Decanter invites you to an exclusive tasting experience delving into the wines of celebrated Sicilian producer, Cantine Pellegrino.

For over 140 years, Cantine Pellegrino has told the story of western Sicily through its wines. From Marsala to Pantelleria, six generations have cultivated the region’s finest terroirs shaped by land, sea, salt, and wind. 

With 150 hectares of organically managed vineyards across five estates, Pellegrino produces expressive wines that reflect the richness of their origin – from Grillo kissed by sea breezes in Salinaro, to Nero d’Avola from Gazzerotta, to Zibibbo grown on the windswept island of Pantelleria.

Hosted by MW Michelle Cherutti-Kowal and Stefan Neumann MS, the tasting begins with four examples of classic Sicilian varieties: Grillo, Zibibbo and Nero d'Avola.

The second flight, comprising a sweet passito-style and three distinct expressions of Marsala, tells the story of Cantine Pellegrino's illustrious history. From Marsala Vergine to Marsala Superiore, these wines remain the beating heart of the winery's production and will make for an unforgettable evening.

Nes, Passito di Pantelleria DOC, Pantelleria 2023

Single Barrel N°018, Marsala Vergine Riserva Marsala 2005

Old John, Marsala Superiore Riserva Ambra, Marsala 1998

BIP Benjamin, Marsala Superiore Riserva Oro Marsala 2004

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left corporate life in Toronto and moved to London to pursue her passion for wine.

Today she is a highly respected and sought-after wine lecturer, having taught wine industry professionals since 2004 at WSET in London where she is a consultant tutor, specialising in Italy, France and the New World. She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events in trade publications and WSET journals.

Utilising her specialist knowledge of wine regions, Cherutti-Kowal is a consultant to restaurants and wineries, and also acts as an ambassador for trade bodies.

Michelle joined the DWWA as a judge for the first time in 2020, and was the Acting Regional Chair for Veneto at the DWWA 2021 and Tuscany in 2022.

Stefan Neumann MS is the newly appointed Regional Chair for Austria at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, complementing his ongoing role as Regional Chair for Switzerland. Stefan has spent the majority of his career in the world of Michelin-starred restaurants including The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

In 2021 Stefan founded his own wine consultancy which advises brands including Symington Family Estates, the Austrian Wine Marketing Board and various wine producers.

In 2023 he launched an online blind wine tasting course to help students pass their exams.

Stefan was first a DWWA judge in 2015 and gained his Master Sommelier qualification in 2017.