Scacciadiavoli in Montefalco
Scacciadiavoli is one of the oldest and most recognizable wineries in the Montefalco area.
Its story is straightforward once you strip away the legend and practice the winery name a few times.
The name “Scacciadiavoli” means “drive out the devils.” It comes from an older local story about an exorcist who used wine as part of his work. Today the name functions mainly as a distinctive brand identity and a reminder of the winery’s long roots in the region.
The winery founder was Prince Ugo Boncompagni Ludovisi, Prince of Piombino.
He conceived the estate in 1884 as a large, technically advanced winery for its time. He wanted to create a modern wine operation in the hills around Montefalco and chose a multi‑level structure that would allow gravity to do much of the work, from grape reception at the top down through fermentation and aging levels below.
This was unusual in the late nineteenth century. The chosen location, on the border between Montefalco and Gualdo Cattaneo, gave access to slopes and soils suitable for Sagrantino and other local varieties.
Over time, the estate changed hands. The key transition came in the mid‑twentieth century, when the Pambuffetti family, who had worked there, acquired the property.
Since then, Scacciadiavoli has been a family‑run winery in the more familiar Montefalco sense: owners on site. Several generations involved, and a long‑term commitment to the vineyards and cellar.
Today, Liu and other members of the fourth generation are in charge. The focus is entirely on quality bottled wine under the Scacciadiavoli name, rather than on bulk production or other agricultural activities.
For the last handful of years, I’ve most often met family descendent Liu, a woman who started in the family business as an “intern” (the family business, like many in Montefalco, is run like a small corporation) and who now has a young daughter.
During the last visit I had asked her if she remembers her own mother recounting her experiences leading tours during her active time with the family winery. And teased Liu, that it may be her daughter’s turn next.
The winery’s layout still reflects the original gravity‑flow concept. The winery building is functional and distinctive, with thick walls, multiple levels, and a sense that production has happened in more or less the same footprint for decades.
What is “new” is the elegant space the winery uses for its many receptions and events. With favorable weather activities are often outside in the brilliant sunshine.
When you tour, you’ll notice one visible relic of the estate’s history. It is a large concrete tank, built in the early twentieth century, with the year scratched or carved into its surface. It stands as a reminder of earlier winemaking techniques, when concrete was a standard material rather than a fashionable revival.
In terms of production, Scacciadiavoli is built around Montefalco’s key appellations. Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is the flagship, both in dry and passito forms. The dry Sagrantino is typically structured, with firm tannins and the capacity to age, in line with the grape’s reputation.
The passito, made from dried grapes, is a traditional sweet style that balances richness with tannin and acidity. Alongside Sagrantino, the estate produces Montefalco Rosso and Montefalco Rosso Riserva, based mainly on Sangiovese with supporting roles for Sagrantino.
Scacciadiavoli has a strong emphasis on food and wine pairing in the way it presents its wines. The structure of Sagrantino naturally encourages pairings with rich, savory dishes such as grilled meats, braised lamb, aged cheeses. Montefalco Rosso is positioned as more versatile, suitable for pasta, roast poultry, and everyday Umbrian cooking.
This is a ‘must visit’ winery when your tour Montefalco because of its extensive history and the fact there is always something new at the winery.
This year, the owner’s great granddaughter Liu was showcasing the cuisine of a new chef with her wines. Last year she was pairing the estate’s wines with rock music (yes, really).
A visit to Scacciadiacoli is always a pleasure and you are certainly in for a treat and an intriguing slice of Montefalco’s history.
