Since the 12th century, the Benedictines have been enjoying homemade wine from their Abbey of Santa Anastasia near Cefalù (northern coast of Sicily). Francesco Lena, building contractor and owner of the abbey, has implemented an ambitious and unique project here and created a first-class showcase winery. The abbey has been renovated and converted into a charming hotel. The adjacent winery receives grapes from the spacious surrounding vineyards, which round off this magnificent property. What is possible in the south of Italy is very clear here. Together with Giacomo Tachis, arguably Italy's most talented oenologist, he looked for sophisticated combinations of old local grapes with suitable European noble varieties. On the Montenero vineyard, on the other hand, Syrah and Cabernet Franc were cultivated, so that a modern wine with wonderful race and richness grows here. From 2000, the entire production of Abbazia was converted to organic viticulture and the wines have since made a real quantum leap in quality.