Some of my favourite travel experiences this year have been in Eastern Sicily – exploring the Etna wine region, wandering historic towns in the south, and tasting unforgettable wines straight from the source. It has completely stolen my heart! It offers everything I love in a luxury wine holiday: volcanic vineyards, small family-run wineries, spectacular scenery, and towns overflowing with culture and charm.
If you’re considering where to go for a Sicilian wine tour that feels authentic, immersive and beautifully curated, Eastern Sicily really is the perfect choice. From Mount Etna’s mineral-rich reds to coastal sunsets in Syracuse and indulgent chocolate in Modica – here are 10 reasons a wine holiday in Eastern Sicily should be next on your list!
1. Exceptional Wines Found Nowhere Else in Europe
The wines of Eastern Sicily really are as distinctive as the island itself! Forget what you know about popular European grapes, as indigenous Sicilian grapes dominate here. Most famously, Nero d’Avola, but there are others to be discovered too: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappucio, Carricante and Frappato to name a few!
There is something for every palate – crisp whites, aromatic rosés and elegant, mineral-forward reds! The unique landscape gifts a truly unique character to the wines, which are shaped by elements such as volcanic soils, coastal breezes, and a warm climate.
My personal favourite is an Etna Rosso DOC – the strength of the grape, grown on volcanic soil, is palpable in every glass! This is volcanic wine at is most expressive and perfect for anyone seeking a wine tasting experience on Mount Etna!
2. Small, Family-Run Wineries with Intimate Experiences
In Eastern Sicily, the hospitality is personal, relaxed and heartfelt – and this is no different in the wine regions! Boutique, family-run wineries in Sicily offer a more intimate experience than large commercial estates, allowing you to feel the passion of the winemakers and learn something truly unique at each wine tasting.
Agriturismo stays are another highlight – imagine waking up surrounded by vineyards and olive groves! Vineyard stay experiences perfectly blend with luxury wine tours in Sicily – letting you connect with the heart of the region!
3. Learn About Traditional and Organic Winemaking
In Eastern Sicily the culture is rooted in nature, and many wineries embrace eco-practices with small-scale, low-intervention winemaking that keeps traditional practices alive. Organic wineries in Sicily are truly something special, and even seasoned oenophiles will gain a deeper appreciation, learning about everything from hand-harvesting techniques to the agricultural rhythms that define these small estates.
This makes a wine tour in Eastern Sicily the perfect location for those seeking an eco-experience, beginners who are looking to learn, and for wine buffs who are searching for something unique!
4. Stunning Scenery and Sunshine All Year Round
As a wise man (probably) once said, wine tastes better with a view! Eastern Sicily is home to rolling vineyards, olive groves, and of course, the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna. The regions enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year – ideal for outdoor lunches, wine tastings, and strolling around vineyards and small towns.
Each sip is enhanced by stunning scenery, be it a coastal view, a hilltop panorama, or the golden glow of a Sicilian sunset. The perfect setting for Sicily wine tours? Combining taste with nature!
5. A Wine Trip Full of Culture and History
Wine, meet culture. Small towns, ancient ruins, and majestic churches create a rich backdrop for a Sicilian wine holiday. Wander medieval streets, admire centuries-old cathedrals, and immerse yourself in the island’s history while discovering new wines along the way!
The region is packed with towns that deserve their own moment, so I’ve highlighted my favourites in the following reasons.
6. Baroque Architecture in Ragusa and Chocolate in Modica
On a recent trip to the Ragusa region, I was blown away by the Baroque architecture. Ragusa Ibla and Modica in particular are jewels of Baroque Sicily.
Ragusa Ibla delights with ornate churches, narrow alleyways and elegant piazzas, while Modica combines a lively town atmosphere with the famous bittersweet Modica chocolate, made from just two ingredients!
Pair a glass of Nerello Mascalese with Modica’s chocolate for a uniquely Sicilian tasting experience. The combination of baroque architecture, Sicilian wine, and local gastronomy makes for a truly unforgettable trip!
7. Discover Syracuse and Ortigia
The UNESCO-listed old town of Ortigia – filled with Greek and Roman ruins, baroque palaces, and vibrant markets – sits nestled in the beautiful coastal city of Syracuse. Historic charm and elegance meet the sea here, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Nero d’Avola while watching the sun set over the Ionian Sea! Syracuse is essential for anyone seeking a cultural and wine travel in Sicily experience.
8. Explore Mount Etna
Mount Etna… Europe’s highest active volcano, and a highlight of any Eastern Sicily wine tour. The wineries in the surrounding region provide a truly unique experience, as you’ll discover the minerality and intensity in the wines which is created by volcanic soil.
Add lava caves, gentle (or challenging) guided hikes, a farm-to-table lunch or a ride on the Etna Wine Train for incredible views – I wasn’t lying when I said that Eastern Sicily offers a truly immersive wine holiday!
9. Taormina: Where Culture Meets Glamour
Taormina – sweeping sea views, ancient theatres, luxury boutiques. The perfect blend of luxury and charm, Taormina is the perfect base for a refined wine holiday in Sicily!
The setting of Season 3 of the award-winning TV show ‘White Lotus’, Taormina boasts sweeping sea views, ancient theatres, and luxury boutiques. The perfect blend of luxury and charm, Taormina is the ideal base for a refined wine holiday in Sicily. Enjoy a crisp Sicilian white at a wine bar overlooking the bay, after a day exploring the Etna wine region – can it get any more perfect?
10. Sicilian Food: Farm-to-Table Feasts and Sweet Indulgences
Saving the best until last… the food! It wouldn’t be a Sicilian wine holiday without indulging in the island’s extraordinary food. There’s no such thing as a light lunch here – wine lunches in Sicily are generous affairs! You can expect homemade pasta, fresh cheeses, local meats, seasonal vegetables. Think farm-to-table in the most authentic sense – with many wineries producing local delights such as hazelnuts, pistachios, and olives.
A special mention to the Sicilian cannoli – which, with their sweet ricotta and pistachio filling, are the perfect way to round off a tasting. Pair them with Etna DOC wines or a Passito (a Sicilian dessert wine) for a full Sicilian food and wine experience.
When I think back on my time in Eastern Sicily, it’s the memories around the table that stand out the most – a glass of Etna Rosso enjoyed with the winemaker, long farm-to-table lunches, and discovering tiny towns bursting with history. A wine holiday in Eastern Sicily isn’t just about tasting great wines (though there are plenty of those!) – it’s a chance to truly feel the soul of the island.
If you’re dreaming of luxury bespoke wine travel that blends incredible wines, culture, cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, Eastern Sicily delivers all of that and more – and I would love to plan your dream trip for you. You can get in touch with me directly by email or on +44 (0) 1920 468 666 to book your Eastern Sicily Grape Escape, or fill out our contact us form and we’ll be in touch.
You can read more about Sicily with Grape Escapes here or explore our Exclusive Eastern Sicily tour for more inspiration on a trip similar to Maddi’s.
