Mount Etna: Countryside Food & Wine Tour with Small Group

Summary

Etna vineyards, Sicilian flavors, laughter in lava-stone villages

You’ll wind through Etna’s lava-stone villages in a small group, taste cool local wines straight from family cellars, and share lunch in an old farmhouse where everything feels homemade. With your local guide leading the way and hotel pickup included, you’ll get real Sicilian warmth — plus maybe learn to say “buon appetito” without making everyone laugh.

What’s the experience like?

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I thought the minivan would feel cramped — turns out, with just six of us plus our guide Giulia (who’s from a village near Etna), it felt more like piling into a cousin’s car than anything official. We wound up through these little towns where the houses are all dark stone and there’s always someone outside sweeping or waving at the van. Giulia kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed — fig trees growing right out of the lava rock, old men playing cards under a faded awning. The air smelled almost sweet, mixed with something earthy I couldn’t place at first.

The first stop was this family winery that looked like it hadn’t changed in fifty years. The owner greeted us with a glass of white wine so cold it actually fogged up my glasses (I laughed at myself). We wandered through the cellars — cool and a bit damp — while he explained how Mount Etna’s soil makes their wine taste different. I’m not sure I understood all of it, but tasting those olives and sun-dried tomatoes with the second glass made me care less about the science anyway. Someone asked about the cheese and he just shrugged: “My sister makes it.” There was something comforting about that.

Lunch was at an old farmhouse — long tables, mismatched chairs, sunlight slanting in through lace curtains. There were these pastries filled with ricotta and lemon that I still think about when I’m hungry late at night. At one point Giulia tried to teach us how to say “buon appetito” properly; Li laughed when I tried (pretty sure I butchered it). It all felt relaxed — nobody rushed us back to the van or hovered over our plates. Honestly, by then the idea of returning to Taormina felt weirdly abrupt, but they dropped us off right at our door anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Etna countryside food and wine tour

• Pick up from accommodation at 10am
• Drive through Sicilian villages
• Admire lava-stone houses and vineyards
• Stop at family winery for white wine
• Guided cellar visit
• Taste 5 Etna wines and appetizers
• Visit antique restaurant/farmhouse
• Taste Mount Etna delicatessen and wine
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Mount Etna food & wine tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations in Taormina, Letojanni, or Giardini Naxos.

How many people are on the small group tour?

The small group tour has a maximum of 8 guests.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch featuring organic Etna products is included at a local farmhouse or country estate.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What kind of wine will we taste on this day trip?

You’ll taste several types of Etna wines (usually five), including white and red varieties produced locally.

How long does the food & wine tour last?

The total duration is approximately 6 hours.

Is transportation by air-conditioned vehicle?

Yes, round-trip transportation is provided by Mercedes minivan with air conditioning.

Are there any physical fitness requirements?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Taormina area hotels in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan. You’ll enjoy guided tastings at a family-run winery (with five local wines), sample cheeses and organic appetizers, then sit down for lunch featuring traditional Mount Etna delicacies and pastries before heading back home with your guide.