The agricultural institute “P. Cuppari” of Messina has its headquarters in a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 1500s. It stands on a hill from which there is a breathtaking view of the whole strait of Messina. Wine was produced throughout the whole history of the monastery, but high quality wines were made starting from the 1900s when the “Royal School of Agriculture” was established. Indigenous vine varieties were planted and modern equipment, such as a very modern crusher destemmer, was purchased. The “Faro” DOC appellation was established in 1976 and the Institute took part in the drawing up of the production regulation. In 1978 the first vineyard for the production of “Faro” wine was planted on the Institute’s land. In 2005 the vineyards were replanted and the vineyard extension was increased till 4.5 hectares. The “San Placido” Faro DOC wine was bottled starting with the 2010 vintage. The students of the Institute help during all the phases of the production of this wine. The ancient Greek population of the Phari colonized this area and it seems that “Faro” wine is named after them. The vineyard extension of the Faro DOC appellation is just 40 hectares all within the area of the commune of Messina (which is included in the larger area of the province of Messina). The “P.Cuppari” Institute is the first producer of the appellation for vineyard extension and the second for bottle production/year (8,000- 8,500 bottles).