A Guide to Wine Tasting in Sicily, Italy

Wine tasting in Sicily is just one of the many reasons to explore this southern island in Italy, which has its own unique character and defining flavor. With rich volcanic soil and a warm Mediterranean climate, it’s a land ripe for producing fine wine, with over 70 different grape varietals grown on the island. From the popular Nero d’Avola, which is similar in style to Syrah, to Grillo, often used to produce the fortified wine Marsala, you can traverse from the slopes of Mount Etna to the far west coast via Palermo and discover some of the best places for wine tasting in Sicily.

Barone di Villagrande – Old world wines by Mount Etna

The Nicolosi family have been cultivating vineyards since 1727 and are now in their 10th generation. Marco Nicolosi oversees the winemaking at the Barone di Villagrande estate that is nestled 700 meters high on the east side of Mount Etna with views towards Taormina and the Ionian Sea. A warm and wet climate produces excellent dry, fruity white wine, Etna Bianco D.O.C., based on Carricante grapes. Visit the vineyards and historical cellar for guided wine tastings and stay longer for lunch of Etnean dishes (paired with their wines, naturally) with vegetables and herbs grown from the Villagrande garden.

Donnafugata – West coast wines of Marsala

Boasting five estates across Sicily, the far west coast historic cellars of Donnafugata are a truly authentic way to discover – and try – the fortified wine of Marsala. The wine estate was built in 1851 with a classic Mediterranean villa and courtyard dotted with olive and citrus trees. An impressive underground barrique cellar is carved into the tuff rock, and part of their focus on sustainability. Family run – now into its fifth generation of winemakers – who bring over 170 years of experience to guided tours and food and wine pairings sessions featuring some of the finest wines of Sicily.

Tenuta Sallier de La Tour – Wine tasting near Palermo

Ideal for the red wine enthusiast, Sallier de La Tour is a stunning estate not far from the Sicily capital of Palermo and where Syrah thrives. Part of the Tasca wine group, they know their vino and host a number of focused wine tastings to suit your palate. Choose from one purely focused on Syrah, including trying the estate rosé. Or sample six wines with six very different stories to discover three of the main Sicilian indigenous grapes: Inzolia, Grillo and Nero d’Avola, which all showcase the character of these Sicily hills infused by the Mediterranean climate.

Etna Urban Winery – Urban wine trail in Catania

A modern addition to the Sicily wine scene, Etna Urban Winery has wine roots dating back to the 18th century, yet in 2018, eight cousins planted new vines and created a wine trail at the base of Mount Etna. Tucked in the fringes of Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, it’s a unique wine excursion. Take a guided tour to learn about the terroir, see the urban vineyards and the Palmento (historical winery) that dates back to the 1790s and boasts two 10,000-litre wooden barrels and an old wine press. Then taste four Etna wines paired with gourmet tapas prepared by a local chef.

To learn more about wine tasting in Italy, check out our Wine Tasting in Umbria, Wine Tasting in Tuscany and Wine Tasting in Puglia guides.

If you are planning your next holiday in Italy, check out our portfolio of luxury villa rentals in Sicily. For those who will book their holiday with us, A.M.A Selections concierge team will be happy to arrange a tailored wine tasting experience based on your preferences.