Wine Tourism in Sicily

The love affair between Sicily and wine is as ancient as the archaeological finds that bear witness to it. One of the first Italian regions to embrace the art of winemaking, Sicily went through an artisanal era of traditional 'co-operative wineries' until the 1950s. It was then that the first producers began exporting Sicilian wine to northern Italy and France. The region then enhanced levels of refinement, balance and sustainability, eventually reaching its current standard of international excellence. It now boasts renowned labels and prestigious wines that can compete in markets worldwide. These wines offer a delightful starting point for exploring the regions of origin through tastings and guided vineyard tours. It was a gamble that paid off, richly rewarding the passionate producers who had the courage to invest, innovate and transform the supply chain, improving the quality of Sicily’s historic grape varieties. They experimented with new techniques and modernised facilities, and then the island’s Mediterranean character did the rest: a mild climate, a variety of optimal microclimates, rich volcanic soil and a constant sea breeze.

The result? Excellent wines with unmistakable organoleptic characteristics that are best tasted right where they are produced. These places have invested just as much in transforming the experiences of visitors, whether they are major players or simply enthusiasts, into an immersive journey through the aromas and flavours of authentic Sicily. The extraordinary variety of Sicily’s wines, ranging from reds, whites and rosés to fortified and sparkling wines derived from indigenous grape varieties, is best explored by discovering the various wine districts and production areas. The oldest variety is Zibibbo, which was brought to Pantelleria by the Phoenicians.

For those looking to invest in wine tourism in Sicily, it is worth noting that 80 per cent of the region's wine production is concentrated in the provinces of Agrigento, Palermo and Trapani, with the latter accounting for over half of the total production. The region boasts 23 DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), 7 IGT (Typical Geographical Indication) and 1 DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) wine: the Cerasuolo di Vittoria, produced in the Ragusa area from Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes.

The Etna DOC, the first in Sicily and amongst the first in Italy, remains one of the most representative today, thanks to the Etna DOC Protection Consortium. Founded in 1994, the Consortium comprises seven wines from 20 municipalities regarded as pioneers of 'heroic viticulture'. These municipalities are closely attuned to the moods of Europe’s largest volcano, and for this very reason they produce wines with great character and variety: Etna Rosso, Rosso Riserva, Rosato, Bianco, Bianco Superiore and Spumante, which satisfy every palate. We recommend savouring these wines while travelling along the 'Etna Wine Route', one of 16 regional wine routes.

Favinia le Sciabiche is a typical wine from the island of Favignana that has returned to our tables after more than a century, thanks to courageous winegrowers. And let's not forget to finish the meal with a sweet wine such as Passito, Moscato or Malvasia, which will delight even the most discerning palates. Armed with a glass and a heart brimming with curiosity, all that remains is to embark on a journey in search of the finest wine tourism experiences in Sicily, from the coast to the mountains.

1. Wines produced in the Etna DOC vineyards are in high demand: one of the island’s most popular ‘Taste Trails’ is the route from Fiumefreddo to Randazzo, passing through Piedimonte Etneo, home to the Museum of the Vine, and Castiglione di Sicilia.
2. This itinerary allows you to discover 3 DOC wines in the municipalities of Alcamo, Marsala and Contessa Entellina. Marsala is one of the best-known fortified wines and was the first DOC wine in Italian winemaking history.
3. A tour of the municipalities of Butera, Riesi and Mazzarino offers the chance to sample the Riesi DOC wines, which include white, red, rosé, sparkling and late-harvest varieties.
4. The world-famous Malvasia delle Lipari deserves a journey all of its own. Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago, lends its name to this golden-yellow wine with an aromatic bouquet.
5. The wines of the Val di Noto should be savoured whilst immersed in the beauty of the Baroque. Start with Moscato di Noto (Moscato Bianco), followed by Nero d’Avola, the island’s most beloved red wine.

1. To whet your appetite for discovery, you might be interested to learn about the history of the legendary 'relic vines' – ancient, indigenous Mediterranean grape varieties that were once thought to have disappeared. These relic vines are generating increasing interest in the most prized and evocative archaeological ecotypes.
2. Not just reds! Among the Etna DOC wines, there is also a white variety produced from the 'Carricante' grape, an ancient variety that has always been cultivated on the volcano's slopes. Its name comes from the Sicilian expression ‘u carricànti’, which refers to the vines' abundant yield, capable of filling carts with grapes.
3. But how did Marsala come about? This fortified wine was invented in the 18th century when the English merchant John Woodhouse realised that fortifying the local wine would make it more resistant to the long journey to England.

• Nero d’Avola 
• Nerello Mascalese 
• Nerello Cappuccio 
• Carricante 
• Catarratto 
• Grillo 
• Frappato 
• Perricone 
• Inzolia 
• Zibibbo

In 2027, Sicily will welcome wine enthusiasts and industry professionals with a rich programme of established events and new initiatives. The year begins with Wine Paris 2027, where the Region of Sicily will double its exhibition space compared with the 2026 edition. Spring highlights include Le Contrade dell’Etna, bringing together hundreds of winemakers from the volcanic region. In late August, Etna DOC takes centre stage with the historic ViniMilo, celebrating the area’s distinctive volcanic wines, and the highly anticipated Radici Vulcaniche 2027 in Randazzo. September will feature Nero Barocco – Noto Wine Fest, focused on Nero d’Avola and Val di Noto wines. Throughout the year, selections from the Etna Wine Guide by Cronache di Gusto will also be presented. The programme is completed by training and tasting courses organised across Sicily by Fondazione Italiana Sommelier – Sicilia, with sensory experiences, tastings and masterclasses.

• Sicily, Authentic Emotion
• Sicily, All Year Round
• Sicily, A Land Where Tourism and Tastes Live in Harmony
  

• Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia
• Consorzio di Tutela Vini Etna DOC
• Consorzio di Tutela Vini Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG e Vittoria DOC
• Consorzio di Tutela Vini Valdinoto
• Consorzio per la Tutela del Vino Marsala DOC
• Consorzio Volontario per la Tutela dei Vini di Pantelleria DOC
• Consorzio di Tutela Vino DOC Monreale
• Consorzio Tutela Contea di Sclafani DOC
• I.R.V.O. Istituto Regionale del Vino e dell'Olio
• Movimento Turismo del Vino
• Strade del vino siciliane