Winemaking in Sicily dates back several millennia. With consistently bright sunshine and reliably moderate rainfall, its classic Mediterranean climate is ideally suited to the needs of grape vines. Add to that the island?s poor soils and the hilly landscape, and the resulting terroir is almost perfect for growing vines. Today, Sicily is one of the largest wine-producing regions of Italy and, though it is the furthest southern region, it actually produces more white wine than red or dessert wine. Altitude is the key moderator for heat and the best whites tend to be made in higher altitudes from indigenous varieties, such as the Moscato grape.