Frank Cornelissen

Frank Cornelissen is a Belgian winemaker who, fascinated by Etna’s unique terroir, decided in 2001 to establish his winery on the volcano’s northern slope in eastern Sicily.

The estate is located in an area that, before it was recognized for its wine-growing potential, was little known. Here, Frank has sought to create a balanced ecosystem, integrating local varieties of fruit trees and keeping bees to enrich biodiversity. The vines are grown without rootstocks and in the traditional way, using the sapling system. This choice is driven by the belief that such methods allow for a better expression of terroir and greater sustainability.

In fact, Cornelissen’s vision is that humans cannot fully understand the complexity of nature; therefore, he prefers to observe and learn from natural cycles. In fact, his practice avoids plowing and chemical treatments, aiming for agriculture that respects and promotes biodiversity.

It also adopts a minimalist and natural approach to winemaking. In fact, fermentations take place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and wines are aged in terracotta amphorae in order to preserve the integrity and authentic expression of terroir.

Frank Cornelissen’s wines are appreciated internationally for their authenticity and ability to express the unique characteristics of the Etnean territory. The winery is undoubtedly one of the most interesting realities in the panorama of natural wines