Exploring the area
Created at the behest of the Regional Province of Catania, the Etna Wine Road is a special route along the area at the foot of the volcano. Farms, wine cellars, wine shops, restaurants, vine and wine museums enrich this already magical area, giving travellers the chance to enjoy unique experiences in contact with nature, from the gentle sea breeze to the fresherr mountain air.
The virtual route starts from the town of Riposto and continues along Giare, Mascali, Santa Venerina, Zafferana Etnea, Milo, Sant Alfio, Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa, Castiglione di Sicilia,Randazzo, Bronte, Adrano, Nicolosi, Pedara, Viagrande and Trecastagni. All beautiful, ancient villages nestled among green hills and terraces. Along the way, you can see the characteristic dry-stone walls made of lava stone, but also endless countryside, masserie and villas that once belonged to royalty: a timeless landscape enveloped in a magical atmosphere.
From south to north, from 400 to 1,000 metres above sea level, crops in this area are kissed by the warm sun and nourished by the minerals from the volcanic soil. The most famous wine is Etna Doc, which can be tasted in three different versions: white, red and rosé, obtained from four different native grape varieties, Catarratto, Carricante, Nerello Mantellato and Nerello Mascalese. On the ‘wine road’ there are more than 20 wineries; here guests can visit ancient traditional cellars, that use modern technology. The most important ones are: Masseria Setteporte, with its Etna Rosso, sulphite-free excellence in 2013, and Nerello Mascalese, Cottanera, which offers a breathtaking view of Iddu and produces an excellent white Etna and Diciassette Palme, Barone di Villagrande 1727, a wine resort specialising in the production of Malvasia delle Lipari, Cantina Benanti, with its award-winning white Pietra Marina,Tenuta di Fessina, where you can try both white and red Erse, and La Cantina del Feudo, where a superb Etna DOC is produced.
The Etna Wine Train will take you on a very original tour, taking you along the volcano slopes and showing you the most beautiful wine cellars where you can taste Etna wine and typical products. From the comfortable seats of the train, you will enjoy fantastic views; from the sea you will reach the Alcantara River Park, while on your right you will see the spectacular Nebrodi Mountains. Once in Randazzo, the Wine Bus will take you to the wineries of your choice!