Blooming in the volcanic rocks
As many know Sicily is the region with most vineyards in Italy. The kinds of grape are several, but the most outstanding wine produced in Sicily is of course Etna wine. Maybe, you are asking why it is possible to cultivate in the black rocks. Indeed, the grape grows spontaneous on the slopes of Mount Etna. Here, the soil englobes very lush material thanks to volcanic mineral properties. So, it is not weird to find almost 80 winemakers in these hills.
The Circumetnea way
The Etna zone offers many winemakers where you can taste wine and gastronomic specialities. Then, considering the possibility to visit the ancient villages, you could stop here for four or five days in our luxury apartment in Castiglione di Sicilia or look for our beautiful luxury villas in Sicily. From now, we follow the map and start our trip. Passing through an incredible lava landscape, the Etna wine route stretches from South to North side, from 400 to 1000 meters of altitude. The historic railway Circumetnea goes around the volcano starting from Piedimonte Etneo, with a ticket of 7,50 euro. Look on web Circumetnea railway or Winery tasting Sicily to take more informations. For a complete wine tour the price is 150 euros including a dedicated guide, two wine tastings in two different old winemakers and all bus transfers. The first stop is Randazzo where you’ll get off the train in order to take the wine bus. In general, you’ll visit two or three winemakers to taste especially the best Etna wines, for example Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. The winery trip lasts 4 or 5 hours according to the stops you want to do.
Activities along the route
This area is in a sort of triangle between Catania, Siracusa and Noto. In any case, if you want to explore these zones, you can see our incredible villas in Val di Noto where make a stop and visit. For example, you’ll enjoy the natural landscape going around the gardens are spread out in this area. This is the case of Paternò del Toscano Park, a botanic garden located in S. Agata Li Battiati, near Catania. The collection includes tropical and Mediterranean species. The garden is open all Monday from 10 am. The reservation includes visit and aperitivo with local wines.
This article was written by Giulia Sofi
Today, she creates editorial contents for cultural magazines and exhibition projects.
Her articles have been published in some art magazines like CityRivista and Insideart.