Catania is a vibrant city nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily and its exquisite wines are one of the main reasons people venture to this corner of Italy.

Wine tours and tastings in Catania showcase the region's flourishing vineyards and wineries and foster a luxurious atmosphere that also explores the region’s history and nature, showing how the city has become a true haven for wine enthusiasts.

Here's all you need to know about wine tours and tastings, one of the most aromatic gastronomic experiences in Catania.

What are the best wine tours in Catania?

Catania wine and food tour

Wine tours in Catania go hand in hand with food experiences, two elements that help each other soar. Go into the countryside of Catania and around Mount Etna to visit several wineries and taste the best wine on offer.

Pop into Zafferana Etnea to taste honey and olive oil before joining a sommelier to take you on a viticulture journey from pruning and harvesting to bottling and enjoying. Enjoy lunch at another winery that has paired each course with a new wine to elevate it to the stratosphere.

Etna, Alcantara and wine tasting tour

This wine tour in Catania is for the adventurous spirits and takes you beyond the boundaries of vineyards. It also takes you into the heart of the most prominent feature of the region — Mount Etna.

Start the day with a 2-hour trek across the mountain before visiting a charming winery for wine tasting and lunch. This is also available as a private tour for a more intimate experience.

If you seek even more adventure, book a tour that also includes a visit to Alcantara. End the day back in nature with a visit to the Alcantara Gorges, one of the most beautiful corners of Sicily.

Train journey and wine tour

This unique journey is a private experience that makes the journey just as much a highlight as the destination. Take a scenic journey on the historic small train that climbs to the remote villages scattered around Mount Etna.

After stopping and enjoying some local fare along the way you will stop at a winery and try the delicious wines of the region. If you're still hungry, you could book a food tour to taste more of the local specialties.

Are there any combos available with wine tours in Catania?

Wine tour and Godfather tour

One of the most popular things to do in Catania is a tour of the villages used in the filming of The Godfather. Visit the iconic filming locations and learn some behind-the-scenes gossip but also pair this with a wine tasting for a well-rounded experience on a Godfather tour.

Which places are visited?

Wine tours in Catania go to different vineyards based on the preferences of the tour operators. One of the most popular options is Oro d'Etna, where you can taste wine from different wineries and also enjoy delicious local food. A must-try wine is the Etna Rosso varietal that springs to life in the volcanic soil of Catania, delivering a bright acidity to the wine.

Most Catania wine tours are also paired with a visit to Mount Etna. Standing at a staggering height of 3,329 meters, it dominates the surrounding landscape with its majestic presence. Most tours take you to a height of 2,000 meters but there is a cable car to the summit if you dare.

This thrilling journey takes hikers across lunar-like landscapes, with striking lava fields, volcanic craters, and occasional fumaroles releasing wisps of steam. The trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of nature while being surrounded by the mystique of this iconic volcano.

How much do wine tours in Catania cost?

Wine tours in Catania that include a visit to Mount Etna cost around €100 per person. This does not include the price for the cable car ride, but your transportation and wine needs are well taken care of.

A more in-depth experience is the wine tour that visits only wine farms and you will pay €115 per person for this. Tours that include a visit to Alcantara are also around €100 per person but the group size and the number of wines on offer help to keep this price down.

A private wine tour and visit to Etna costs around €180 per person. The train tour and wine experience also costs €180 per person or you can book a trip for €450 for a group of seven people.

What is included?

Wine tours in Catania include several wine tastings throughout the day. Most tours also have some food included and you can look forward to either a full Sicilian lunch or a tasting of several local bites. The tours also include transportation to and from Catania with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where does it start?

Wine tours in Catania offer hotel pickup and you arrange the location with the tour operator ahead of time. If you're still hungry afterwards, you could schedule to have dinner in Catania with a local home chef.

How long does it last?

Wine tours in Catania all last from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the number of activities included on your tour. If you want to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes you've tried, consider booking a cooking class in Catania.

When is the best time for a wine tour in Catania?

The best time to go for a wine tour in Catania is typically in the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). During these periods, the weather is generally comfortable, not too hot nor too cold, which is perfect for strolling through vineyards and enjoying wine tastings.

These times of the year also coincide with the growing season, so the vineyards are lush and beautiful. Plus, you'll avoid the summer tourist rush. In the autumn, you might even catch the grape harvest in action. However, it's essential to check the specific wineries' schedules as some may offer tours and tastings year-round.

Travel tips

Don't wear perfume or cologne. Strong scents can interfere with your ability to smell the wine, which is a big part of the tasting experience.
Respect the wine. Remember, wine tasting is about appreciation, not intoxication.
Use a spittoon if needed. If you're trying many wines, it's perfectly acceptable to use the spittoon provided to avoid consuming too much alcohol.
Don't forget about white and rosé wines. Sicily is famous for its reds, but the whites and rosés can be just as delicious.

Wine Tours and Tastings in Catania