2. Cantina Modica di Bufalefi 1. The history of the Modica family 4. Beginning of the activity 2. Where is the winery and how to get there 3. Size of the company 5. Modernization of the cellar 6. What they produce 7. Evolution of the company 9. Tips for creating a small business 8. Where they export to

3. The history of the Modica family The Modica family is an ancient Sicilian family of Norman origin. The history of the Modica family in Bufalefi began more than two centuries ago, in 1782 when Antonio Modica, an entrepreneur in the wine, tuna and the railroad, born in Ispica, moved to Noto. A series of marriages to females of the richest and most powerful family in Noto, the Nicolaci of Villadorata, guaranteed, the two noble families the control of several activities connected to tuna fishing and land management. Today the Cantina Modica, managed by Felice Modica and his son Alessandro, seventh and eighth generation of wine and olive producers, has acquired a new, modern face to stay behind the times, but respecting the tradition.

4. Where is the winery and how to get there The historic branch of Modica winery is located in the heart of the baroque Noto, in Nicolaci street. The agricultural branch lies in Contrada Bufalefi. It is near Villa Romana del Tellaro and only a few steps from the Vendicari nature reserve. In order to get it you need to take the Noto- Pachino road (S.P.19), go past the Villa Romana del Tellaro crossing and turn right to the provincial road n.11 (S.P.11). After 250 metres turn left on provincial road n. 56 (S.P.56). Go ahead for about 3 Km and at the stop turn right. After 700 metres is the Cantina of Bufalefi.

5. The estate, was originally extended for about 1,200 hectares. Today its size is of about 300 hectares, of which 45 hectares is vineyards and 42 hectares is olive groves. The other crops, typical of the Mediterranean maquis, are: almond, carob, lemon and orange trees. The Cantina Modica gives work to about 40 people. It has a good turnover that at the moment, is almost totally reinvested in the company. Currently, about 60,000 bottles are bottled and sold every year, but the company could exceed 300,000 bottles. In the next two years they hope to sell 100,000 bottles mostly in the European and Japanese markets. Size of the company

6. Beginning of the activity In the 60’s unlike other manufactures who began to grow cherry tomatoes, the Modica family, faithful to tradition, developed the cultivation of their own grapes and started the bulk wine sales, a limited production but of quality which still continues. Since 2001, after his father’s death, Felice Modica together with his son Alessandro instead of selling the vineyard, decided to mechanize and modernize it, starting to bottle first the Nero d’ Avola and then the Moscato di Noto wines.

7. Modernization of the cellar The protagonist of the renovation of the family farm is Alessandro Modica, who after a degree in Ancient History, decided to take his first steps as a farmer and in 2007 gained a loan of about one million euros from Invitalia Agency. That way he was able to modernize the wine making facilities, making their wines competitive in the market. Today he promotes his products in various fairs and wine events.

8. Today the company produces DOC wines and a DOP oil. Red wines: two DOC Nero D’Avola: Filinona in steel vats and Arà in French oak barrels (12-15 months). A rosè of Nero D’ Avola IGT called Mamma Draja. White wines: IGT Lupara. Sweet wines: the moscato of Nero D’Avola DOC called Dolce Noto which got an award at Vinitaly 2011 as the best moscato and the passito Dolce Nero. Beer. Recently it was also produced a top-fermented beer called Passo di Miele. Oils. They produce an extra virgin oil DOP Monti Iblei that is among the best oils in Italy and a conventional extra-vergin oil. What they produce

9. Evolution of the company But Alessandro’s ideas do not stop there. In 2006 he set up in Noto in the family residence, in Corrado Nicolaci Street, the Casa Museo “Antonino Modica Nicolaci”. In 2010, in the same place as the museum, he opened a restaurant, with tables outside on the fabulous baroque street, to offer some genuine products of their land together with a good wine. In 2012 he also opened a point of tastings of the family wine and products in the ancient tuna fishing village of Marzamemi. In 2014 he finally renovated the Old Garden of St. Clare Monastery, opening a pizza restaurant ‘ Orto di Santa Chiara’ in the historical centre of Noto.

10. In this time of crisis the landing abroad is extremely important to improve business. 50% of the total production is exported mainly to the United States, Japan and Europe. But the winery also sells its products in Sicily and in exhibition centers of excellence in Italy like Eataly of Farinetti, la Rinascente, and soon at Peck in Milan. Where they export to

11. According to Alessandro Modica today to create a small business you have to learn from great entrepreneurs but also have a genetic predisposition. You need a lot of determination, seriousness, constancy, sacrifice and commitment. You have to look around and try to understand what is missing in your own area. You can create something individually or together with other people. In any kind of business, however, you must always take care of the customers, offering them a mixture of art, history, culture and food to make them feel satisfied and encourage them to come back. Tips for creating a small business