HAUNER

Carlo Hauner, of mixed background from Brescia who transplanted himself to the Aeolian islands, is the founder Hauner winery. As a young man, Hauner was actually a painter and designer. His passion took him to the islands…

In 1963, he arrived in the Aeolian Islands for the first time. Always a bit curious and restless, he became attracted to the cultivation of Malvasia, a grape which local farmers typically harvest and dry out on mats, making the famous Passito delle Lipari. He buried himself in research on Malvasia delle Lipari, reading ancient and modern texts, working with local experts, and experimenting on his own. He eventually became a foremost expert himself, bringing a fresh perspective, creativity, and intuition to the art of vinifying Malvasia. After studying with the locals and when he felt ready, Carlo went searching for vineyards that had largely remained uncultivated due to the mass emigration of Aeolians to Australia and America. He put together twenty hectares between the island of Salina and Vulcano.

After the death of Carlo Hauner in February 1996, the direction of the company came under his son Carlo Junior with the collaboration of his wife Cristina and his sons Andrea and Michele. Today, nearly 50,000 bottles are produced of Malvasia subdivided in two versions: naturale and passito. Numerous other local producers added their harvested grapes to the winery's vineyards, allowing them to become part of the winery's production, functioned almost like a coop. Many of these producers have returned to vineyard cultivation after this traditional sweet wine from the Aeolian Islands became so popular, thanks to the Hauner family. The Hauner family also produces capers, the other mainstay agricultural product of the islands.

The wine labels are reproductions of Carlo Hauner Sr.’s artwork.