Sicily’s sun-drenched landscapes and volcanic soils have nurtured exceptional wines for generations. From small family estates to renowned wineries, the island’s diverse terroir produces distinctive vintages that capture its rich cultural heritage and winemaking traditions.
Let’s explore 20 outstanding Sicilian vineyards where you’ll discover exceptional wines and unforgettable tasting experiences.
Planeta Winery
The Planeta family transformed their 16th-century farmhouse into one of Sicily’s most innovative wine estates. Their six distinct vineyards across the island showcase different microclimates and soil compositions.
The flagship Ulmo estate near Sambuca di Sicilia offers comprehensive tastings of their award-winning Chardonnay and Nero d’Avola wines. Visitors can join cooking classes highlighting traditional Sicilian cuisine paired with estate wines. The ancient baglio (courtyard) provides an atmospheric setting for seasonal events celebrating local culture.
Tasca d’Almerita
Nestled in the rolling hills of central Sicily, this eight-generation family estate dates back to 1830. The Regaleali property spans 1,200 acres of vineyards, producing notable wines from both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Their renowned Rosso del Conte, first created in 1970, revolutionized Sicilian winemaking. The estate’s cooking school, Anna Tasca Lanza, teaches traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Overnight guests can stay in restored farm buildings surrounded by centuries-old olive groves.
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Donnafugata
Located on the western coast, Donnafugata combines artistic flair with winemaking excellence. The historic cellars in Marsala offer fascinating insights into traditional wine production methods.
Their Contessa Entellina estate produces the celebrated Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria from wind-swept volcanic soils. The winery’s creative labels and musical events reflect Sicily’s vibrant artistic heritage.
Visitors can explore the underground barrique cellar housing over 1,500 French oak barrels.
Benanti
Situated on Mount Etna’s mineral-rich slopes, Benanti pioneered the revival of volcano-grown wines. The winery produces exceptional Etna DOC wines from indigenous varieties like Carricante and Nerello Mascalese.
Their historic palmento (traditional wine press) demonstrates centuries-old crushing techniques. Small group tastings include vertical vintages showcasing how volcanic terroir influences wine development.
The panoramic terrace offers stunning views across the Mediterranean.
Cusumano
The modern Cusumano winery in Partinico reflects Sicily’s contemporary wine renaissance. Their state-of-the-art facility processes grapes from seven estates across the island.
The flagship Alta Mora wines express Mount Etna’s distinctive mineral character. Visitors can tour the innovative gravity-flow winemaking system and underground aging cellars. The stylish tasting room pairs wines with local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
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Occhipinti
Arianna Occhipinti’s natural wines have earned international acclaim since she started her estate at age 22. Her 25 acres of organic vineyards in Vittoria produce expressive Frappato and Nero d’Avola wines.
The minimalist winery reflects her non-interventionist philosophy, focusing on vineyard health. Small group visits include walks through the biodynamic gardens and olive groves. Tastings feature her rare SP68 wines named after the local country road.
Gulfi
This family estate in southeastern Sicily champions traditional bush-trained vines and organic farming. Their single-vineyard Nero d’Avola wines showcase different soil types within the Pachino region.
The modern winery incorporates sustainable design elements, including solar power. Visitors can join harvest activities and traditional grape stomping in autumn. The restaurant serves locally sourced Sicilian dishes paired with library vintages.
COS
Founded by three friends in 1980, COS helped establish the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. The winery ages some wines in traditional terracotta amphorae buried underground.
Their biodynamic approach includes using sheep for vineyard maintenance. The converted palmento houses an extensive collection of aging vessels. Tastings explore how different containers influence wine development.
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Graci
Alberto Graci’s high-altitude vineyards on Etna’s northern slope produce elegant, mineral-driven wines. The restored 19th-century palmento preserves traditional winemaking equipment.
Pre-phylloxera vines over 100 years old contribute to their complex field blends. Tours explain how volcanic soils and extreme weather shape wine character. The covered terrace provides year-round views of snow-capped Etna.
Frank Cornelissen
Belgian-born Frank Cornelissen crafts radical natural wines on Etna’s northern face. His high-elevation vineyards include centuries-old pre-phylloxera vines. The minimalist winery uses no additives or temperature control in vinification.
Small group visits must be arranged months in advance due to high demand. Tastings feature his rare Magma wine from ungrafted vines.
Marco De Bartoli
The De Bartoli family revolutionized traditional Marsala production methods. Their historic baglio dates from the late 1800s and contains vast aging cellars.
The winery produces exceptional Marsala, Passito, and dry wines from local grapes. Visitors can taste rare vintage Marsalas spanning several decades.
The museum displays traditional winemaking implements and documents.
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Feudo Montoni
This remote estate’s high-altitude vineyards preserve rare indigenous grape varieties. The restored 16th-century feudal property maintains historic winemaking facilities. Their pre-phylloxera Nero d’Avola vines produce particularly concentrated wines.
Tours explore the ancient underground palmento and aging caves. Family-style lunches feature recipes from the owner’s grandmother.
Alessandro di Camporeale
Located in western Sicily’s Camporeale district, this modern organic estate focuses on native grapes. The hillside vineyards enjoy perfect exposure and cooling sea breezes.
Their Syrah wines demonstrate Sicily’s potential with international varieties. The contemporary visitor center offers sweeping views of the countryside. Cooking workshops utilize vegetables from the organic garden.
Pietradolce
This boutique Etna producer specializes in single-vineyard expressions. Their ancient vineyards include plots over 120 years old on steep terraces. The gravity-flow winery minimizes mechanical intervention in winemaking.
Visits include challenging hikes through the mountain vineyards. The tasting room features local volcanic stone and chestnut wood.
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Cottanera
The Cambria family transformed their hazelnut groves into premium Etna vineyards. Different exposures and elevations allow them to optimize grape varieties to specific sites.
The modern winery combines efficiency with respect for tradition. Educational tastings compare wines from different slope aspects. The comfortable visitor center welcomes guests year-round.
Arianna Wines
This small estate focuses on the indigenous Grillo grape variety. The coastal vineyards benefit from mineral-rich soils and marine breezes.
Traditional concrete tanks are used for fermentation and aging. Intimate tastings often include barrel samples and experimental wines. The converted farmhouse provides authentic agriturismo accommodations.
Gurrida
This historic property near Mount Etna includes vineyards dating to the 1800s. The restored manor house contains period furnishings and winemaking artifacts. Their wines emphasize the unique character of high-altitude volcanic sites.
Tours explore the baroque gardens and centuries-old cellars. Formal tastings are conducted in the elegant drawing room.
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Valle dell’Acate
This sixth-generation estate champions the Cerasuolo di Vittoria denomination. The modern winery harmoniously blends into the rolling landscape.
Their Il Frappato wine helped revive interest in this native grape. Detailed tours explain every aspect of production and aging. The professional tasting room hosts regular wine education events.
Palmento Costanzo
Set within Etna National Park, this restored palmento celebrates traditional methods. The terraced vineyards rise from 1,800 to 2,800 feet elevation.
Historic press rooms and fermentation vats remain in active use. Guided tours demonstrate century-old winemaking techniques. Tastings take place in the atmospheric stone caverns.
Fostering Sicily’s Wine Heritage
These distinctive estates preserve Sicily’s winemaking legacy while embracing innovation. Their commitment to indigenous grape varieties and traditional methods ensures authentic expressions of terroir.
Through wine tourism and education programs, they share the island’s rich culture with visitors. Most importantly, they demonstrate how respecting the past creates exciting possibilities for Sicily’s wine future.
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