SICILY WINE TOURS
EXPLORE CATANIA, TAORMINA, AND THE VINEYARDS OF MOUNT ETNA
A FOOD & WINE LOVERS DREAM
Sicily is known as the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The resulting fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, histories and languages has resulted in a deep richness and beauty. The inimitable ambience of the country, the friendliness of the Sicilian people we will meet, their “Cucina Siciliana” and ancient wine traditions on the Lava rich terraces and slopes of Mount Etna add up to an experience second to none.
Our tour hosted by a Master of Wine lasts 5 days. We explore the ancient ruins and civilizations of Greece and Rome and enjoy a “Grand-Tour ’ moment as we lunch at the Belmond Timeo Hotel. We visit remarkable wineries and invite you to enjoy unique food and wine from coast to mountain. You’ll get privileged access to people, places and vintage wines. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Our program allows for some free time in Catania and Taormina, both of which have a rich history that is not to be missed. We will discover the lava terraced vineyards and indigenous local grapes of the North Etna wine road and a Gourmet meal at a top restaurant before the trip winds down Sicilian style at one of the island’s top organic Amaro producers! Who could ask for more?
This is a combination unrivaled in Italy. It’s a fun-filled sensory and cultural experience I consider to be on my bucket list. Come discover the best Sicilian wineries with our exclusive wine tastings and tours.
I invite you to join us.
TOUR DATES
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
ANCIENT CITIES
We meet in Catania where we spend our first day together exploring its historical highlights and being introduced by our Master of Wine to the generous nature of Sicilian wine. Our hotel for two nights is the beautifully restored five-star Palazzo Sangiorgio in the historic centre. We visit hidden corners of Catania and explore the ancient ruins at Taormina. Visits to top wineries of the region provide opportunities to taste unique East Coast wines from Etna not usually on offer outside Italy.
ANCIENT CITIES & THE VINEYARDS OF MT. ETNA
We meet in Catania where we spend our first day together exploring its historical highlights and being introduced to the generous nature of Sicilian food and wine. Our hotel for two nights is the beautifully – restored five -star Palazzo San Giorgio in the historic centre. We visit Siracusa (Syracuse), tour historic Ortigia island, and explore the ancient ruins at Taormina. Visits to top wineries of the region provide opportunities to taste unique coastal wines not usually on offer outside Italy.
CATANIA
Sicily has played an important role from ancient times right through to the unification of today’s Italy, so we begin by discovering the historical importance of this ancient city. Walking with experienced guides on the first afternoon will bring to life the vestiges of earlier civilizations in Catania. By now we are getting to know each other and the relaxed welcome dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants sets the scene for the days to come.
Day two dawns and we find ourselves gazing at the shimmering Ionian Sea as we head northwards to the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna. We are invited to two of the most well -respected coastal wineries where we meet Sicilian families who have been producing truly exceptional quality wines from local indigenous varieties for generations past. After our introduction to Etna Bianco Superiore DOC it is time to discover the exotic and beautiful Botanic gardens of Radicepura before returning to Catania.
CATANIA, SIRACUSA & ORTIGIA
Sicily has played an important role from ancient times right through to the re-unification of today’s Italy, so we begin by discovering the historical importance of these ancient cities. Walking with an experienced guide on the first afternoon will bring to life the vestiges of earlier civilizations in Catania. By now we are getting to know each other and the relaxed welcome dinner at the City’s top restaurant sets the scene for the days to come.
Day two dawns and we find ourselves admiring architectural wonders, elegant piazzas and palaces. The Duomo in Siracusa and the island of Ortigia are unforgettable. We are also invited to two of the most well respected coastal wineries where we meet Sicilian families who have been producing truly exceptional quality wines from local indigenous varieties for generations past.
THE VOLCANIC VINEYARDS OF MT. ETNA
Time is passing as we enter day four. After a late night, today’s program allows for a lazy breakfast and focusses on the unique lava rich vineyards of the Etna Wine Road and its dedicated producers. Visits have been arranged at two of the most highly respected and beautiful wineries where we will tread the lava terraces, enjoy lunch overlooking the Nebrodi valley and mountains, and sup sparkling wine in a restored traditional Palmento. Very few other locations have such an extraordinary terroir – on an active volcano no less – so to be at its heart chatting with the locals and tasting Nerello Mascalese, Carricante, and other unique wines is a real treat. A curated wine dinner at 12 Fontane, one of the most highly rated restaurants of the area situated within our hotel completes another amazing day!
LA DOLCE VITA
The final day’s itinerary offers a chance have a personal insight into a Sicilian family’s journey as they established their organic estate producing both wine and olive oil. History is tangible here. If time allows there is even an opportunity to visit a second world war bunker below the vineyard! We then visit a producer of hand -made Sicilian Red Orange Amaro set among the citrus groves on a hill-top above the Piana di Catania where we have our farewell lunch in true Sicilian style. It is always difficult to leave such an environment but leave we must, arriving back in Catania with memories to last a lifetime! Salute!
A CHANGE OF PACE
The final days itinerary is a total change of pace. We visit a producer of fine Sicilian Amaro where we have lunch on our way back to Catania. It is always difficult to leave such an environment, but leave we must as a stop at Belpasso’s own world famous gelateria is on the schedule. We arrive back in Catania with memories to last a lifetime! Salute!
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Sicily are guided by Master of Wine, Philip Goodband.
PHILIP is a true wine professional, Vintners Scholar and former Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. His wine business interests covering four decades have taken him around the globe, including the days when he worked at top wine estates in Tuscany and Piemonte. He represented Antinori and subsequently visited many of the country’s famous wine regions including Sicily where he created a new branded wine range.
His tasting skills are put to good use as The Chair of Judges at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, and through his international consultancy work which has brought him many awards and personal honours. Philip served as wine adviser to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for over a decade.
He is a communicator with a truly approachable and engaging style, which has been much in evidence at the BBC Good Food Show, on TV and on a number of the top cruise lines. His wealth of experience provides him a unique blend of knowledge and experience which he loves to share. . www.philipgoodband.com
UPCOMING SICILY WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation at two five-star properties, all meals during the tour (except for the free evening on Day 2 in Catania), all winery tours, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically everything is included except your flights, your onwards transport after the tour ends in Catania, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, other things to do in Catania, details on the hotels, and what you might like to read in advance.
WEATHER
We visit in the June and in the Fall which is one of the nicest times of year. The weather is not too hot, is typically dry, and warm.
TESTIMONIALS
OTHER DESTINATIONS YOU MAY LIKE
