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Wine-tasting tours on Mount Etna
Which wine-tasting experience is best for you?
4x4 tour
Best suited for: Adventure seekers, families, and groups
Duration: 5 hours
Guide: Yes
- Experience Mount Etna’s dramatic landscapes as you traverse rugged lava fields, ancient caves, and breathtaking viewpoints in a 4x4 vehicle.
- Tour a local oil mill and winery to learn about traditional production methods and enjoy tastings of fresh olive oil and regional wines.
Recommended tour:
- Mount Etna Guided Tour by 4x4 with Wine Tasting
Guided hike
Best suited for: Food and wine enthusiasts, couples, and solo travelers
Duration: 8 hours
Guide: Yes
- Explore Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes with an expert guide, and hike through craters, lava fields, and a volcanic cave.
- Enjoy a curated tasting of local wines and olive oils paired with traditional Sicilian delicacies.
Recommended tour:
- Mount Etna Guided Tour with Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
If wine tasting is not for you, there are many other ways to enjoy your time at Mount Etna. Explore your options here.
Etna's volcanic vineyards
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Must-try wines on Mount Etna
Nerello Mascalese
Profile: Bold and complex, with notes of red berries, spices, and earthy minerals.
Why it’s special: Known for its elegance and aging potential, this red wine thrives in volcanic soils.
Where to buy:
- Purchase directly from wineries or local enotecas in Taormina and Catania.
- Available internationally through specialty wine retailers like Vinatis or Decántalo.
- Cost: Prices range from €20–€50 per bottle, depending on vintage and producer.
Carricante
Profile: A crisp white wine with citrusy notes, green apple, and a smoky minerality.
Why it’s special: Indigenous to Mount Etna, Carricante reflects the purity and freshness of high-altitude vineyards.
Where to buy:
- Easily found at winery shops or regional wine stores across Sicily.
- Online platforms like Vivino often stock premium Carricante.
- Cost: Expect to pay between €18–€40 per bottle.
Etna Rosso & Etna Bianco DOC
Profile: Balanced blends that highlight the synergy of volcanic terroir and traditional Sicilian winemaking.
Why it’s special: Recognized as the region's signature wines, these DOC labels represent Etna’s winemaking excellence.
Where to buy:
- Available at wineries, Sicilian enotecas, and international wine retailers.
- Cost: Prices range from €15–€35 per bottle, making them a great value for DOC wines.
Passito di Sicilia
Profile: Sweet and aromatic, with flavors of dried apricots, honey, and almonds.
Why it’s special: A perfect dessert wine made using ancient drying techniques.
Where to buy:
- Limited production, but often available at wineries or local Sicilian markets.
- Cost: Sweet wines like Passito are priced around €25–€60 per bottle, reflecting their artisanal nature.
Frequently asked questions about wine tasting on Mount Etna
Do I need prior wine knowledge to enjoy the tasting?
No prior wine knowledge is required. The tasting experience is designed for all levels, and the guide will provide insightful details about each wine, its production, and its connection to Mount Etna's volcanic landscape.
How long does the wine-tasting experience last?
The wine tasting typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the group size and the number of wines being sampled.
Can I purchase wine during the tour?
Yes, you'll have the opportunity to purchase wines directly from the vineyard to take home, offering a taste of Mount Etna's wine long after the tour ends.
Are food pairings included with the wine tasting?
Most wine tastings on Mount Etna offer small local food pairings such as cheeses, olives, and cured meats to complement the wines.
Is the wine tasting suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
If you have dietary restrictions, it’s recommended to inform the tour provider in advance so they can accommodate your needs, especially regarding food pairings.
What is the best time of year to visit Mount Etna for wine tasting?
The best time for wine tasting on Mount Etna is from late spring to early fall when the weather is most favorable for outdoor tours and the vineyards are in full bloom.