Occhipinti wines are made by Arianna Occhipinti, who has a cult following in Italy, despite having been in business only since 2004. She was a 24-year-old university graduate in viticulture when she opened her own winery in 2004 by farming 2.5 acres of rented vineyards in Vittorio, in southeastern Sicily. She immediately began making wines from her organically grown indigenous grapes, including Frappato di Vittorio and Nero d’Avola. She has since expanded her vineyards to include 60 acres, and she also grows white wine grapes, such as Moscato di Alessandria and Albanello. She makes red and white wines. Wine writers have been effusive. Wine Advocate has complimented her for “her sheer determination to make the wine she wants in the distinct style she has envisioned…(it) is inspirational.” And Vinous notes that her label’s cult following is “thanks in no small measure to the ebullient personality of the talented, young and very passionate owner Arianna Occhipinti…Being in touch with her grapes, terroir and regional history is just one of the many factors that explain Occhipinti’s meteoric and deserved success…”