Assovini Sicilia, an association that brings together 101 Sicilian winemakers, has reshuffled its board of directors to prioritise the next generation. 

The newly elected board of directors is now made up entirely of members under the age of 40, with Gabriella Favara named as its new president. 

Still under the age of 30, Favara is the international marketing manager of the family-owned company Donnafugata, based in Marsala, western Sicily. 

She joined the company four years ago after earning a BA in Business Economics and an MA in Business Management from Oxford, alongside gaining experience in a series of trade marketing roles. 

Elsewhere, the new board is made up of Graziano Nicosia, Costante Planeta, Cristina Madaudo, Pietro Pollara, Alessandro Tasca, Enrica Spadafora and Totò Navarra. 

Together, the group will represent all member wineries, spanning around 900 labels. They will also promote social, economic and environmental sustainability through the SOStain Sicilia Foundation. 

On her appointment as president of the board, Favara said: “I am grateful to president Mariangela Cambria and the outgoing board for the great work done, and I am honoured by the trust that the assembly has chosen to place in our new council. 

“I accept this baton with great respect and with the awareness of the challenges that await our sector. Assovini Sicilia has contributed in a decisive way to building the identity and prestige of Sicilian wine in the world. 

“Our tasks will be to continue this path, combining experience and innovation, strengthening the value of our association and working together to face market changes and continue to give strength to the Sicily brand.”