way of life, characterized by slowness, beauty, and authentic flavors.

Beyond the Wine Table: A Future of Taste and Culture at the Franciscan Convent

With the grand finale of The Wine Table and the embrace with Donnafugata, a significant chapter has come to a close, but the story of the Franciscan Convent and its commitment to promoting high-quality experiences is destined to continue. The series of events has demonstrated the potential of a format that combines wine culture, fine hospitality, and cuisine rooted in the region, capturing the interest of an audience increasingly attentive to quality, authenticity, and well-being.

The Franciscan Convent thus confirms its position as a benchmark for slow and sustainable tourism in Cilento, a place where historical and natural beauty blends with a world-class cultural and food and wine program. The energy and vision of Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel promise a future full of new initiatives, capable of continuing to surprise and delight guests, transforming every stay and every event into a treasured memory.

The Wine Table experience with Donnafugata is more than just a gastronomic event; it's a declaration of intent. It's proof that it's possible to create opportunities for encounter and discovery that celebrate Italian excellence while also enhancing the cultural and natural heritage of regions like Cilento. It's an invitation to reflect on the value of time, good food and wine, and the beauty of human connections that arise around a table.

The Wine Table's final toast with Donnafugata at the Franciscan Convent in Cuccaro Vetere is not just the closing of a chapter, but the celebration of success and the opening of new possibilities. It is a tangible demonstration of how a passion for wine and cuisine can combine with history and nature to create authentic and unforgettable experiences. The September 12th event, featuring Donnafugata's Sicilian wines and Chef Patrizia Portolano's Cilento cuisine, against the evocative backdrop of the Franciscan Convent, promises to be a moment of pure magic, a celebration of the beauty of our country and its extraordinary food and wine richness.

If the idea of ​​fully immersing yourself in the flavors, history, and tranquility of Cilento appeals to you, don't miss the opportunity to discover the Convento Francescano Experience Hotel. While this specific event at The Wine Table will be a treasured memory, the Convento continues to be a place of inspiration and beauty. We invite you to visit the Convento Francescano website to discover upcoming initiatives and events, and to book your stay in this corner of paradise. Let yourself be enchanted by Cilento and the authentic hospitality that only the Convento Francescano can offer.