The Etna region in Sicily is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and rich winemaking heritage, where volcanic soil and ancient traditions create a unique enological tapestry. At the heart of this viticultural paradise are indigenous grape varieties, each producing wines that capture the distinct essence of their micro-terroirs, known locally as contrade. These grapes yield a stunning diversity of flavors and aromas, reflective of the dramatic contrasts in the volcanic landscape. Adding to the region’s charm are the historic palmenti—ancient wine presses dating back to Greek times. With around a thousand still standing, these architectural gems, ranging from humble to grand, have been lovingly restored and often repurposed, serving as evocative reminders of Etna’s centuries-old winemaking traditions. Together, these elements make the Etna region a must-visit destination for lovers of wine, history, and nature.
what to do
Wine tasting at Sciaranuova Estate / Feudo di mezzo
Discover Pistacchio di Bronte at Azienda Agricola Pieraccini
Known for cultivating premium pistachios in the mineral-rich soils surrounding the volcano, Samantha Pieraccini invites visitors to explore the unique flavours and textures of the products through guided tastings. Guests can savour freshly roasted pistachios, velvety pistachio cream, and artisanal pastries, all while learning about traditional cultivation methods and sustainable farming practices.
Circumetnea
A unique way to explore Mount Etna is by boarding the Littorina, a vintage narrow-gauge railcar operated by the Circumetnea Railway. This historic train circumnavigates the volcano daily, offering breathtaking views and cultural insights.
Among the various itineraries offered by the Circumetnea Railway, the thematic Strada del Vino (Wine Route) stands out, showcasing one of the most fascinating products of the volcanic terrain: wine. Mount Etna is often described as “an island within an island,” but in reality, its slopes form an archipelago of microcosms, each shaped by unique lava flows that foster distinctive ecosystems.
The Etna region boasts over 100 wineries and 160 contrade (vineyard districts), making it one of the world’s 16 most exceptional winemaking territories. Twenty wineries are part of the Strada del Vino dell’Etna association, which promotes wine tourism through itineraries featuring wine tastings, farm visits, and fine dining experiences. For more information, visit Strada del Vino dell’Etna.
A Guided Excursion through Etna Park
To truly appreciate and understand the complexity of this unique territory, a guided excursion to Etna Park is highly recommended. Expert guides from Sicily into Nature provide fascinating insights into the history of the volcano, explaining the timeline of eruptions, the formation of craters, lava flows, and the impact on the region’s flora and fauna. Visitors are often captivated by this ancient, primal, and extraordinary natural landscape.
Geologist Paolo Pennisi and his team highlight the deep connection between the locals and Etna, affectionately known as “’a Muntagna.” Pennisi describes it as a “mother” whose “children” are the dormant craters scattered across the landscape. He explains, “Our mission is slightly different from the usual—we believe that to truly understand Etna and Sicily, you must walk upon it.” As such, tours offered by Sicily into Nature emphasize trekking, minimizing the use of vehicles and cable cars. They organize hiking trips to the volcano as well as other locations across Sicily.
For those interested in hiking Mount Etna, Etna People offers single-day excursions. Despite the destructive power of the volcano, it is also a source of great wealth and uniqueness, producing exceptional local specialties. The volcanic soil gives intense flavor to apples, wine, honey, cherries, and hazelnuts, making the region’s products truly special.
Mount Etna, affectionately called ‘a Muntagna by locals, is seen as both a mother and a source of renewal. Its eruptions may destroy, but the resulting soil nurtures intensely flavorful produce, from apples and cherries to honey, hazelnuts, and of course, wine.
What to see
Liuteria Severini, Randazzo
A music house where string instruments are crafted, from ancient lutes to classical guitars made from the woods of Etna’s trees. The owner, Giuseppe Severini, a medieval historian and conservatory graduate, chose to dedicate himself to lutherie, studying baroque mandolins and medieval instruments like vielles and symphonias. WEBSITE
eat
Dal Pennisi Butchery with Kitchen, Linguaglossa
Generations of the Pennisi family have cultivated a deep appreciation for meats, cuts, and aging techniques. This spot offers dishes for picnics, take-away meals, or on-site dining. WEBSITE
Vitis, Randazzo
A wine bar and boutique with a kitchen that emphasizes a meticulous selection of wines. The dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil produced on-site. WEBSITE
San Giorgio e il Drago, Randazzo
A family-run trattoria by the Anzalone family, featuring local cuisine made with seasonal vegetables, local cured meats, cheeses, and handmade fresh pasta. The wine list, focusing on volcanic wines, is exceptional. Dining here feels like being at home.
Santo Musumeci, Randazzo
Giovanna Musumeci inherited her pastry skills from her father, Santo. Located in front of the Church of Santa Maria, this shop is a must for artisanal sweets lovers, offering almond pastries, cannoli, gelato, and unforgettable granitas—don’t miss the raspberry and Bronte pistachio flavours. WEBSITE
Orazio Cordai’s Frit&Food, Acireale
Famous for his crispelle—semolina or rice fritters, either sweet or savoury with anchovies or ricotta. A staple of Sicilian street food. WEBSITE
Boccaperta
Chefs Rosario Vitale and Cristina creatively reinterpret traditional Sicilian dishes. A highlight: linguine with rocket pesto, fresh shrimp, and burrata cream.
Ristorante Monte Conca
At the foot of Mount Etna, near the ski lifts of Etna Nord, this refuge serves local ingredients in traditional recipes—from farmer’s dishes to ancient Sicilian specialties. The wines are superb. WEBSITE
Sabir, Zafferana Etnea
Chef Seby Sorbello offers modern interpretations of Etna and Ionian coast flavours, using strictly seasonal ingredients. A true gem of Sicilian fine dining.
Dolceria Salemi, Zafferana Etnea
A small workshop producing almond, pistachio, and hazelnut biscuits. During weekdays, they focus exclusively on these delicacies, while traditional pastries are made only on Saturdays and Sundays. Their “Tea Leaves” cookies are worth the trip.
Donna Peppina, Zafferana Etnea
Established in 1924, this historic bar offers high-quality Sicilian pastries, including cannoli with ricotta, Sicilian pizzas, almond cookies, cassatas, and granitas.
Mien Restaurant, Nicolosi
Run by sommelier Mimmo Moscato and chef Vincenzo Spampinato, this establishment focuses on Mediterranean fish dishes prepared with traditional methods and top-tier local ingredients.
Osteria 4 Archi, Milo
Operating since 1995, this renowned Slow Food eatery serves traditional dishes of the Etna region, including handmade macco di fave, Mediterranean-style pasta, caponata, pork shank, and rabbit with herbs. Open evenings and for lunch on Sundays and holidays. WEBSITE
La Cucina di Donna Carmela, Carruba di Riposto
Set in a historic residence surrounded by greenery, the menu highlights local ingredients sourced from the resort’s own orchards and gardens. WEBSITE
Basilio Busà’s Mushroom Farm, Trecastagni
This agricultural enterprise specialises in growing shiitake mushrooms in the chestnut wood of Etna. Busà is the first in Europe to cultivate the prized Donko variety of shiitake, celebrated for its nutraceutical properties and flavour.
Antichi Sapori dell’Etna, Bronte
A large-scale confectionery business focused on Bronte pistachios (certified PDO since 2006). Founded in 2002, it spans 60 hectares of pistachio groves where harvesting is done manually on the volcanic terrain. WEBSITE
Grand Hotel Faraglioni, Acitrezza
Recently renovated, this 4-star hotel features comfortable rooms, a panoramic terrace, and a beach bar. Chef Simone Strano stands out with dishes emphasising product quality. WEBSITE
drink
The Etna region in Sicily is renowned for its exceptional wines, which owe their unique character to the area’s volcanic terroir. The mineral-rich soils, high altitudes, and dramatic temperature variations between day and night create ideal conditions for viticulture. Indigenous grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante, and Catarratto thrive here, producing wines celebrated for their complexity, elegance, and distinct expression of place. Here are some of our favourite winery’s for a tasting experience or a pleasant aperitif:
Donnafugata
Established by the Rallo family, Donnafugata expanded to Etna with a state-of-the-art winery in Randazzo, created in 2016 in Contrada Statella. With 18 hectares of vineyards spread across five contrade within a few kilometers, the winery combines innovation and tradition to produce distinctive wines. WEBSITE
Planeta
With a history that goes beyond 17 generations, the Planeta family began cultivating vines on Etna’s northern slopes in 2008. Their Sciaranuova vineyard features a restored winery and terraces transformed into a “Teatro in Vigna,” hosting the annual Sciaranuova Festival. Amongst all the wine cellars, one of the most beautiful, however, is the Feudo di Mezzo cellar, conceived as a stone garden inside the lava flow of 1566. Each wine has a story, and each day Planeta is searching for new collaborations that express their enthusiasm toward the industry. WEBSITE
Tenuta Tascante
Tascante, established in 2007 as part of Tasca d’Almerita, is located in Contrada Marchesa on Etna’s northern slope. The estate emphasizes vinification by contrade, aging its wines in an ancient palmento. Guided tastings include their estate-produced olive oils alongside the wines. WEBSITE
Tenuta Palmento Costanzo
Located in Contrada Santo Spirito, in the village of Passopisciaro at approximately 700 meters altitude, Tenuta Palmento Costanzo features an ancient palmento (wine press) that has been restored to maintain its legacy as a place of winemaking. The winery seamlessly blends ancient walls with modern stainless steel tanks, where wines age in barriques, tonneaux, or unique egg-shaped “ovum” barrels that enable natural batonnage through convective motion. The estate offers comfortable communal spaces, a restaurant, and unforgettable panoramic views. WESBITE
Cantine Benanti
The majestic palmento at Cantine Benanti is a historical and welcoming site adjacent to an 18th-century villa. Founded by Giuseppe Benanti in the 1990s, the winery was instrumental in pioneering the production of high-quality Etna wines. Its iconic wine, Pietra Marina, represents the excellence of Etna’s viticulture. WEBSITE
Cantine Russo
The Russo family’s winemaking tradition dates back to 1860. Tastings at Cantine Russo include options for outdoor tables set among the vines or an indoor experience featuring pane cunzato, a warm bread prepared with olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, and capers, allowing guests to season it to their preference. WEBSITE
La Gelsomina
Set in a natural amphitheater with views of rolling vineyards, a small lake, and the sea on the horizon, La Gelsomina spans 15 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and orchards near the Santa Venera stream. The estate includes a historic family home, a restored palmento with a home kitchen and tasting room, and guest accommodations upstairs. WEBSITE
Frank Cornelissen
Frank Cornelissen, a natural wine producer renowned even in The Times, has been crafting biodynamic wines, spirits, and olive oil on Etna since 2001. His 24 hectares, including 13 planted with ancient vines, yield the iconic Magma, made from Nerello Mascalese grown on ungrafted vines and produced only in exceptional vintages. WEBSITE
Cottanera
Located on Etna’s northwestern slope in Castiglione di Sicilia, Cottanera spans 100 hectares, with 70 dedicated to vineyards at an altitude of 700 meters. This setting allows for slower ripening, preserving freshness, enhancing fruit concentration, and resulting in wines of remarkable aromatic complexity. WEBSITE
Cantina Graci
Situated in Passopisciaro at around 600 meters altitude, Cantina Graci features a modern design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, with a single visible side built from black lava stones. Their wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and delicacy. WEBSITE
Barone di Villagrande
The estate includes a modern winery, a pre-phylloxera vineyard, an ancient farmhouse with two 17th-century palmenti (traditional winepresses), a tasting room, a swimming pool, and the Bistrot Restaurant. The Wine Resort features ten rooms, beautifully renovated from existing structures, offering stunning views of the Nebrodi mountains.
In the early 18th century, the Bishop of Catania tasked the Nicolosi Asmundo family with transforming certain areas of Mount Etna from “a horrid, uncultivated place into a delightful garden.” In 1727, Emperor Charles VI of Habsburg, King of Naples, granted Don Carmelo Nicolosi the title of Barone di Villagrande. Later, in 1869, Paolo Nicolosi founded the winery for fermentation and aging and became the first to vinify white grapes separately from red, which was uncommon at the time.
In 1968, the Etna D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) was established as the first controlled designation of origin in Sicily. Its guidelines were written by Carlo Nicolosi Asmundo, a professor of enology and food techniques at the University of Catania. Today, his son Marco oversees the family business.. WEBSITE
sleep
Palazzo Previtera
A scenic drive along the foot of Mount Etna, with the monumental volcano in front, leads to the small village of Linguarossa and Palazzo Previtera. Here Alfio welcomes guests into his home – the B&B has been in his family for over 350 years. Together with his parents Alberto and Mariella, Alfio spent 10 years restoring the pre-Baroque building and the antique furniture within. An additional integration of designer furnishings – a 1970s sofa by Vico Magistretti, a chaise longue by Antonio Citterio – adds a touch of contemporaneity to what is otherwise a perfect preservation of the past. A wonderful botanical garden surrounds the four rooms and two self-catered apartments, with a myriad of plant and flower species from the centenary cherry tree to Asian and Sicilian frangipani, white and pink lotus, apricots, Arabic jasmine and over one hundred kinds of roses. WEBSITE
Casa Lawa, Sant’Alfio
Lukas Lewandowski and his husband Merijn Gillis sought an estate in Italy and found it in Sant’Alfio, at the foot of Etna. They brought their eclectic and creative Dutch style not only to Casa Lawa’s design but also to their hospitality approach. With only three rooms, a pool, and a spectacular view of the volcano, this colorful and fun setting includes food design tours in search of the best brioche col tuppo and residencies with international chefs experimenting with Sicilian products. A half-hour from Catania and the sea, this lava-built guesthouse (still a work in progress) will soon be open year-round. As Lukas says, “Sicily is wonderful even in winter. You just need to know how to tell its story.” WEBSITE
Zash
Nestled amidst citrus groves with Etna on the horizon, this pink baglio is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a historic palmento. Each guest room is unique, combining modern lines and a dominant white palette. Some rooms, located within the citrus grove, feature glass cube designs. The architectural project enhances the original structures with contrasts, while the panoramic pool is enveloped by citrus fragrances and offers stunning views of Etna. WEBSITE
Ramo d’Aria
Owned by the same family as Zash, Ramo d’Aria was designed by the same architectural team to deliver bright, fresh interiors. Dominated by white and gray tones, the spaces feature clean lines and minimalist furnishings. Once a countryside home, the property is surrounded by blooming iceberg roses and jasmine (in season) and citrus trees laden with fruit. Like Zash, it also offers a pool with views of Etna. WEBSITE
Dimora Cottanera
Inaugurated in September 2024, Dimora Cottanera has transformed existing agricultural warehouses into unique accommodations where past and present are in constant dialogue. The palmento within the estate is an authentic testament to the rural and productive history of the region. The property also includes a historic villa, built by Baron Priolo in the early 20th century and purchased by Francesco Cambria in the 1960s, featuring an unusual architecture inspired by Northern European styles. WEBSITE
Tenuta di Fessina
Located in Contrada Rovitella in Castiglione di Sicilia, this austere yet welcoming ancient palmento houses seven guest rooms overlooking the Nebrodi amphitheater. Decorated as if they’ve always belonged, the interiors feature a roaring fireplace, a communal table, a kitchen for guests, and a collection of books, creating a space people long to return to. The winery is a gem, producing wines of aromatic richness, structural elegance, and complexity. WEBSITE
Tenuta di Cavanera
Spanning 84 hectares on Etna’s northern slopes, Firriato is committed to total carbon neutrality, with investments in reforestation and renewable energy. The estate features a wine resort with 10 rooms repurposed from historic structures, a modern winery, a pre-phylloxera vineyard, two 17th-century palmenti, a tasting room, a pool, and a restaurant. WEBSITE
Monaci delle Terre Nere
A Relais & Châteaux property, the main house exudes charm, blending aged plaster with contemporary furniture and art. New suites repurposed from small, original farm structures incorporate thoughtful design that respects the estate’s origins. Overlooking the sea, the grounds feature vineyards, olive trees, and fruit orchards, perfectly merging architecture and nature—a true sanctuary. WEBSITE
Relais San Giuliano
This historic estate comprises a villa, palmento, stables, and service buildings, all repurposed through restoration. The ancient palmento now houses a two-level bar and a restaurant with a greenhouse. The park shelters suites with modern decor, fireplaces, and an inviting atmosphere. The 18th-century villa remains the property’s heart, designed as a stately home with lounges and period furnishings. A pool, patio, and spa round out the amenities. WEBSITE
Villa Neri
Situated in Linguaglossa within a two-hectare park, Villa Neri offers 24 rooms and nine suites. Guests can enjoy both outdoor and indoor pools, as well as a small wellness center. The on-site restaurant, Le Dodici Fontane, provides sensory experiences where traditional cuisine meets creative innovation. WEBSITE
Firriato
84 hectares on the northern slopes of the volcano are part of a project for total emission compensation (Carbon Neutrality), which includes investments in reforestation and renewable energy. On the estate, the Wine Resort offers ten rooms, created from the restoration of existing structures. In addition to a modern winery and a pre-phylloxera vineyard, the estate features two 17th-century palmenti (traditional winepresses), a tasting room, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. WEBSITE
Hotel Shalai
A beautiful house from the early 19th century, once the seat of the Municipality of Linguaglossa and later purchased by the Pennisi family, has been transformed into a Relais de Charme with 13 rooms. These rooms blend historic charm with contemporary style, maintaining the enchanting allure of their past. The restaurant is intimate and elegant, offering dishes that celebrate the unique character of the surrounding land, presented in a modern and captivating way. WEBSITE