Teruar - Ethical wine fair

April 18, 2025 - 1 comments

Teruar - Ethical wine fair

Sicily

This spring, the baroque town of Scicli will once again transform into a hub of natural wine, ethical farming, and cultural exchange, as Teruar – Fiera del Vino Etico returns for its fifth edition on Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19. Held across historic buildings and public spaces throughout the city, the fair is more than just a tasting—it’s a community-driven celebration of terroir, transparency, and the people behind the wine.

The motivation behind Teruar is as unique as the wines it showcases. “ Scicli sits between two historic wine regions—Vittoria and Pachino—but for decades, it’s been a sort of ‘missing link’ in Sicily’s vineyard belt ,” say the organizers from the association Arsura Sete Etica. “ We wanted to bring wine culture back to a place that had lost it—not just as a product, but as a way of life. ”

The fair takes place in symbolic locations like Palazzo Busacca, Palazzo Spadaro, and various public gardens and streets. “We reclaim abandoned or forgotten communal spaces,” the organizers explain. “At least for two days, they come alive again—with wine, music, and people.”

This year’s edition will feature dozens of natural winemakers from across Italy , with a special focus on small, independent growers—some of whom will be pouring their wines publicly for the very first time. “ The real miracle is what’s happened in Scicli itself, ” say the fair’s founders. “ People here discovered natural wine directly, without ever going through the conventional route. Now, you can find natural wine in almost every bar and restaurant in town .”

True to its philosophy, Teruar has banned wine negociants from having stands at the fair. All tables are reserved exclusively for winemakers. “ The 'Teruarista' is someone who works with integrity, who’s faithful to a vision of agriculture that’s good for them and for the planet. Their wines speak of place, of a deeply personal connection between grower and land. ”

The atmosphere of the fair is intentionally festive and inclusive. Acoustic performances, vinyl DJ sets, and a community radio project provide the soundtrack, while a dedicated food market with 10 local artisans reflects the region’s rich agricultural roots. The event also embraces a zero-waste philosophy, guided by the five R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.

And while the focus is firmly on natural wine, Teruar is about something bigger. “ It’s a space where wine becomes a tool for conversation, resistance, and regeneration, ” the organizers say. “ For us, it’s about rebuilding a local culture—one vineyard, one bottle, and one community at a time. ”

Winemakers present: