Etna wines: a unique territory and ancient tradition
Vineyards on the slopes of Etna, with the volcano in the background. On the slopes of Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, unique vineyards thrive, producing extraordinary wines.
At 3,403 metres (a record height reached after the 2024 activity), Etna dominates eastern Sicily and offers an exceptional terroir: dark, mineral-rich volcanic soils combined with high altitudes (vineyards up to 1,000 metres above sea level) create perfect conditions for native grape varieties with an inimitable character. It is no coincidence that Etna DOC, the first Sicilian appellation established in 1968, was born here, testifying to the historical wine-growing vocation of the area. Today, the appeal of Etna wines continues to grow, as they are the absolute protagonists of the Sicilian wine scene and are increasingly appreciated internationally.
Wine tour on Mount Etna: panoramic tastings in the cellar
Imagine sipping a glass of Etna Rosso DOC at sunset, surrounded by terraced vineyards climbing up the side of the volcano: this is the thrill of a wine tour on Mount Etna. Visiting the Etna wineries means embarking on a multi-sensory journey through aromas, flavours and breathtaking landscapes, discovering the territory through its wines.
In recent years, there has been a real boom in new wineries on Etna, and the young local consortium is managing a success that has also exploded internationally. Many wineries – from historic century-old estates to emerging businesses – open their doors to wine tourists, offering guided tours of vineyards and ancient palmenti (traditional stone cellars) followed by tastings.
And so it is that the territory that winds through rural villages and lava flows in the Etna Park becomes an ideal itinerary: at every altitude, the landscape changes and each stop offers new aromas, colours and flavours of this volcanic world. During tastings in the cellar, in addition to wine, you can also sample typical products – cheeses, cured meats, honey – that highlight the link between “a Muntagna” (as the locals call Etna) and the fruits of its land. In other words, every sip becomes a story of the territory and tradition, an authentic experience that combines wine, cuisine and local culture.
Etna DOC wines: volcanic varieties including reds, whites and sparkling wines
The wines of the volcano include a surprising variety of types. The Etna DOC designation covers red, white, rosé and even classic method sparkling wines produced on the different slopes of the mountain.
The future of Etna wines is looking increasingly bright: the Protection Consortium has already begun the process of transforming the current Etna DOC designation into DOCG, the highest level of quality in Italy. The decision, taken unanimously by the members in November 2023, is now being examined by the relevant institutions and will take some time before it becomes official. The new regulations provide for stricter rules: lower yields, recognition of new districts, promotion of Carricante also in sparkling wines and the possibility of indicating the municipality of origin on the label. If approved, this process will confirm the excellence achieved by Etna wines and strengthen their prestige on international markets, particularly in the United States, where interest in volcanic wines is growing rapidly.
In recent years, there has been significant growth in the Etna wine industry: the number of producers has grown steadily, from around 203 in 2013 to 440 and more in 2024, recording significant growth of over 100% in just over a decade. The local consortium is now managing this consolidated success, which has also conquered international markets.
Etna Rosso is the most representative wine: it is mainly made from the native Nerello Mascalese grape (the dominant black grape variety) with the addition of Nerello Cappuccio. These are elegant but structured reds, characterised by notes of small red fruits, spices, silky tannins and a distinct mineral vein due to the volcanic ash in the soil. Etna Bianco, on the other hand, is mainly made from Carricante (min. 60%) with additions of Catarratto and other local grapes: the result is white wines of great freshness and flavour, with aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers and a marked “sharp” minerality that reflects the lava terroir.
There is no shortage of Etna Rosato wines, delicate but full of character, often made from Nerello Mascalese grapes vinified in rosé, which are now also receiving prestigious awards. There are even Etna sparkling wines (white and rosé) produced using the classic method, generally based on Nerello Mascalese, which add a further facet to local production. In this unique context, the microclimate of Etna – with sunny days, cool nights and significant temperature variations – and the sandy soils rich in volcanic ash create the perfect equation for wines of great finesse and longevity. In fact, tasting Etna wines is like embarking on a journey through the many faces of a living land, where every sip tells a story.
Etna tour: trekking on the volcano and wine tasting in the cellar
To combine adventure and culinary delights, there is nothing better than an Etna tour that combines an excursion on the volcano with wine tasting. Many travellers choose guided “Etna and Wine” tours to experience Etna in all its glory: in the morning, trekking among extinct craters, ancient lava flows and centuries-old woods, and in the afternoon, relaxing in a winery to taste volcanic wines directly at the place of production. This formula allows you to discover in a single day both the natural wonders of the Etna Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 19,237 hectares of living nature) and the excellence of Etna’s wines, all with the convenience of expert guides and organised transfers.
For example, EtnaWay offers an Etna & Wine Tour that provides this perfect combination of nature and wine: after exploring lava caves, forests and craters with certified guides, you can immerse yourself in local flavours with a visit to a winery and tasting of excellent wines accompanied by Sicilian specialities.
You can taste 4 or 5 different wines, paired with typical products or even a full lunch, for an unforgettable culinary experience.
If you love trekking, or even just a simple walk, and good wine, a tour like this will be the highlight of your trip.
Don’t miss the opportunity to toast on Mount Etna: find out all the details of the Etna & Wine Tour and get ready for a unique adventure!