With a history of winemaking that travels back over 6,000 years, residents on the island of Sicily know a thing or two about winemaking. If you really want to dig deep into the origins behind the island’s vineyards, you should pay a visit to Taormina — the main source of wine production in Sicily, thought to be blessed by the gods.

Wine tours and tastings in Taormina are perfect for everyone, whether you’re a connoisseur of reds or just enjoy a glass of white at the end of a long day.

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

What are the best wine tours and tastings in Taormina?

Private Etna wineries tour

Discover how the volcanic soil of Mount Etna has created the perfect conditions for cultivating grapes on this winery tour of the mountain region. Leaving Taormina behind, you’ll make your way through the foothills of Mount Etna, passing by enchanting traditional villages and citrus groves along the way.

You’ll then stop at a family-run winery, where you’ll tour its estate and learn about the production process. Relax with a glass of wine and charcuterie board as you admire panoramic views over Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea.

Moving on, you’ll visit two more wineries, where you’ll sample local tipples and pick out the fruity notes in each. In the presence of a sommelier, you’ll be educated on the proper way to taste wine and the flavors to look out for.

Taormina food and wine walking tour

Allow yourself to be guided through the coastal city and experience the best of its culinary scene from a local perspective on a walking wine and food tour in Taormina.

Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Taormina, you’ll stumble across the best food outlets in the city where you can sample an array of local delicacies. These include pesto-filled anchovies and freshly-prepared mussels, all washed down with a crisp glass of white wine.

You’ll visit several different restaurants and cafes where you can feast on Italian favorites, such as bruschetta, as well as Sicilian specialties, which include caponata. If you want to learn how to make these dishes on your own, consider booking a cooking class in Taormina.

Try full-bodied wines made from the native Nero d’Avola red grape, as well as Cerasuolo di Vittoria — created using a combination of Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes. Aside from the local wines, you can also sample Sicilian liquors paired with flaky pastries.

Are there any combos available with wine tours and tastings in Taormina?

Etna, wine and Alcantara Canyons tour

If your time in Sicily is limited, opt for a tour that combines its most notable landmarks. You’ll participate in an invigorating hike to one of Mount Etna’s calderas before venturing underground to explore a lava tunnel.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you’ll head to a winery where you can feast on delicious Sicilian fare, all of which is perfectly paired with local wines. Lastly, you’ll visit Alcantara Canyons, which were formed by an eruption over 8,000 years ago and feature 50-meter-high basalt walls.

Which places are visited?

The history of winemaking in Taormina dates back over 6,000 years, with Greek legend stating that Dionysus, the son of Zeus, planted the first grape vines on the island himself, in the area surrounding the town.

Sicily is now home to over 110,000 hectares of vines and is responsible for more than 17% of Italy’s wine production. The grapes grown here are primarily Nero d’Avola, which were originally cultivated in the southern tip of Sicily, near the town of Avola.

Those on a wine tour of Taormina may stay in the town itself, or explore its neighboring regions, such as Mount Etna, which is known for growing a colossal supply of these grapes.

How much do wine tours and tastings in Taormina cost?

Wine tours and tastings in Taormina vary in price, depending on a variety of factors, including the destinations you visit, and the selection of wines you sample.

A food and wine walking tour through the town costs approximately €90 per person, while you’ll pay between €110 and €120 each for a combination Taormina wine experience that includes Mount Etna and Alcantara Canyons.

If you opt for a private Taormina wine tour, you can expect to pay €300 per person. However, the cost per head reduces with each person added to the party, up to a maximum of 15 guests for just over €220 each. You can also select hotel pickup from other towns across Sicily, such as Messina, for an additional cost.

What is included?

Wine tours and tastings in Taormina include from five to twelve samples of different Sicilian wines at a selection of wineries of restaurants. These excursions also usually provide a variety of local foods, such as cured meats and cheeses.

On tours to Mount Etna and Alcantara Canyons, you'll receive hiking equipment, including boots, and all entrance fees will be covered. If you're still hungry after all that hiking, you can book a dinner at a local home instead of a restaurant for a more authentic experience.

Where does it start?

Some wine tours and tastings in Taormina begin at a central and easy-to-reach location in the city, such as Porta Messina. However, the majority offer complimentary accommodation pickup and drop-off service. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and await collection by your friendly guide at a predetermined time.

How long does it last?

The duration of wine tours and tastings in Taormina varies from 3 to 10 hours, depending on any additional sights you see and the number of wineries you visit. This makes it easy to find an excursion to suit you, no matter how packed your itinerary is.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult and, obviously, are not served alcohol during the tour. Infants normally must sit on laps, but some tours have infant seats available.

When is the best time for wine tours and tastings in Taormina?

The best time for wine tours and tastings in Taormina tends to be in the late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). These periods offer pleasant temperatures and the vineyards are at their most picturesque.

In late spring, the vineyards are lush and verdant with new growth, and the weather is typically warm without being overly hot, which makes for comfortable vineyard tours.

In early autumn, the grape harvest ("vendemmia" in Italian) typically takes place, providing visitors with the unique opportunity to witness and sometimes participate in the harvesting and initial stages of the wine production process.

Travel tips

Don't wear strong perfume or cologne. It can interfere with perceiving the wine's aroma for yourself and others around you.
Bring a wine carrier. If you plan to buy bottles, a wine carrier can protect them during travel.
Use a spittoon. If you're tasting a lot of wines, don't feel obliged to finish every glass.
Research about the regional varieties. Taormina is known for its robust reds and crisp white wines. Plan ahead to either try wines that'll match your preferences or be open to discover a new favorite.

Wine Tours and Tastings in Taormina