Etna Wineries Private Tour: 3 Tastings & Sicilian Lunch

Summary

Etna’s volcanic slopes, wine cellars, and Sicilian flavors in one day

You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Taormina or Catania for a private day trip to three Etna wineries—with tastings of DOC reds and whites, homemade Sicilian food, and stories from local winemakers. Expect laughter over mispronounced grape names, fresh air scented by citrus groves, and moments where Sicily feels like it’s just for you.

What’s the experience like?

I almost spilled my coffee when our driver, Salvo, pulled up with the car—he grinned like we were old friends already. The air outside Taormina was cool but smelled faintly sweet, like lemons and something earthy. We zigzagged through villages where old men waved from stone benches (one of them winked at us; I’m still not sure why). The black lava walls everywhere made the colors pop—green olive trees, orange groves, even the laundry strung up between houses. It felt like Sicily was showing off just for us.

The first Etna winery had this sleepy charm—nothing fancy, just rows of vines and a sommelier named Marta who handed me a glass before I could even ask. She explained how the volcanic soil changes everything about the grapes here. I tried to taste “minerality” in the white wine but mostly noticed how it made the bread with sun-dried tomatoes taste brighter. My friend tried to pronounce Nerello Mascalese (she failed spectacularly; Marta laughed and poured her another).

By the second stop, I’d lost track of time. There was pasta with wild fennel and a board of cheeses I couldn’t name—all paired with wines that tasted different than anything back home. At one point I just sat quietly looking out at Mount Etna through the window—smoke curling up in the distance—and felt really small but happy. The third winery was more rustic; we met the owner’s father who insisted we try his olive oil (“just bread, nothing else!”). I still think about that peppery aftertaste.

We rolled back toward Catania full and a little sleepy. Salvo played old Italian songs on the radio and told us about his grandmother’s harvest stories—he said Etna gives but sometimes takes away too. That stuck with me more than any tasting note.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour of three Etna wineries

• Pick up at hotel or port
• Drive through mountain villages
• Admire Sicilian countryside views
• Visit first winery and meet sommelier
• Taste 3 Etna DOC wines with local bites
• Drive to second winery with panoramic Etna view
• Taste 4 regional wines with traditional tagliere
• Visit third winery with authentic charm
• Taste 3 wines with domestic appetizers
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long is the private Etna wineries tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours including travel time between wineries.

Are food and wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, all food tastings and wine samples at each winery are included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup available from Catania or Taormina?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels or ports in Taormina, Catania or Messina are included.

What types of wines will we taste on this tour?

You’ll try a variety of Etna DOC red, white, and rosé wines at three different wineries.

Is lunch provided during the winery visits?

Yes, traditional Sicilian food is served alongside each wine tasting throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour allows infants with strollers or prams; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How many people can join this private tour?

The private experience starts from 2 people; semi-private options accommodate up to 8 guests.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Taormina, Catania or Messina by private car or minivan with bottled water on board; guided visits to three top Etna wineries with all entrance fees covered; generous tastings of red, white and rosé wines paired with fresh Sicilian dishes at every stop; plus drop-off back at your accommodation when you’re ready to nap off all that good food.