Wine Tours and Tastings in Palermo

The best way to experience the true essence of the Sicilian culture is to experience the country like the locals do: through its wine.

Wine tours in Palermo enable you to gain a more thorough insight into the local wine varieties. On a number of excursions, you’ll be hosted by local guides who hold their tours in their own homes for a truly authentic experience.

Alternatively, you can explore local vineyards to discover the history and process behind the finest Sicilian wines, as your knowledgeable guide teaches you some tips for becoming a true Sicilian wine connoisseur.

You will find below all you need to know about wine tastings, one of the most popular food and wine experiences in Palermo.

What are the best wine tours in Palermo?

There is a range of types of wine tours that take place both in and around Palermo.

Guided Palermo wine tour

If you’re seeking a perfect introduction to Sicilian wine without even having to step outside Palermo, then you’ll love this guided wine tour in the Old Town. You’ll be savoring the finest reds, whites, and bubbles from the region against a backdrop of charming Sicilian architecture.

This is a small group excursion, allowing for an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to learn about the Sicilian wine production’s fascinating past.

Olive harvest, wine tasting and brunch guided tour

The olive harvest, wine tasting and brunch-guided tour promises a truly memorable experience. You’ll visit the Bosco Falconeria area in the Sicilian countryside where you’ll immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere among centuries-old olive groves.

Against a serene landscape, you’ll experience the olive harvest hands-on, as you learn about the olive tree’s curiosities along the way. From here, you’ll finish your excursion with a traditional Sicilian brunch washed down with a variety of local wine tastings.

Private Sicilian wine and cheese tasting tour

If you’re looking for a personalized and tailored experience away from the crowds, then choose a private Sicilian wine and cheese tasting tour. This sightseeing excursion combines a tour of the most famous Palermo's attractions with a tasting of regional culinary dishes and wines.

Your personal wine expert will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise and will guarantee that you receive VIP treatment throughout your trip.

Private art, wine and gourmet food walking tour

This wine tour takes you on a half-day adventure around some of Palermo’s most authentic spots. Get a taste of the Sicilian culinary and wine culture, as well as delve into the historical and artistic evolution of the Old Town.

You will have the opportunity to admire famed Neoclassical theaters, a historic food market as well as Gothic churches. On this excursion, you can expect to visit some of the best Enoteca wine bars in town as you taste the fine wines of Sicily.

How much do wine tours in Palermo cost?

Guided Palermo wine tours start at €95 per person and include snacks, alcoholic beverages and an expert local wine guide.

The olive harvest, wine tasting and brunch guided tour costs around €40 per participant and includes a guided tour, a brunch of Sicilian cheeses and cured meats, wine tasting, refreshments and a knowledgeable guide.

The private Sicilian wine and cheese tasting tour includes a full tasting menu of cured cheeses, raw ham and sweet treats, and six different wine tastings. You can expect to pay around €125 per person.

The private art, wine and gourmet food walking tour costs approximately €140 per person, and alcoholic beverages, snacks and a private tour guide are provided.

What is included in a wine tour in Palermo?

Wine tours usually come with a knowledgeable local guide who will be on hand to introduce you to the food and wine culture of the ancient city. You can expect at least two wine tastings on your trip, although many tours will include more.

You can typically expect wine tastings to be accompanied by a variety of food samples, most notably Sicilian cured hams and cheeses.

Where do wine tours in Palermo start?

Start points for wine tours in Palermo differ according to which type of tour you take and where you choose to venture. However, the majority of wine tours begin at a central meeting point in Palermo’s Old Town. It’s best to check the specific tour you have booked beforehand for details.

How long do wine tours in Palermo last?

The shortest wine tours in Palermo last approximately 1 hour, while the longest lasts 8 hours. The duration depends on the time you wish to dedicate to your wine tasting experience. You can choose to take a short trip, a half or full-day excursion.

The longest excursions will take you to western Sicily for a full-day trip exploring its renowned vineyards.

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

Lunch and evenings are the best time to take a wine tour in Palermo.

A wine tour in this enchanting city can be an incredibly special experience, therefore consider ending your trip to Palermo on a high note by going on a wine tour at the end of your stay. This way you can sit back and reflect on your holiday as you take away wine tips for back home.

If you’re taking a wine tour to another destination, like a Sicilian vineyard, these typically begin early in the morning and last a full day, so consider when they might fit your itinerary better.

Late spring or early autumn is best for wine tours in Palermo, so you get to take advantage of the mild climate without the usual summer crowds.

Are there any combos available with wine tours in Palermo?

Olive oil, salt, and wine tour in Palermo

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy an immersive experience of western Sicily. You can expect to visit some of the region’s top attractions, including the Greek temple in Segesta and the salt-producing lagoon in the Stagnone natural reserve.

To wash all that sightseeing down, you’ll visit a local winery to taste delicious regional wines, before sitting down for a tasting of cured meats and cheeses.

Private tour of the cheese and wine roads in Cammarata

Cammarata is a village that was once ruled by some of the most powerful families in Sicily.

On this full-day tour, you’ll travel from Palermo to Cammarata in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to taste some of the finest products this region has to offer, case in point: the cheese and wines.

Your personal guide will show you some of the hidden gems of the mountains before you enjoy a brunch of the finest local produce.

Winery tour and wine tasting at Bio Fattoria Augustali

On this winery and wine tasting excursion you can expect to learn all about the entire process of wine production, as well as the history and evolution of fruity red wines and refreshing whites.

As you explore the vineyards and visit the cellar and aging room, you’ll have ample opportunity to taste a variety of different wines and are guaranteed to learn a thing or two about what components make a good wine along the way.

Are children allowed on a wine tour in Palermo?

Under Sicilian law, the minimum age of alcohol consumption is 18 years old.

As such, wine tours in Palermo are usually reserved for adults, but if you have children in your group they might be able to join you without participating in the wine tasting itself. It's best to check your specific tour provider before booking.

Travel tips

• Come with an empty stomach as the snacks provided on many tours are often equal to a full meal.
• If you’re a young adult, it’s best to bring an ID document with you to verify your age.
• If your tour involves a sightseeing tour, make sure to wear comfortable walking boots.
• Bring warm layers of clothing if you’re visiting in the cooler months.