Discovering the charm of wineries in Sicily, Italy

The Island of sun, sea, and savor

Sicily, the sun-kissed jewel of Italy, is a land where ancient history, breathtaking scenery, and a passion for good food and wine come together in perfect harmony. For wine lovers, this island is nothing short of paradise. With its rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and the ever-present silhouette of Mount Etna, Sicily offers a wine tasting experience unlike any other in the world.

Wine tourism

Wine tourism in Sicily is thriving, drawing visitors from across the globe to explore its diverse wineries and taste the fruits of its fertile soil. Whether you’re wandering through the lush vineyards on the southeastern slopes or savoring a glass of Etna DOC wine in the shadow of an active volcano, every winery visit promises a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and warm Sicilian hospitality. The island’s best wineries, such as the renowned Cavanera Etnea Wine Resort, invite guests to immerse themselves in the art of winemaking, offering guided wine tours, tastings, and even hands-on cooking classes that celebrate the flavors of Sicily.

Winemaking heritage

Sicily’s winemaking heritage is as rich as its landscape. The volcanic soil of Mount Etna produces some of Italy’s most distinctive wines, with Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grapes giving rise to aromatic reds and crisp whites that have captivated wine enthusiasts worldwide. In the west, the historic town of Marsala is famous for its sweet, fortified wines, while the southeastern slopes are home to vibrant reds and elegant rosé wines crafted from local grape varieties.

But the Sicilian experience goes beyond the glass. Many wineries also produce exceptional olive oil, and tastings often include a sampling of the island’s finest olive oils alongside their wines. From the moment you step into a tasting room, you’ll be welcomed like family, invited to discover the stories behind each bottle and the generations of winemaking that have shaped Sicily’s identity.

Whether you’re drawn to bold red wine, refreshing white wine, delicate rosé wines, or luscious sweet wines, Sicily’s wineries offer something for every palate. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a deep-rooted love for the land, Sicily is a destination that promises unforgettable moments for wine lovers and travelers alike. Embark on a wine tour of this remarkable island, visit its famous wineries, and let the flavors of Sicily leave a lasting impression on your heart and your palate.

A history rooted in ancient vines

Sicily’s wine story begins over 3,000 years ago with the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who recognized the island’s fertile soils and sunlit slopes as prime territory for grape cultivation. Over the centuries, viticulture flourished under Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule, each leaving a cultural imprint on winemaking practices.

While Sicily was once best known for sweet Marsala and bulk wine production, a quality revolution has taken place since the 1990s. Today, it’s home to a vibrant mosaic of boutique estates and celebrated DOCs and DOCGs, showcasing both indigenous and international varietals. Many of these wineries are run by families whose winemaking traditions span six generations, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage of Sicilian viticulture. This resurgence has propelled many producers into the ranks of the best wineries in Sicily.

A Mediterranean paradise for vines

Sicily’s unique climate is a winemaker’s dream: long, hot summers, mild winters, and consistent coastal breezes that reduce humidity and disease pressure. Combine this with a diverse topography – from Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes to inland hills and coastal plains, where vineyards often coexist with olive trees – and you get a spectacular terroir mosaic.

The island is divided into several distinct wine zones, each offering its own character:

• Mount Etna: Home to dramatic, mineral-driven wines thanks to volcanic soils, especially on the northern slopes, which are renowned for their unique vineyard conditions and high-altitude terroir.

• Western Sicily: Particularly around Marsala and Trapani, famous for Grillo and Nero d’Avola.

• Southeastern Sicily: The Noto and Vittoria regions produce fresh, aromatic reds and crisp whites.

Eastern Sicily stands out for its volcanic soils and native grape varieties, reflecting the region's rich winemaking heritage and cultural significance.

Signature grapes of Sicily

Sicily is bursting with indigenous grapes that are finally getting the global attention they deserve:

• Nero d’Avola: Often dubbed the “Black Pearl of Sicily,” this bold red offers notes of black cherry, plum, and spice. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and hearty pasta dishes.

• Frappato: A lighter red, known for its floral and strawberry tones. It’s a star in the DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria.

• Grillo: Once used mainly in Marsala, now celebrated for its citrusy, saline-driven white wines.

• Carricante: A white gem from Etna’s slopes, offering high acidity and minerality, great with seafood. Old vines of Carricante on Mount Etna are renowned for producing aromatic wines with remarkable complexity and elegance.

• Catarratto and Inzolia: Found throughout the island, yielding crisp, balanced whites.

International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon are also cultivated in Sicily, contributing to the region’s diverse wine offerings alongside these native grapes.

Traditional pairings: What to sip and savor

Sicilian wines are made to shine alongside the island’s rich culinary traditions:

• Nero d’Avola + Caponata: The sweet-sour harmony of eggplant and vinegar finds its perfect match in the lush fruitiness of this red.

• Grillo + Grilled Swordfish: Both are local icons, and their pairing captures the coastal soul of Sicily.

• Frappato + Arancini: The bright acidity of Frappato cuts through the richness of these fried rice balls.

• Etna Bianco (Carricante) + Octopus Salad: The crisp, mineral notes enhance delicate marine flavors.

Some of the best wineries in Sicily to visit

Exploring the best wineries in Sicily isn’t just about the wine – it’s about the stories. There are many exceptional wineries to visit across Sicily, and visits to these wineries offer unique and memorable experiences. Many travelers who have visited these estates have found their tours and tastings to be truly unforgettable.

A winery tour in Sicily often includes immersive experiences such as walking through scenic vineyards, exploring the cellar, and tasting a variety of local wines. Worth noting is the impressive diversity and quality of Sicilian wineries, which makes the region a top destination for wine tourism.

Here are a few standouts that blend character, history, and innovation. These are a good place to start but don't rob yourself of the opportunity to visit some of the other amazing wineries in the region as well.

Start with a Sicilian classic: Planeta

Few names are as synonymous with modern Sicilian wine as Planeta. With vineyards across the island – from Menfi to Noto to Etna – each estate tells a different terroir story. Their tastings are a great way to explore this diversity, and their focus on sustainability adds even more depth to every sip.

Step back in time with COS

At COS in Vittoria, tradition meets creativity. Founded by three friends in the 1980s, they revived ancient winemaking techniques like clay amphora aging. The result? Natural wines full of character and soul. Their Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a standout, and the cellar tour alone is worth the visit.

Taste the island’s poetry at Donnafugata

Donnafugata blends art, storytelling, and craftsmanship across five estates. Their wines are as expressive as their labels – playful yet rooted in place. Try their legendary Ben Ryé dessert wine, or explore their curated tastings inspired by everything from literature to TV (yes, there’s a “White Lotus” experience!).

Feel the fire at Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Mount Etna is Sicily’s most dramatic wine region, and Tenuta delle Terre Nere is one of its stars. With old vines growing on volcanic soils, their single-vineyard reds (especially from Nerello Mascalese) are as layered and complex as the terrain itself. This is where geology meets finesse.

Soak in the heritage at Tasca d’Almerita

At the Regaleali Estate, winemaking has been a family affair for generations. Set in Sicily’s rural interior, this estate is steeped in tradition – but never stuck in the past. Expect warm hospitality, rolling hills, and wines that helped put Sicilian quality on the global map.

Go off the grid with Frank Cornelissen

If you're seeking something wild and raw, Frank Cornelissen’s Etna wines are the ticket. He’s one of natural wine’s boldest voices, crafting intensely expressive bottles from old vines and native grapes. Visits here are rare and intimate – book early if you’re lucky enough to go.

A little tip: While these wineries are exceptional, they’re just a starting point. Sicily is brimming with hidden gems, so leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous stops and surprise discoveries. That's part of the magic.

Your Sicilian wine adventure awaits

Whether you're wandering through ancient vineyards in Sicily, Italy, or sipping a glass of Etna Rosso on your patio, there’s something undeniably magical about this island’s wines. The land, the history, the passion of its people – all pour into every bottle.

So next time you're planning a wine getaway or just browsing Vivino, consider diving into the world of vineyards in Sicily, Italy. You’ll find that the best winery Sicily has to offer might just be the one that tells your favorite story in the glass.