Taormina: Food and wine tour near Etna

Discovering Sicily’s Hidden Gems: Taormina’s Food and Wine Tour Near Etna

If you’re looking to experience Sicily beyond the bustling tourist spots of Taormina and Catania, this food and wine tour near Mount Etna may be just what you need. Created by local guides Chris and Barbara, this experience promises an authentic peek into small villages, traditional Sicilian flavors, and the warm hospitality of local producers. And it’s all served up with a dash of vintage charm—think classic cars and slow-paced village life.

What makes this tour stand out? We loved the personalized encounters with locals, the off-the-beaten-path itinerary, and the chance to sample regional delicacies in their natural environment. The vintage car rides add a nostalgic touch, making the journey feel more like a local adventure than a typical tour bus experience.

That said, one thing to consider is that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with lactose intolerance, and it requires some physical activity—so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, good walking shoes, and a sense of curiosity. This experience appeals most to those eager to connect with Sicilian traditions through food, wine, and genuine interaction.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic small villages: Experience genuine Sicilian life away from tourist hotspots.
• Local producers: Meet farmers, cheesemakers, and artisans for real insights.
• Cultural immersion: Taste traditional foods and wines in their origin setting.
• Vintage transportation: Enjoy the charm of classic cars for a memorable journey.
• All-inclusive: Tastings, lunch with wine, and transport are covered in the price.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with lactose intolerance.

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins with pick-up options from Catania, Naxos, or Taormina, making it flexible depending on where you’re staying. From there, a 35-minute vintage car ride transports you from the city to the countryside, adding a playful and nostalgic element to the experience.

First Stop: Linguaglossa – Food and Olive Oil Tasting

In Linguaglossa, known as the gateway to Mount Etna, you’ll start your day with a local breakfast and snacks that showcase the area’s culinary staples. The real highlight here is a tasting of olive oil produced from olives grown on Etna’s volcanic soil. This small farm visit is a chance to see how the unique environment influences the flavor—many reviewers mention the distinctive, almost spicy taste of the oil.

“You get to meet real farmers and see how your olive oil is made, which elevates the tasting,” one guest remarked. It’s a slow, intimate encounter with Sicilian agriculture, far from mass-produced products.

Second Stop: Randazzo and Hazelnut Delights

Next, another short vintage car ride takes you into Randazzo, a charming town with a history of volcanic activity. Here, the tour focuses on hazelnut tasting at a family farm nestled among ancient hazelnut trees. You’ll sample fresh hazelnuts and some decadent hazelnut cream, which many say is a true reflection of regional flavor.

One reviewer shared, “The hazelnut farm was in the middle of a forest, and the owner was so passionate about their products—it felt genuine.” This stop emphasizes the importance of sustainability and tradition in Sicilian food production.

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Cheese Tasting at a Family Dairy

From here, the journey continues into a Nebrodi Mountains family dairy, where a shepherd introduces you to the process of making hot ricotta and regional cheeses. The fresh cheeses are tasted on-site, offering a taste of Sicily’s pastoral roots. Many mention that the cheese is creamy, flavorful, and unlike anything found in supermarkets.

“Meeting the shepherd and seeing how the cheese is made made the tasting even more special,” a guest commented, highlighting the personal connection to local producers.

Sweet Indulgences and a Typical Sicilian Lunch

After a brief return to Randazzo, it’s time for desserts—artisan ricotta cannoli and Sicilian granita in a small bakery. Expect the real deal, made fresh and served with pride, according to reviewers.

Finally, the tour culminates with a two-hour lunch at a farmhouse, featuring local sausages, an appetizer, and a glass of Etna red wine. This leisurely meal offers a chance to relax, reflect on the day, and enjoy Sicilian hospitality. The wine pairing enhances the flavors of the regional dishes and ties everything together.

Vintage Car Rides and the Overall Pace

The vintage cars add a layer of charm and comfort, making the approximately 7-hour journey feel like a relaxed exploration rather than a rushed tour. The car rides between stops vary from 10 to 35 minutes, giving you scenic views and time to soak in the landscape.

The tour’s pace is slow enough to savor each tasting, yet dynamic enough to keep the day interesting. Guests have mentioned the well-timed stops and the informative guides who share stories about the villages and traditions.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The price covers all tastings, lunch with a glass of wine, transportation in vintage cars, and guided visits. Overall, it offers excellent value considering the personalized experience and authentic encounters.

However, alcohol consumption beyond the included wine in lunch is at your own expense, so if you’re a wine enthusiast, you might want to budget for extra drinks. Transport is included for pick-up/drop-off in Taormina, Naxos, and Catania, but additional costs may apply if you’re staying elsewhere.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with lactose intolerance, so if you have mobility issues or dietary restrictions, it’s worth considering alternative options.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

If you’re craving an authentic slice of Sicily—away from crowds and commercialism—this tour offers genuine culture. It’s ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone interested in meeting local artisans and learning about traditional Sicilian life.

The vintage cars and carefully curated stops make for a memorable day, especially if you appreciate details like learning how olive oil is made or tasting cheese in the mountains. The pace is relaxed, allowing you to truly enjoy each experience without rushing.

This tour isn’t just about tasting—it’s about connecting with the land and its people, discovering regional specialties in their natural environment.

Final Thoughts

This food and wine tour near Mount Etna offers a meaningful way to explore Sicily’s authentic flavors and traditions. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, culturally rich experience and embrace the charm of vintage transportation. While it’s not designed for those with mobility issues or dietary restrictions, it compensates with genuine encounters, delicious tastings, and stunning scenery.

If you want to step off the beaten path and see small villages where Sicilian life still thrives, this tour delivers a taste of true local hospitality. It’s perfect for those who value storytelling, quality food, and a slower pace—making it a memorable highlight of any Sicilian adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in vintage cars for the entire day, starting from Taormina, Naxos, or Catania, and returning to the same points.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from pick-up to drop-off, with multiple stops for tastings, meals, and sightseeing.

Are all tastings included in the cost?
Yes, all food and wine tastings, plus lunch and a glass of Etna red wine at the farmhouse, are covered. Additional wine or extras are at your own expense.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
It’s mainly designed for adults and may not be suitable for very young children, especially due to walking and the nature of tastings. It’s best for those who enjoy relaxed, cultural experiences.

What is the pace of the tour?
The day is paced to allow plenty of time at each stop, with short car rides between locations. The overall experience is unhurried but engaging.

Can I participate if I am lactose intolerant?
Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance as cheese and dairy are core parts of the tastings.

What should I bring?
Insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a camera. The weather can vary, so a hat or sunglasses might also be handy.

In the end, this authentic Sicilian food and wine experience is a wonderful way to savor the region’s flavors, meet passionate local producers, and enjoy a relaxed day in beautiful surroundings. It’s a thoughtful choice for curious travelers who value genuine connections over touristy clichés.

You can check availability for your dates here: