Messina Wine Tasting

Explore Messina’s Historic Heart and Savor Local Wines

The Messina Wine Tasting tour offers an engaging blend of history and regional flavors for around $186 per person. Lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, this experience combines guided visits to the city’s iconic landmarks with an authentic tasting at a family-owned vineyard. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxed pace, learn about Messina’s past, and sample some of Sicily’s best wines paired with light food.

The tour begins with a rich narrative about Messina’s history, then continues with a scenic drive to a vineyard in front of the Aeolian Islands. The small group size, limited to 8 travelers, ensures an intimate experience, while the inclusion of pickup and live commentary enhances convenience and insight. This tour suits those interested in both cultural sightseeing and discovering local wine craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Combines city sightseeing with wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard
• Highlights include the Cathedral of Messina, Campanile del Duomo, and Annunziata dei Catalani Church
• Two-hour visit to the vineyard featuring wine and light lunch
• Guided tour with live commentary and liability insurance included
• Free cancellation available with 24-hour notice
• Suitable for most travelers, with most activities accessible and service animals allowed

Discovering Messina’s Iconic Landmarks

The tour kicks off at the Via I Settembre meeting point, where a guided city walk begins. You’ll visit the Cathedral of Messina, the city’s most important church, with free admission, and spend around 20 minutes admiring its architecture. Next is the Campanile del Duomo, the city’s most prominent bell tower, which you see in about 10 minutes.

Other notable stops include the Annunziata dei Catalani Church, an ancient religious site located in the historical center, where another 10 minutes are spent exploring. As the tour progresses, you pass by several other landmarks such as La Madonnina del Porto, Fontana di Nettuno, and the Santuario della Madonna di Montalto. These sites offer a glimpse into Messina’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The pass-by stops, such as La Madonnina del Porto and the Fontana di Nettuno, provide scenic views and contextual background without long waits, making the process smooth and informative. The Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re also features in the route, emphasizing the importance of religious monuments in the city’s identity.

Wine Tasting at Cantine Bonfiglio in the Peloritan Mountains

After immersing in Messina’s history, the tour proceeds to Cantine Bonfiglio, a family-owned winery located in front of the Strait of Messina. The two-hour visit offers an intimate tasting experience, where guests sample a selection of wines that showcase the region’s viticultural talents.

Wine and light lunch are included, carefully paired to enhance the flavors of each glass. The vineyard’s setting in the Peloritan Mountains adds to the charm, with views overlooking the Aeolian Islands. The owners ensure each tasting is complemented by delicious food pairings, elevating the experience beyond just wine sipping.

The winery’s admission is free, but you should expect a genuine, authentic tasting rather than a formal wine-education session. The focus is on savoring local wines in a relaxed atmosphere amid the beautiful landscape.

Practical Details: Transport, Group Size, and Booking

The tour includes round-trip transportation via private van or bus, simplifying logistics and ensuring comfort from start to finish. The small group size, with a maximum of 8 travelers, encourages personalized interaction and a relaxed pace.

The meeting point is centrally located at Via I Settembre, 110 in Messina, and the tour ends back at the same location, making it easy to plan subsequent activities. The tour is suitable for most visitors, and service animals are permitted.

Booking in advance is recommended, with an average reservation window of 66 days. The tour is available for $186.14 per person, which includes all taxes, liability insurance, and discovery assistance.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are round-trip transportation, a tour leader, guided city visits, live commentary, wine tasting and light lunch, and discovery assistance. Taxes and liability insurance are also covered.

Not included are private expenses or any items not explicitly listed as part of the package. The free cancellation policy allows full refunds if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and peace of mind.

The Pace and Atmosphere of the Tour

The itinerary balances sightseeing and tasting, with the city stops designed to be brief but meaningful, typically lasting 10-20 minutes per site. The guided pace is relaxed, making it accessible for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility.

The small group setting fosters a friendly environment, and the local guide—like Sara, who was praised for her enthusiasm—adds a personal touch, making the experience more engaging and informative.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Messina

What makes this tour special is the combination of historical exploration with authentic wine tasting in a small, intimate setting. The guide’s storytelling weaves local legends and historical facts into the sightseeing, enriching the experience.

The visit to Cantine Bonfiglio is a highlight, offering genuine Sicilian wines paired with delicious food, in a setting that emphasizes family tradition. The scenic views of the Aeolian Islands from the vineyard enhance the sensory experience, making it more memorable.

This tour is well-suited for culture enthusiasts and wine lovers alike, especially those who appreciate a relaxed pace and small-group intimacy. It provides a well-rounded introduction to Messina’s heritage and regional wines, making it a rewarding half-day activity.

Final Thoughts on the Messina Wine Tasting Experience

The Messina Wine Tasting tour offers a balanced mix of cultural sightseeing and wine appreciation for a fair price. Its small group size and personalized guide help create an engaging and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for visitors seeking an authentic experience.

The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, while the scenic landscape and delicious food pairings make this tour stand out. It’s a great way to discover Messina’s historical landmarks and sample local wines in a single, well-organized outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation by private van or bus is included.

What are the main stops during the city tour?
You visit Cathedral of Messina, Campanile del Duomo, Annunziata dei Catalani Church, and pass by several landmarks, including La Madonnina del Porto and Fontana di Nettuno.

How long is the wine tasting part?
The visit to Cantine Bonfiglio lasts approximately 2 hours, including wine sampling and light lunch.

Can children join this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but wine is served only to guests 18 years and older.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour details suggest a relaxed pace with brief site visits, but specific accessibility information isn’t provided.

What’s the price per person?
The cost is $186.14, which includes all main activities, transportation, and food.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking are recommended; no specific gear is required.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

How do I book this experience?
Advance booking is recommended through the provided provider, DISCOVER MESSINA SICILY.