Sicily is an island rich in history, art and culture, but also in natural beauty. Its shores are bathed by the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea and its land is kissed by the hot southern sun. Sicily is not only famous for its history and landscapes; the food and wine of this island have enchanted its visitors for centuries. In Sicily, you will be able to visit several historical wineries and take part in some unforgettable wine tastings.

During your winery visits in Sicily, you will learn how winemaking is deeply rooted in the island’s traditions, where vines appear to be present since before the Greek era. It was the Greeks however that introduced proper viticulture techniques in Sicily, such as pruning and varietal selection. For centuries Sicily continued to produce wine with a high percentage of alcohol by volume, destined to be blended. The 1970s represent an important enological turning point for Sicily: the production of highly alcoholic wines was put on the side to favor new, fresher wines, more elegant and aromatic, often obtained by the ancient vines and autochthonous grapes. Today the region boasts 23 DOC, 1 DOCG and 7 IGT wines which you’ll be able to taste during your wine tastings.

Together with Sicilian wine, Sicilian food will be one of the highlights of your wine tastings in this fantastic destination. Some of the most iconic delicacies that you shouldn’t miss out on while visiting Sicily are pasta alla Norma, pasta con le sarde, arancini (or arancine) and caponata, as well as the famous cannoli and cassata for dessert.

Your wine tastings in Sicily will most likely include wines made both with international and native vine varieties. The most widespread white grape types in the region are Zibibbo, Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Malvasia and Moscato. The most widespread black grape varieties are instead Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Calabrese, Nerello and Perricone. The main international varieties found in Sicily are instead Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

Wine tastings and winery visits in Sicily can be booked during every season. Summers on the island get quite warm, with temperatures easily ranging between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius during the day. So, if you’re planning on taking part in activities like hikes and sightseeing, we recommend visiting Sicily either in spring or in autumn, when the temperatures are milder.

While in Sicily, you will have the opportunity to visit various wineries across the island and enjoy wine tastings in its charming landscapes. Make sure to save some time to visit a few of the highlights of this beautiful southern region, such as Mount Etna, the Valley of the Temples outside Agrigento, the ancient Roman Villa del Casale, the suggestive Botanical and Geological Park of Gole Alcantara or the wonderful Aeolian Islands.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Sicily is around €47.50. Depending on the experience, prices range from €15.00 to €80.00. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Sicily:

• Azienda Agricola Augustali
• Gambino Vini
• Duca di Salaparuta
• GURRIERI
• Terre di Gratia
• Caruso & Minini
• Camporè winery
• Maugeri

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Sicily:

• Vineyards tour and tasting of natural wines and olive oil at Armosa winery
• Wine tasting experience in Marsala at Alagna Vini
• 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
• Visit & Wine tasting at the Fausta Mansio Winery in Siracusa
• Donna Franca extra lunch experience
• Lunch and Etna Wine Tasting with vineyard tour at Emilio Sciacca
• Wine tour and light lunch experience at Palmento Costanzo