Sicily is home to some of Italy’s most sought-after wines, which is quite a testament when its counterparts include Tuscany and Piedmont. The island’s volcanic soils, varied climate, and millennia-old wine-making traditions have made it a prestigious wine region in Italy and internationally.
Distinct local wines like Marsala, Nero d’Avola, and Frappato are always a favorite on my Palermo food tours, and it was these varieties that drew me into the world of Sicilian wine culture and traditions. If you’re a wine enthusiast like me, visiting some wineries and overlooking the picture-perfect vineyards is also a must!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top Sicilian wineries and vineyards for exceptional wine tours and tastings.
What Makes Sicilian Wines Unique?
Sicilian wines are unique for many reasons, but mainly due to their minerality and fruity characteristics. There are a variety of factors at play that have led to these unmistakable flavors, including climate, terrain, and a range of age-old approaches to wine-making.
Blessed with almost year-round sunshine, Sicily has some seriously favorable grape-growing conditions. Much of the wine here owes its success to the Scirocco and Maestrale winds, as they bring moisture to the vines and help to keep them safe from disease.
Additionally, Mount Etna, the soaring volcano that lies in the east of the island, provides fertile, mineral-rich soils that play a massive role in giving Sicilian wine its elegant, fresh flavors.
Although Sicily has had a turbulent history, its time spent under Greek and Roman rule opened it up to new production techniques like pruning and barrel aging. These changed local wines’ logistics and enhanced the previously utilized methods by indigenous populations.
Iconic Wineries in Sicily You Must Visit
Top-tier wineries are scattered across Sicily in various pockets of the island, but these are some of the best in the business.
Gambino Vini
Photo credit: Gambino Vini
Gambino Vini is a revered winery in the Catania region, run by a family of wine lovers since the late 1970s.
Their assortment of wines is superb, and some of their signature products are their berry-like Nero d’Avola and a Grillo with crisp melon and pineapple notes.
They offer a variety of wine and culinary experiences, all of which include guided tours of their impeccably kept cellar. You’ll need a car for this winery, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Gambino Vini (€€) – Contrada Petto Dragone, 95015 Linguaglossa CT, Italy – Open every day from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Di Giovanna Winery
Photo credit: Di Giovanna Winery
Di Giovanna is an organic, family-run winery nestled in the mountains of the Agrigento region. Because of its remote location, you’ll have to hire a driver or rent a car.
Although they grow some international favorites like Merlot, the Sicilian wines are what it’s all about here. I’m a huge fan of their Catarratto Lucido, primarily due to its quirky fusion of peachy yet savory tones.
Their tastings and tours range from 3-wine affairs to customizable picnic experiences!
Di Giovanna Winery (€€) – Contrada S. Giacomo, 92017 Sambuca di Sicilia AG, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed every Sunday.
Etna Urban Winery
Photo credit: Etna Urban Winery
Etna Urban Winery in Catania is unique in that it’s rare to find vineyards in such a built-up area, let alone one that’s been operating since 1790.
The team here specializes in Nerello Mascalese, and its complex mineral finish, floral notes, and smokey hues quickly won me over.
In addition to its broad selection of tours, including lunch, aperitivo, and sunset specials, you can also avail of the shuttle service.
Etna Urban Winery (€€) – Via Catira, 40, 95027 San Gregorio di Catania CT, Italy – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open every Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm (opening times vary).
Donnafugata
Photo credit: Donnafugata
Donnafugata has five locations in Sicily, but I suggest starting with the Marsala cellars, which are over 150 years old and dedicated to sustainable practices.
Here, wines from their numerous estates are aged, including their divine Etan Bianco packed with zingy lemon and fragrant herbal hues.
There’s an extensive list of tours available here, some of which come with Sicilian street food pairings or include lesser-known wines. Best of all, the cellars are just a quick stroll from the Marsala train station.
Donnafugata (€€) – Via Sebastiano Lipari, 18, 91025 Marsala TP, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Iconic Sicilian Wine Varieties to Try
Nero d’Avola – This bold dry red is loved for its dark fruit flavors and smooth finish, earning it DOC status.
Frappato – Frappato is a gorgeous, light-bodied red that blends earthy and spicy notes with hints of candied fruit. It’s the only Sicilian wine to achieve DOCG accreditation, awarded only to premier Italian wines.
Marsala – Sicily’s most beloved dessert wine, Marsala, is bursting with vanilla, apricot, and brown sugar flavors. It’s been recognized by Decanter, which runs the world’s most prestigious wine competition.
Etna Bianco – A classic Sicilian dry white, this wine has a velvety mouthfeel and a refreshing balance of citrusy and herbaceous tones. These qualities led to its success at the Sommerlier’s Choice Awards over the years.
Grillo – Often used with other grapes to make Marsala wine, Grillo is just as delightful in its own right. Its mix of tropical fruit flavors, acidity, and subtle bitterness helped it reach DOC certification.
How to Plan Your Wine Tour in Sicily
If you’re new to Sicilian wine, you can get a taste of some of the most treasured varieties on my Palermo food tour before committing to a full tour or tasting session.
Those keen to visit some Sicilian wineries should consider doing so between May and October. May and June are great for avoiding the peak summer crowds while making the most of the sunshine, but the harvest season kicks off in late September, which is equally exciting!
Some wineries require you to make your own way there, meaning at least one person in your party won’t be able to sample the wines. As such, booking a tour with transport included is worth considering.
No matter how you choose to plan your Sicilian winery visit, I always recommend checking out the reviews to ensure you know what to expect from the overall experience.
Conclusion
Exploring the wineries of Sicily is something that every wine-loving traveler should experience. From the premium wines and diverse varieties to the stunning vine-covered hills and sweeping vistas, these wineries offer an unparalleled introduction to Sicily’s finest wine regions.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Palermo food tour: Discover the authentic flavors of Palermo’s street food. Eating Europe. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/palermo/
Gambino Vini. (n.d.). Gambino Vini: Discover the wines of Mount Etna. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.vinigambino.it/en/home/
Di Giovanna Winery. (n.d.). Di Giovanna: Organic Sicilian wines. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.di-giovanna.com/en/
Etna Urban Winery. (n.d.). Etna Urban Winery: Wine experiences at the heart of Etna. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.etnaurbanwinery.it/
Donnafugata. (n.d.). The territories of Donnafugata: Marsala. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.donnafugata.it/en/the-territories-of-donnafugata/marsala/
Decanter. (n.d.). Decanter: The world’s best wine magazine. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.decanter.com/
Sommeliers Choice Awards. (n.d.). Sommeliers Choice Awards: Recognizing the best wines for on-premise consumption. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://sommelierschoiceawards.com/en/
- Mon to Sat
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
