Sicily

A land of legengdary history, food and wine awaits in Sicily. Use our guide to scratch the surface of this incredible island.

INTRODUCTION
WINEMAKERS
WINE PROFILES

Introduction & History of Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a vibrant fusion of ancient cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its dramatic coastlines, sun-drenched vineyards, and the imposing presence of Mount Etna, Sicily offers a diverse and rich experience for wine enthusiasts.

The island's winemaking tradition is as old as its myths (just ask a local to tell you how the rocks pictured below in Aci Trezza were formed!), deeply intertwined with its storied past of conquest and cultural exchange.

campania guide - remains of amphorae near Vesuvio
 
The history of Sicilian viticulture dates back to the 8th century BCE when the Greeks colonized the island and introduced grape cultivation. This era marked the beginning of Sicily's journey as a prominent wine-producing region.
 
The Romans, recognizing the island's potential, further advanced its viticulture. During the Middle Ages, under Arab rule, viticulture saw a decline but was later revived by the Normans and Spaniards.
 
The 18th century brought international recognition with the introduction of Marsala wine by English merchant John Woodhouse. In recent decades, a renaissance has taken place with a focus on quality and the revival of indigenous grape varieties. This has led to Sicily gaining a significant reputation on the global wine stage.
 
Today, Sicily is the third largest producer of wine, behind Veneto and Puglia, so you'll still have to sort through a lot of the mass produced wines to find the artisanal wines which can be absolutely stunning expressions of the terroir.

lemons in water - Campania guide

You can easily reach Sicily from the Italian mainland, either by train, ferry or plane. To get around the island we'd recommend using a car or hiring a driver, especially to access more remote locations. 

Major Wine Growing Areas

Etna - one of Sicily’s most distinctive wine regions, located on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. The volcanic soils, altitude, and unique microclimate create a terroir unlike any other. Wines from this area, particularly Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, are known for their elegance, minerality, and complexity. The combination of high elevation and rich volcanic soil produces wines with vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors, sometimes reminiscent of Burgundy and Barolo.

Noto - situated in the southeastern part of the island, is renowned for its production of Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's most important red grape varieties. The region's hot climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the deep, robust character of its wines. Noto is also known for its stunning baroque architecture, adding cultural depth to its appeal as a wine destination.

Old Naples street - Campania guide
 
Cerasuolo di Vittoria - Sicily's only DOCG wine, is produced in the southeastern part of the island. This wine is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, resulting in a vibrant, cherry-red wine that is both fresh and complex. The unique blend showcases the best characteristics of both grape varieties, offering bright fruitiness with a balanced structure.

Marsala - on the western coast of Sicily, is famous for its fortified wines. Introduced in the 18th century by English merchant John Woodhouse, Marsala wine became immensely popular in England and beyond. The region's warm climate and rich soils contribute to the distinctive flavors of Marsala, which ranges from dry to sweet and is often used in cooking as well as for sipping.

Old Naples street - Campania guide

Looking for vineyards and wineries in Sicily? Meet all of our wine makers from Sicily here:

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Sicilian Cuisine

Sicilian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and ingredients, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. Plan on putting on a few kilos when visiting this island as you not only will you not want to stop eating, they won't really let you either.

Virtually everything grows well here from mulberries, figs and wild strawberries to eggplants, tomatoes and some of the best olives for making the strong and spicy EVOO that Sicily is renowned for. The fish markets in Catania and historic market Ballerò in Palermo are two must-do bustling markets if visiting those cities.

The fish from the eastern seaside of Sicily benefit from the mineral rich ash which comes from the volcano Mt. Etna, helping to fatten them up and make them especially tasty.

Pasta con le sarde - a quintessential Sicilian dish that features bucatini pasta with fresh sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, raisins, and saffron. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, mineral-driven Etna Bianco, which balances the richness of the sardines and the aromatic complexity of the fennel and saffron.

Arancini - golden fried rice balls traditionally filled with ragù, peas, and mozzarella, are a beloved Sicilian snack. They are best enjoyed with a glass of Grillo, a white wine known for its bright acidity and citrus notes, which cuts through the richness of the arancini and enhances their flavors.

Campania guide - View of Vesuvio from Pompeii

Caponata - a sweet and sour eggplant stew with tomatoes, celery, capers, and olives, epitomizes the island’s use of fresh, local vegetables. A chilled Inzolia, with its fresh and fruity profile, complements the dish’s complex flavors, making for a perfect pairing, and even Nero d'Avola if you prefer a red wine. You'll find that many of the dishes are made with eggplant like Pasta alla Norma and eggplant parmigiana.

Cannoli - Sicily’s famous dessert, made with the famous sweet ricotta cheese - the quintessence of Sicilian treats - often dotted with chocolate chips or candied fruit. When possible, try to get them from a place where they are freshly stuffed in front of you. Enjoying this sweet treat with a glass of Marsala creates a delightful contrast of flavors, with the wine’s richness enhancing the creamy, tangy filling of the cannoli.

Campania guide - View of Vesuvio from Pompeii
 
Nuts - Sicilian pistachios, especially those from Bronte on the slopes of Mount Etna, are highly prized for their intense flavor and vibrant green color. The unique volcanic soil and climate conditions of the region contribute to their distinctive taste. Bronte pistachios are often used in desserts, such as gelato, and savory dishes alike. Almonds are another key nut in Sicily, with the most famous variety being the "Pizzuta d'Avola." These almonds are known for their delicate flavor and are used extensively in confectionery, including marzipan, biscotti, and traditional Sicilian pastries like cassata and frutta martorana. Both make some of the most delicious, flavorful and savory gelato and granita (pictured above) you'll ever have, which you can also put into a brioche for a Sicilian breakfast sandwich of champions.

Summing up the Sicilian cuisine would be an impossible feat here, but don't be afraid to eat it all, even some of the more adventurous foods like stigghiola and pane con la milza (just don't ask what they are beforehand).


What to do

  • Hike Mount Etna - if you want to experience what it might feel like to be on Mars, with views that go for days, and to feel the most powerful energy below your feet, and trust me, that you'll appreciate the ability to burn some of the calories you'll be consuming while there. Pack your spf in the summer and even a coat during the cooler seasons because it is much cooler as you reach the peak. And cool off in the Alcantara River gorge which has some of the most unique and wild rock formations.
pompeii frescoes
  • Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (image) - to immerse yourself in Sicily's ancient Greek history amidst some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.
  • Visit the markets - and come hungry! The bustling markets of Palermo, such as Mercato di Ballarò, provide a sensory feast of fresh produce, spices, and local street food, offering a glimpse into the vibrant everyday life of Sicilians. And you must try the fish in the loud and lively Catania market.
  • For architecture enthusiasts - the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase stunning baroque architecture and charming streets, providing and will leave your eyes full of cultural and architectural delights.
  • Visit the coast and islands - The beaches you must see if touring are Cefalù, Mondello, and Marzameme. Or for those who can escape to the surrounding islands, you absolutely must see Favignana, Pantelleria and the Eolian Islands for some of the most out of this world water you'll ever see to show off on instagram with your friends.

Love wines from Sicily? We almost always include a couple in our Wine Club collections. Explore our Sicily wine profiles from past and current Wine Club selections:

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Want to drink some of the most curated artisan wines of Italy which often you can only find here, and get loads of information about the wine's story and how best to enjoy it?  Join our wine club for this and more.

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