Wine for an aperitif, dinner or a gift

Choosing the right wine is never a trivial gesture. It is an act of attention, a way of communicating something, whether intimacy, celebration or gratitude.
Whether it is an aperitif with friends, an important dinner or a gift to be remembered, every wine has its ideal moment. But how do you find your way?

For an aperitif, choose a fresh white, versatile and with good salinity. Our GIUNCO Vermentino is perfect: direct, radiant, with citrus notes and a saline finish. Ideal with raw seafood, fresh cheeses or simply on its own, as the sun goes down.

At dinner, the choice becomes deeper. If the menu includes meat, aged cheeses or intense dishes from Sardinian tradition, Carignano del Sulcis is the answer. BUIO, BUIO BUIO or GAVINO express the authentic character of a red with the structure to accompany every course.

And for a gift? A Carignano passito can be a surprise, like our FORTE ROSSO, but an iconic label such as BUIO BUIO also says a great deal about the person giving it: an important, enveloping wine with a layered soul.

When to choose Vermentino and when to choose Carignano

Choosing between Vermentino and Carignano is not a matter of seasons, but of attitude.

There are those who seek light, verticality, the freshness of a sip scented with sea breeze and Mediterranean scrub: for them, Vermentino is a natural compass.
GIUNCO, OPALE and GALESA speak with different accents, yet all tell the story of the vibrant elegance of Sulcis at its most luminous.

Those who instead love deep silences, darker tones, a strength that emerges slowly, will find in Carignano an ideal companion.
BUIO, BUIO BUIO and GAVINO are wines that are not simply drunk: they are listened to. They have the long stride of reflection, and the fabric to accompany moments that call for intensity.

Two souls of the same land.

Parameters to consider: vintage, temperature, glassware

According to the principles of winemaking, to appreciate a wine at its best it is important to:

• evaluate the vintage: climatic conditions influence freshness and structure. For example, Cantina Mesa’s 2025 harvest, marked by a dry winter, led to low yields but more concentrated aromas;
• serve at the correct temperature:
  • Vermentino: 8–10°C
  • Carignano: 16–18°C
• choose the right glass: more open for fresh whites, broader for evolved reds.

These small details make the difference between a good glass and a memorable experience.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing based on price: a more expensive wine is not always better suited to your occasion. Look at the pairing, not the label.
• Overlooking the context: a Vermentino served too warm or a Carignano in a small glass can diminish even the finest wine.
• Risky pairings: a saline wine with a sweet dish, or a powerful red with delicate dishes, can throw the meal out of balance.

Discover the Mesa range

Cantina Mesa offers a complete selection of Vermentino and Carignano del Sulcis, created to tell the story of authentic Sardinia, with wines suited to every occasion without ever losing their identity.

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Porto Pino: between cellar and sea

If you’re looking for a Sardinia with an authentic charm and an intense, unmistakable taste, Sulcis, in the south-west of the island, is the destination for you. Wild beaches and little seaside villages make it the perfect setting for a food-and-wine weekend in Sardinia—where natural beauty and deep-rooted traditions come together with ease.

Your day begins in Porto Pino, famous for its turquoise waters and for the extraordinary dunes near Teulada: Is Arenas Biancas, named after the dazzling white colour of the sand. A surreal landscape, where the pale dunes melt into the blue of the sea—and the soft pink of the flamingos that inhabit the nearby Is Brebeis lagoon.

For lunch, a must-stop is Peschiera da Basilio, where fresh fish meets the scents of the Mediterranean scrub and a glass signed Cantina MESA. An experience that feels sincere—profoundly Sardinian.

Discover the Territory with Mesa Wines

In the afternoon, the journey continues towards Cantina Mesa, a symbol of wine tourism in Sardinia. Set among the Sulcis vineyards, our winery is a perfect example of how architecture and nature can speak to each other in harmony.

Mesa is not just a place where wine is made: it is an idea of Sardinia—a tangible dream created to tell this land through Carignano and Vermentino. Among the experiences we offer, we recommend the evocative Degustazione al Buio (Tasting in the Dark): an immersive sensory journey guided by the voice of our founder, Gavino Sanna, inviting you to listen to the wine, breathe in its scents, and taste its deepest soul.After your visit, it’s time to set off again towards Porto Scuso for aperitivo—about 45 minutes on the road, wrapped in the colours of sunset.

Sunset Aperitivo and a Sea-View Dinner

We suggest Rais Cafè in Porto Scuso for an aperitivo facing the sea, with a glass of Rosa Grande and a selection of Sardinian appetisers. Behind you, the Aragonese tower; in front, the sun diving into the water. A perfect moment to stop, breathe, and let yourself be enchanted.

But the journey isn’t over yet: next stop is Sant’Antioco for dinner at Raíces, where tradition meets creativity. Local ingredients, contemporary technique and the soul of the Mediterranean come together in dishes made for sharing—closing the day in the name of flavour.

An Experience That Continues: Sea, Dolphins and Authenticity

If you still have time, treat yourself to one last adventure: a morning of pescaturismo departing from the port of Teulada. Turquoise waters, fishermen’s stories, good food on board—and, if you’re lucky, an encounter with dolphins—will make this Sulcis weekend unforgettable.

What to do in Sulcis? Follow the scent of the sea, the slow rhythm of nature, the authentic flavours of a land that knows how to surprise. A place where every journey becomes a story—and every glass holds the deep soul of Sardinia.

Southern Sardinia is filled with places where you can taste the wines of Cantina Mesa.

The ones we’ve shared are only a few. Our invitation is to discover them—one by one—letting your senses lead the way, and the authentic beauty of Sulcis do the rest.

Take a look at our Instagram page—and if you haven’t already, follow us now.

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Nestled in Sant’Anna Arresi, in the heart of Sulcis Iglesiente, Mesa is far more than a winery: it is an immersive sensory experience, leading you through sea-view vineyards, Mediterranean scrub and award-winning wines that tell the island’s authentic soul.

Architecture, nature and hospitality: the Mesa experience

Stepping into Mesa is like crossing the threshold of a place suspended between modernity and ancient roots. With its white lines and essential volumes, the winery enters into dialogue with the surrounding landscape, rising from the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the ordered rows of vines.

The visit unfolds through spacious, light-filled interiors opening onto the Sulcis landscape. Here you can observe the winemaking process and take part in a guided tasting led by our expert team: not a standard narrative, but a dialogue shaped by the curiosity of each guest. A journey through flavours, aromas and visions of Sardinia.

Tours, tastings and moments of relaxation with a sea view

During your visit, you will be able to taste some of the winery’s most representative labels:

• GIUNCO – Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
  Fresh, saline and citrus-driven, it recalls the lightness of the wind brushing the vineyards of Sulcis.
• OPALE – Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
  Elegant and structured, with intense aromas of ripe fruit, spice and Mediterranean scrub. A Vermentino rich in light and complexity.
• BUIO – Carignano del Sulcis DOC
  Vibrant and Mediterranean, with a fruity, balsamic profile.
• BUIO BUIO – Carignano del Sulcis DOC Riserva
  Deep and satisfying, with a long finish of wild berries and aromatic herbs. A red with a silky texture and a decisive character.

Outside, a large shaded terrace overlooking the vineyards offers moments of pure relaxation, with your gaze drifting across hills and vines all the way to the line of the sea.

What to see around Cantina Mesa

One of Mesa’s greatest riches is the land that surrounds it. Visiting the winery also means exploring its surroundings, home to some of the most spectacular and authentic places in southern Sardinia.

Porto Pino and the white dunes

Just minutes from the winery lies the beach of Porto Pino, famed for its fine white sand, turquoise waters and the spectacular dunes of Is Arenas Biancas. A perfect paradise for swimming, unwinding or snorkelling between sea and lagoons.

Porto Botte and the flamingo lagoon

Between the winery and the sea opens the lagoon of Porto Botte, also reflected in the vineyard of our Syrah. Here you can admire pink flamingos, herons and enjoy walks immersed in the untamed nature of Sulcis.

Sant’Antioco Island: between history and an untamed sea

Around 30 minutes away, Sant’Antioco Island offers a unique blend of unspoilt beaches (Maladroxia, Coaquaddus), Phoenician and Roman archaeological remains, and delightful seafront restaurants. A perfect extension of your journey through wine, history and beauty.

Mesa: a complete experience of wine, landscape and culture

In a single place, you will find outstanding wine, authentic hospitality, striking architecture and a dreamlike natural setting. Cantina Mesa is one of the most beautiful wineries to visit in Sardinia, but also a privileged gateway to discovering the wonders of Sulcis.

If you are planning a trip to Sardinia, including Mesa in your itinerary means embracing an experience that unites taste, beauty and emotion—one to remember, and to tell.

Book your visit to Cantina Mesa now

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You will find us at the stand of the HERITA MARZOTTO WINE ESTATES group in Hall 6, Stand B4, where you will have the opportunity to discover our most representative labels.

Vinitaly represents an important meeting opportunity for insiders: buyers, experts and enthusiasts of the sector. Access to the event is reserved for sector operators, while the public of consumers and wine lovers will only be able to enter on Sunday and Wednesday.

Why visit us?

Vinitaly is an unmissable event for those wishing to explore the latest trends in the wine sector and discover products of excellence. You will have the opportunity to taste our wines and learn more about our wine project.

For more details on the event, visit the official Vinitaly website.

We look forward to seeing you in Hall 6, Stand B4 from 6 to 9 April. See you there!

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