- Wine Tour Destinations
Sicily has more vineyards than any other region of Italy, making it the ideal destination for a luxury wine tour. From beautiful historic towns and over 1,000 km of coastline to volcanic landscapes and rolling countryside, Sicily offers an incredible variety of places to explore.
The capital of Sicily is Palermo, a popular place to fly into and a great starting point to exploring the island’s western vineyards and rich cultural heritage.
Palermo boasts incredible Arabic architecture and a burgeoning gastronomy scene that is sure to keep you busy. A must-visit between sight seeing and eating local cuisine is Palermo’s plethora of markets, where you will find an excellent choice of designer boutique stores that display authentic local handmade coral jewellery.
Approximately a two-hour drive from Palermo, you’ll reach the western tip of Sicily, home to the striking salt flats of Trapani, a dramatic coastal landscape shaped by wind, sea, and centuries of salt production. Nearby lies the historic town of Marsala, best known for its world-famous fortified wine. This area has given us and our guests a fascinating blend of natural scenery, cultural heritage and winemaking tradition.
East of Palermo lies the picture-perfect town of Cefalù. Famous for its gorgeous sandy beach and its striking Norman Cathedral, the town is a joy to explore. Its cobbled streets are lined with an expansive selection of cafés and restaurants that cannot be missed.
Located off the north coast of Sicily are the volcanic Aeolian Islands, often referred to as the Lipari Islands after the largest island in the group, a striking archipelago shaped by volcanic activity and surrounded by crystal-clear waters we highly recommend taking time to explore.
From the slopes of Mount Etna to ancient Greek cities and baroque streets, Sicily’s east coast brings together some of the island’s most unforgettable scenery and experiences.
Sicily is perhaps best known as the home to Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, situated in the northeast of the island. Granted UNESCO Heritage status in 2013, the volcano’s fertile soil provides ideal growing conditions for the vineyards, orchards, and olive groves around its foothills.
You have the option to explore the volcano on a guided hiking tour or by 4×4 vehicle, both led by a licensed professional. Hiking options range from gentle walking routes around the base to more challenging treks towards the main crater.
To reach the main crater, it is advisable to check the status of the ascents in advance, as it is subject to strict safety regulations. It is important to note that there is a significant difference in temperature at the base to the peak.
Whichever option you choose, it is crucial to take advantage of the ideal growing conditions with lunch at a local winery.
Northeast to Mount Enta is a charming historical town called Taormina. Perched 200 metres above the sea with a spectacular view of the volcano, wandering the myriad of pedestrianised narrow streets is our ideal way to experience Taormina.
Taormina is the perfect starting point to discover the wines of Etna and beyond.
To the south of Mount Etna is Catania, the second largest city in the Sicily area. Set in the shadow of the ancient volcano, Catania is the arrival point for most visitors to Sicily.
Founded in the 8th Century BC by the Ancient Greeks, the old town of Catania was almost entirely destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. Rebuilt in the Baroque style, the city is often referred to as the “grey city” due to the unique use of lava as the chosen building material for the reconstruction.
We highly recommend exploring the old town. While small enough to explore on foot, its lavish architecture and impressive squares create the perfect historical day break.
Here, we recommend trying Catania’s famous traditional dish: Pasta alla Norma, named after the opera by Vincenzo Bellini, the city’s most famous son. This delicious combination of aubergines cooked in a tomato sauce with herbs and ricotta cheese is one of our favourite Sicilian dishes.
Siracusa (Syracuse) dates to the first Ancient Greek settlement in Sicily during the 8th Century BC. The city’s rich Greek and Roman heritage coupled with its sheltered sandy coves make it a haven for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
The magic of Siracusa lies in the original old town, Ortigia Island. Crossing the bridge to the quaint centre is like stepping back in time. Take a morning to wander through the ancient streets and enjoy the many cafés, bars, boutique shops, and art galleries on offer.
The daily morning market, open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 1pm, is a real favourite among our travel experts, a brilliant spot to pick up fresh local produce and handmade specialities, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
No visit to Siracusa would be complete without seeing the impressive Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre, both located in the Archaeological Park of Néapolis.
Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Siracusa, Noto is an extraordinary place to visit. The stunning town was rebuilt in the lavish Baroque style following the historic 1693 earthquake. In 2002, Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO heritage site.
A short distance from Noto is Ragusa, which was also devastatingly destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Ragusa is an intriguing town split into two parts: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla.
Despite both Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla being rebuilt on new sites, Ragusa Superiore was rebuilt with modernity in mind by the wealthy citizens of the town, while Ragusa Ibla remained a charming jumble of narrow streets and houses perched on the hillside. We highly recommend a visit to both towns as part of your stay in Sicily and would love to recommend visits and tastings at the many exceptional wineries in the surrounding area.
Our friendly team would love to hear from you on +44 (0) 1920 56 02 75 or at info@grapeescapes.net to discuss your requirements and suggest a premium Sicily wine tour, however we have listed here some of our favourite offerings, which are also available to book online.
If you can’t find what you are looking for on our web site, we would be thrilled to put together a tailor-made Sicily wine tour itinerary for you. Just get in touch!
"First class." We have had a fabulous time and can't thank you enough - the attention to my requests and the detail of the trip was great - the perfect mix of wine tasting and time to explore.
Sarah - Milton Keynes, UK
Around half of our trips are completely bespoke. Our expert team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create your perfect trip.
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