Florio is the surname of a prominent Sicilian family who started many lucrative activities involving above all the exportation of Sicilian products (such as Marsala wine) in the nineteenth century.

Florio winery

Founded in Marsala 1832 by Vincenzo Florio Sr., the Florio winery has been in continuous Marsala wine production since then. The winery carries the emblem of a lion.

Motor racing

In 1906, Vincenzo Florio created the Targa Florio, one of the oldest car races in the world. The first Targa Florio covered 277 miles through multiple hairpin curves on treacherous mountain roads where severe changes in climate frequently occurred and racers even faced bandits and irate shepherds. Passing through many small villages, fans lined up along the roads with no protection from the race cars. The race was suspended in 1978 because of safety concerns. The race continues today with a different circuit as a minor racing event.