SICILY WINE TOURS
Explore Catania, Siracusa, Taormina, the Vineyards of the Coast and Mount Etna
A FOOD & WINE LOVERS DREAM
Sicily is known as the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The resulting fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, histories and languages has resulted in a deep richness and beauty. The inimitable ambience of the country, the friendliness of the Sicilian people we will meet, their “Cucina Siciliana” and ancient wine traditions on the southeast coast and on the slopes of Mount Etna add up to an experience second to none.
Our tour hosted by a Master of Wine lasts 5 days. We explore the ancient ruins and civilizations of Greece, Rome, and more, visit remarkable wineries and invite you to enjoy unique food and wine from coast to mountain. You’ll get privileged access to people, places and vintage wines. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Our program allows for some free time in Catania and Taormina, both of which have a rich history that is not to be missed. We will discover the lava rich vineyards and indigenous local grapes of the North Etna wine road and a Gourmet meal at a top restaurant before the trip winds down Sicilian style at an organic farm and a world famous Gelateria! Who could ask for more?
This is a combination unrivaled in Italy. It’s a fun-filled sensory and cultural experience I consider to be on my bucket list. Come discover the best Sicilian wineries with our exclusive wine tastings and tours.
I invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE TOUR AND REGION
ANCIENT CITIES
We meet in Catania where we spend our first day together exploring its historical highlights and being introduced to the generous nature of Sicilian food and wine. Our hotel for two nights is the beautifully restored five-star Palazzo Sangiorgio in the historic centre. We visit Siracusa (Syracuse), tour historic Ortigia island, and explore the ancient ruins at Taormina. Visits to top wineries of the region provide opportunities to taste unique coastal wines not usually on offer outside Italy.
CATANIA, SIRACUSA & ORTIGIA
Sicily has played an important role from ancient times right through to the unification of today’s Italy, so we begin by discovering the historical importance of these ancient cities. Walking with an experienced guide on the first afternoon will bring to life the vestiges of earlier civilizations in Catania. By now we are getting to know each other and the relaxed welcome dinner at one of the city’s top restaurant sets the scene for the days to come.
Day two dawns and we find ourselves admiring architectural wonders, elegant piazzas and palaces. The Duomo in Siracusa and the island of Ortigia are unforgettable. We are also invited to two of the most well respected coastal wineries where we meet Sicilian families who have been producing truly exceptional quality wines from local indigenous varieties for generations past.
TAORMINA & THE SLOPES OF NORTH ETNA
Day three and we are driving northwards to the Etna wine region. A stop on the way is at an important historical winery in Milo where the DOC rules were defined. A private visit and wine paired lunch will be taken here before moving on to iconic Taormina with its Greco- Roman Amphitheatre and amazing views. A private guided tour and an opportunity to sightsee is planned after which we take the drive inland to the Northern slopes of Mount Etna where our hotel for the remaining two nights will be Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort and Spa. That evening on the slopes of the “muntagna” we will be relaxing over dinner at a wine estate which has an excellent reputation among the locals as well as experts overseas.
THE VOLCANIC VINEYARDS OF MT. ETNA
Time is passing as we enter day four and our program focusses on the unique lava rich vineyards of Mount Etna and its dedicated producers. Very few other locations have such an extraordinary terroir – on an active volcano no less – so to be at its heart chatting with the locals and tasting Nerello Mascalese and other unique wines is a real treat. Dinner at one of the most highly rated restaurants close by our hotel completes a fully charged but amazing day!
A CHANGE OF PACE
The final day’s itinerary is a total change of pace. We visit a producer of fine Sicilian Amaro where we have lunch on our way back to Catania. It is always difficult to leave such an environment, but leave we must as a stop at Belpasso’s own world famous gelateria is on the schedule. We arrive back in Catania with memories to last a lifetime! Salute!
