About Us
Casale 120's story
Born from a shared fascination with the mountains, the sea, and the singular character of Etna, we chose the volcano’s slopes for our winegrowing project after an extensive search for quality across Sicily. In 2019, we discovered a hidden treasure: an abandoned estate dating back to 1860 on the northeastern slope. Perched at 670 meters above sea level, the estate featured a weathered nobleman’s manor, historic wine cellars, and ancient vines—some up to 150 years old. While these resilient vines allowed us our first harvest in 2020, we have spent the years since painstakingly restoring the historical vineyard and the estate’s architecture. Our journey has continued to grow, expanding our vineyards to the high-altitude terrain of Milo at 870 meters.
Who we are?
Margriet van der Woerd's connection to the earth runs deep, rooted in a Dutch agricultural lineage spanning five centuries. Her foray into viticulture began at age eight with a gift of grape cuttings from her great-granduncle—vines her father still cultivates today. Her career in international hospitality management took her to many corners of the world, from Azerbaijan and Australia to the U.S. and across Europe, refining her palate and her passion for wine along the way. Eventually, life led her to Etna’s northern slopes. "Apart from the Etna Rosso wines from Rovittello, it was the spirit of the volcano that captured me," she says. "The Casale 120 estate is where my history and my passion meet."
Nestled among the rolling hills of central Sicily—a lush patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards - Maurizio Lunetta found his calling. Driven also by a rooted passion for nature, he pursued a degree in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Catania.
Following years of managing international development projects—including establishing coffee plantations in Bolivia and water infrastructure in the deep inlands of Africa—Maurizio returned to his origins. Since then, he has become a pivotal figure for Sicilian agriculture products and organizations. He successfully launched the IGP for Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO) and headed the consortium of the Sicilia DOC wine appellation. Today, he serves as the Director of the Consortium Etna DOC Wines and is a proud Etna winegrower.
Rooted on the volcano: our philosophy
Our philosophy is defined by the environment, where high altitudes meet fertile volcanic sands rich in microelements. We are dedicated to the traditional alberello (bush-training) method for our indigenous Nerello Mascalese and late-ripening Carricante grapes. Though labor-intensive and increasingly rare, this manual, organic approach honors a tremendous Sicilian heritage while producing wines of exquisite quality and depth.
We view the estate as a living laboratory where our research—ranging from the recovery of forgotten ancient varieties to the study of soil-rootstock synergy—ensures that every bottle is a precise reflection of the land. Our commitment to the mountain is woven into every operational choice, from utilizing solar energy and eliminating plastics to selecting the lightest glassware on the market. By partnering with local craftsmen and adhering to a "Kilometer Zero" approach, we ensure our environmental footprint remains negligible while our community impact remains high.
Our Commitment to the Community
At Casale 120, we are deeply grateful for the territory that has welcomed us, and we are dedicated to giving back to the land and the people around us. Social responsibility is a promise we make to the Rovittello community and the wider Etnean territory.
We are dedicated to a circular ecosystem where our research, hospitality, and viticulture support the local economy and protect the environment in equal measure. We actively seek pro-bono initiatives designed to spark education, protect our natural surroundings, and celebrate local talent. Our projects include:
Educational tours: inviting school groups to explore sustainable agriculture and Etna’s unique heritage.
Environmental care: supporting "clean-up" days to keep our public paths and streets pristine.
Local advocacy: partnering with local artisans to put our community on the map for conscious travelers.
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