Founded 2003 by Giuseppe La Monaca, who inherited the vineyards in 2002. His father had purchased one small plot at a time until vines, olive, and cherry trees filled a hamlet on the eastern skirt of the 1566 lava flow. La Monaca worked with enologist Alfio D’Urso to make their first wine from Nerello. The 2006 Palummaru was listed among the Best 100 Wines in Italy. A historic Byzantine dovecote stands at the edge of the vineyards on the boundary of Contrade Feudo di Mezzo and Arcuria — for centuries carrier pigeons flew to and fro carrying news of daily life, peace, and war. The Nerello vineyard thrives north of the dovecote in exposed soil containing some of the first effusive layers of the young Mongibello edifice. 3 hectares in Contrada Arcuria; vine training: cordon. Produces 10,000 bottles annually. Visits by request: vineyard tour, wine tasting, lunch, dinner. Large groups (15+). Event space, Wi-Fi, family and pet friendly. Languages: Italian only. Wine to try: Palummaru Nerello blend.