Other Experiences Etna

If you're looking for a different setting for your next wine tasting and you'd like to take a wine tour immersed in what many defined as a "lunar landscape", then Etna might be the right destination for you. With its 3300 meters, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its surrounding landscape was shaped by the volcanic activity over the years; the flowing lava carved various caves and craters along Etna's hillsides and black volcanic rocks now dominate the scenery, together with some scattered green vegetation.

During your wine tastings in Etna's area, expect to find some unique wines that share peculiar mineral, savory and fresh notes. This is because the volcanic soil that surrounds Etna is rich in precious minerals, making Etna's terroir distinctive. You will visit local wineries producing Etna DOC, the oldest appellation of Sicily, which includes Rosso (red), Bianco (white), Rosato (rosé) and Spumante (traditional method sparkling wine).

Etna's area, kissed by the warm Sicilian sun for most of the year, has plenty to offer also in terms of food. Pistachios, citruses and cherries are some examples of Sicily's excellent products. Furthermore, during your wine tastings around Etna, you will be able to pair your favorite glass of wine with the many artisanal cold cuts and cheeses produced in the area. Other highlights of Sicily's cuisine include Arancini, pasta alla Norma, Sicilian cannoli, granita and brioche.

While in Etna's area, your wine tastings will focus on wines made combining different local varieties in order to achieve the best balance. Etna Rosso DOC is produced mainly from Nerello Mascarese grapes, with up to 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Etna Bianco DOC instead is made of Carricante (at least 60%), Catarratto (the most widespread white grape variety in Sicily) and other grapes including Trebbiano and Minnella.

Wine tours, tastings and winery visits are only a few of the things you can do when visiting Etna. While the multitude of activities offered makes this destination interesting to visit throughout the year, spring is probably the best season, when the flowers are blossoming and the temperatures are ideal for activities like excursions and picnics. During this period, various cultural events and festivals take place in the villages of the area.

Besides exploring the different nuances that Etna's wines have to offer during the various wine tastings you will experience, make sure to visit some of the area's highlights: Mount Etna and its various craters, Zafferana Etnea, Castiglione di Sicilia, Catania and its old town.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Etna is around €49.50. Depending on the experience, prices range from €29.00 to €70.00. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Etna:

• Gambino Vini
• Camporè winery
• Maugeri
• Antichi Vinai 1877
• Cantina del Malandrino - Etna Winery
• Oro d'Etna
• Zumbo Vini
• Tenuta Rasocolmo

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Etna:

• Mirantur Wine & Olive Oil Experience at Serafica Estate on the Slopes of Etna
• Volcanic Wine and Gastronomic Discovery with a light lunch at Oro d'Etna
• Wine tour and light lunch experience at Palmento Costanzo
• Lunch and Etna Wine Tasting with vineyard tour at Emilio Sciacca
• Mirantur Superior Wine & Olive Oil Experience at Serafica Estate
• Grotte Wine & Oil Experience at Serafica Estate
• Historical Etna DOC Vineyard Tour & Tasting at Casale 120
• Wine Picnic at a Historical Etna DOC Vineyard at Casale 120 Winery