Winery Visit & Tasting on the Volcanic Slopes near Catania

Explore Mount Etna’s Unique Vineyards and Organic Wines for €51

This winery visit and tasting tour offers a one-hour journey into the heart of Sicily’s volcanic landscape, near Catania. Priced at $51 per person, it combines education, tasting, and scenic views in a small group setting. The experience is ideal for those interested in sustainable wine production and local traditions, with a focus on native grape varieties and organic practices.

Participants get to explore a climatically harmonious underground cellar, taste three certified organic wines, and walk through ancient volcanic layers—an authentic encounter with Mount Etna’s terroir. While the tour is short and accessible, expect a relaxed pace that allows for enjoying the landscape and wines without rushing. It’s perfect for wine lovers seeking a meaningful connection to Sicily’s volcanic roots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $51 for a one-hour guided experience.
• Location: On the eastern flank of Mount Etna, near Catania.
• Highlights: Underground cellar, three organic wines, and panoramic views.
• Vineyard Focus: Native grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
• Sustainable Approach: First in Southern Italy to use bioarchitecture and Equalitas standards.
• Includes: Wine tasting, local bread and olive oil, and access to a volcano-view terrace.

The Unique Underground Cellar Built for Climate and Harmony

The tour begins with a guided visit to a cellar entirely carved underground, designed following bioarchitecture principles. This climate-friendly structure minimizes environmental impact and blends into the landscape. The cellar is a first of its kind in Southern Italy, emphasizing sustainable design.

Inside, a section of volcanic soil reveals six meters of geological history. This cross-section showcases layers of cooled lava and visible vine roots growing directly into the volcanic earth. This living geological record illustrates how Mount Etna’s lava provides essential nutrients, fostering healthy, native vines.

Walk Through Volcanic Layers and Ancient Lava Fields

During the visit, you see millennia-old lava layers and roots penetrating volcanic soil. This geological feature highlights the age of the land and the adaptability of local vines. The geological layers serve as a tangible reminder of Etna’s power and its influence on the unique terroir.

The view of cooled lava and native vine roots underscores the connection between geology and viticulture here. This visual evidence of millennia of volcanic activity enriches the understanding of how Etna shapes its wines.

Savor Certified Organic Wines from Etnas Volcanic Soil

After the cellar exploration, guests are invited to a panoramic tasting terrace. Here, the views stretch from Mount Etna’s smoky summit to the Ionian Sea. The guided tasting includes three Etna DOC organic wines: a white (Carricante and Catarratto), a rosé (Nerello Mascalese), and a red (Nerello Mascalese and Cappuccio).

Each wine reflects its specific vineyard location. The white is known for its precise mineral notes, capturing the altitude and lava soils of Milo. The rosé offers bright red fruit with a saline finish, and the red provides structure and earthiness. These wines are described as the voice of the volcano, showcasing how volcanic terroir influences flavor.

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Tasting Local Bread and Estate Olive Oil

Complementing the wines, the tour includes traditional Etna bread seasoned simply with estate-made extra virgin olive oil. This pairing emphasizes the authenticity and simplicity of Sicilian culinary traditions. The bread and oil are sourced from surrounding groves, reflecting the local agriculture and respect for land.

This genuine pairing highlights the connection between land, food, and wine, reinforcing the sustainable ethos of the winery’s practices.

Walking Among Ancient Vineyards and Geological Features

Guests receive a self-guided vineyard walk after the tasting. The vineyards, located in the Contrade of Blandano and Praino, are planted exclusively with native grape varieties. The small-scale cultivation preserves centuries-old traditions and personal attention to each vine.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with olive groves and medicinal herbs, adding to the authentic Sicilian atmosphere. This walk offers an opportunity to appreciate the landscape up close and understand how the terrain influences vineyard practices.

Meeting Point and Accessibility Details

The tour begins at Terra Costantino, where visitors are instructed to enter the gate and ask for the guided tasting. The experience is designed to be wheelchair accessible and is limited to small groups of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Transportation to and from the estate is not included but can be assisted upon request. The meeting point is straightforward, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby or arriving independently.

Sustainability and Authentic Family Heritage

The family behind the winery has cultivated these volcanic vineyards since the 1970s. They pioneered organic certification on Mount Etna and embrace the Equalitas sustainability standard, which encompasses ethical and economic responsibilities alongside ecological care.

Their approach goes beyond typical practices, emphasizing respect for land, tradition, and local biodiversity. The winery’s practices reflect a deep commitment to sustainable viticulture and preserving the volcanic landscape.

Practical Information and Booking Details

This small-group tour lasts approximately one hour, with live guides speaking English and Italian. Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance. The experience offers a rich blend of geology, viticulture, and scenic vistas that appeals to wine enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers, and history lovers alike.

Since the tasting is modestly priced and includes local bread and oil, it provides good value for a focused, high-quality experience. Remember that additional bottles and private events can be arranged separately.

Exploring the Volcanic Terroir of Mount Etna’s Vineyards

This Winery Visit & Tasting near Catania delivers a compressed yet comprehensive look at Etna’s volcanic terroir. The underground cellar, geological displays, and native grape varieties make it a unique educational experience.

The scenery from the terrace, with views from volcano to sea, enhances the sensory pleasure of tasting Sicily’s organic, volcanic wines. The family heritage, commitment to sustainability, and authentic local flavors make this tour a meaningful way to connect with Mount Etna’s landscape.

If you’re seeking an intimate, eco-friendly wine experience with impressive views and authentic Sicilian wines, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable introduction to the island’s volcanic viticulture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately one hour, including cellar visits and tasting.

What is included in the tour price?
Guests receive a guided visit to the underground cellar, tasting of three organic Etna DOC wines, traditional Etna bread, estate olive oil, and access to a panoramic terrace.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What are the options for private or group events?
Private tours and group events are available on request; contact the supplier for details.

Do I need to bring my own transportation?
Transportation to and from the estate is not included but can be helped upon request.

Can I purchase wines at the end of the tour?
Yes, bottles or additional tastings can be purchased separately.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides speak English and Italian.

What is the best time to visit?
Check availability for starting times, but the experience is designed to fit within a one-hour window.

Is there a dress code or physical requirement?
No specific dress code; the tour is suitable for most guests, with easy access for those with limited mobility.

How does this tour compare to other wine experiences near Catania?
This experience emphasizes geological history and sustainable practices on Mount Etna, making it particularly educational and authentic compared to more commercial options.

This Winery Visit & Tasting on the Volcanic Slopes near Catania offers a rare glimpse into volcanic viticulture, blending geology, tradition, and sustainability in a scenic setting. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to connect with Sicily’s volcanic landscape while tasting exceptional organic wines.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby