Catania isn’t just about stunning baroque architecture and lively markets—it’s a prime destination for wine lovers eager to explore Sicily’s volcanic terroir. The region’s Mount Etna is a natural magnet for those wanting more than just a scenic backdrop; it offers a unique opportunity to taste wines crafted from volcanic soils that impart a distinctive minerality. Among the experiences on our list, the Tour Etna & Wine Tasting stands out for its immersive hike into the volcano’s craters combined with a personal wine tasting in a local winery. It’s perfect for travelers who want a bit of adventure alongside their sip of Sicilian reds and whites [].
If you prefer a more relaxed, chauffeur-driven day with scenic stops and a gourmet lunch, the Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery offers an elegant way to explore the mountain’s highlights without the strain of hiking. For a compact, authentic tasting experience in a cozy setting, the Etna in a Glass artisan wine tour delivers rich flavors from small producers that really showcase Sicily’s volcanic character. Each of these experiences offers a different slice of Etna’s wine scene, suited to various interests and energy levels.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include guided hikes, private driver tours, and small-group tastings—each blending volcanic landscapes with local wines. Whether you want to trek among craters, enjoy a scenic drive with stops, or sip wines in intimate wineries, this list covers a broad range of styles and budgets. Explore more about these experiences through the links provided, and choose the one that fits your travel style.
1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting
At number 1, the Tour Etna & Wine Tasting offers an immersive adventure combining volcano exploration with wine tasting on Mount Etna’s slopes. This highly-rated, small-group tour (rated 5.0/5 from over 200 reviews) takes you to the highest active volcano in Europe, where you’ll walk along craters, explore lava tunnels, and learn about the volcano’s influence on local viticulture. After a morning of hiking and crater visits, you’ll visit a winery for a lunch paired with Sicilian wines. The guide’s personal attention makes this experience stand out, and reviews mention how engaging and knowledgeable the guides are.
This tour balances adventure and leisure, appealing to travelers eager to combine nature walks with gastronomic delights. The $167.99 price tag for an 8-hour day represents excellent value considering the included crater walks, lava tunnel visits, and wine tasting. It’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy a mix of physical activity and culture. The small group size ensures you’ll get plenty of personalized insights.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for those wanting a full-day, active experience blending volcano exploration with wine tasting, all led by passionate guides.
2. Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting
Coming in at number 2, the Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery is a more relaxed, scenic private day trip, rated 5.0/5 from 85 reviews. For around $290, this tour features a private driver who takes you to Silvestri Craters at 6,500 feet, with spectacular views of the lava flows from recent eruptions. The tour then stops at a family-run farm to sample local honey, olive oil, and other farm-produced delights. The highlight is the lunch and wine tasting at a winery on the north slopes, where you enjoy local wines and regional cuisine.
What makes this trip compelling is the combination of scenic crater views and authentic farm experiences—plus the comfort of a private driver. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer comfort and convenience over hiking but still want a comprehensive mountain and vineyard experience. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to meet local producers.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a relaxed, all-in-one day that combines scenic crater views, local farm tastings, and wine in a comfortable setting.
3. From Taormina: Etna Walking Tour and Wine Tasting in Winery
Ranking third, this walking tour from Taormina (rated 4.9/5 from 77 reviews) offers an intimate exploration of Mount Etna with a local guide. With a focus on geology, volcano history, and local wines, the 6.5-hour trip features a moderate hike along the most fascinating craters and lava flows. After discovering Etna’s terrain, you’ll visit a small, family-owned winery where a sommelier guides you through tastings of four different wines paired with local recipes.
This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a guided, small-group experience with plenty of time to ask questions and learn about both the volcano and local wine traditions. Guests mention Maurizio’s enthusiasm and knowledge as a highlight. It’s priced at a reasonable level, considering the combination of hiking and tasting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a walking-focused day combined with a personalized wine experience.
4. Sicilian Soul: Winery Tour, Wine & Food Tasting in Catania
At number 4, the Sicilian Soul experience offers a short, immersive tasting in a historic Palmento or garden setting—a perfect stop for food and wine lovers on a tight schedule. The 1.5-hour session includes tasting 3 wines and local delicacies from one of Sicily’s finest organic farms. It’s highly rated (5/5 from 6 reviews) for its authentic farm-to-table atmosphere and the chance to learn about Sicily’s culinary traditions.
Ideal for travelers who want a quick but meaningful tasting experience, this is less about hiking or extensive touring and more about savoring local flavors. The intimate setting and high-quality wines make it a memorable taste of Sicily’s heritage.
Bottom Line: A great short stop for a taste-focused experience that captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine and wines.
5. Wine tasting on Etna: volcanic flavors, history, and tradition
Number 5 features a simple yet authentic wine tasting at €41, focusing on volcanic wines and local stories. This is ideal for travelers on a budget who want a straightforward tasting experience with guided explanations of Etna’s unique viticulture. The tasting takes place surrounded by volcanic landscapes, creating a fitting ambiance for appreciating the mineral-rich wines.
While it lacks the extensive sightseeing of some other tours, it’s perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to understand the mineral flavors of Etna wines without a big time commitment. It’s a cost-effective way to get a taste of Sicily’s volcanic wine scene.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers who want an authentic, educational tasting among volcanic landscapes.
6. Etna in a glass: artisan wine tasting at the foot of the volcano
In sixth place, the Etna in a Glass experience offers an intimate tasting in a setting dedicated to small producers and volcanic vineyards. For $65, you sample wines made from grapes grown on lava soils and learn stories of local winemaking techniques. The guide’s expertise shines as they share techniques and traditions behind each pour, and the pairing with local products enhances the experience.
This is an excellent choice for wine lovers seeking depth and authenticity without a full-day commitment. The single-review rating of 5/5 suggests this is a small, premium experience.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for dedicated wine aficionados wanting to deepen their appreciation for Etna’s artisan wines.
7. 4×4 excursion on Mount Etna with lunch in a winery from Catania and Taormina
Number 7 combines off-road adventure with vineyard visits. Rated 4.5/5, this 7-hour tour features a guided 4×4 journey around Mount Etna, with stops at the volcano’s craters and lava landscapes. The highlight is a lunch with wine tasting at a renowned winery. The private driver and vehicle allow access to more remote spots and personalized attention.
Ideal for travelers who want a bit of adventure and exploration but don’t want to hike extensively. The tour suits those who want to see diverse landscapes and enjoy local wines in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who prefer off-road exploration combined with wine and regional cuisine.
8. Catania: Etna South Wine & Sicilian Delights Tour
Ranked 4.5/5, this Etna South Wine & Delights Tour offers a taste of Sicily’s wine and food traditions with visits to two wineries. It’s a shorter, 5-hour experience ideal for those wanting a scenic, flavorful day. You’ll learn about volcanic terroirs, enjoy local wines, and indulge in Sicilian specialties.
This tour emphasizes wine’s role in Sicilian culture, making it suitable for culinary travelers. Its shorter duration means it’s great for those with limited time but still wanting a rich tasting experience.
Bottom Line: An efficient, flavor-packed tour for lovers of Sicilian wine and cuisine.
9. Catania: Wine and Lunch Tour
Number 9 combines vineyard visits with a traditional lunch in a 4.5-hour experience. Rated 5/5, this tour is praised for its multilingual guides and personalized tastings. You visit a vineyard, sample local wines, and enjoy a regional meal with local products.
Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, all-in-one experience that combines gastronomy with wine in a convenient package. The focus on local flavors makes it especially appealing to foodies.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded choice for those wanting a combination of wine, food, and culture in a short time.
10. Etna and Wine: an experience among craters, volcanic landscapes, and Sicilian flavors
This 7.5-hour tour (rated 5/5) offers an immersive experience traveling among craters, lava flows, and vineyards. Starting from five pickup points, it features a guided trek on Mount Etna and visits to wineries with tastings. The experience emphasizes the land’s story told through scents and flavors, making it ideal for adventure and wine lovers alike.
Reviewers highlight the scenic beauty and depth of the land-wine connection. It’s a full-day that combines nature, culture, and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, sensory journey through Etna’s landscapes and wines.
11. From Catania: Etna Trekking & Wine Tasting Tour with Pickup
Rated 4.7/5, this 6-hour trek and wine tasting combines a 2-hour guided hike with a visit to a local winery. Pickup options from Catania, Taormina, and Naxos make it flexible. The environmentally conscious guides focus on Etna’s flora and fauna while providing tastings of native wines.
This experience is suited for outdoor lovers who want to walk among volcanic landscapes and deepen their understanding of local biodiversity and winemaking. It’s a more relaxed but active way to experience Etna.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature enthusiasts who want a moderate hike plus wine sampling.
12. Etna Wine Tasting with Local Food Bites in Catania
Closing out the list, this short, lively tasting session offers a baroque-style enoteca experience with 4 wines and traditional Sicilian bites. Priced at $58 for just an hour, it’s a quick but enriching way to immerse in Sicily’s wine culture without leaving Catania’s historic center.
Ideal for those short on time but looking for an authentic taste of Sicily’s wines paired with local snacks. The handcrafted pottery setting adds a special charm.
Bottom Line: Best for a casual, flavor-focused introduction to Sicilian wines and culinary traditions.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour in Catania
When selecting a wine tour in Catania, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re after an adventure, the mountain hikes and crater explorations like the Tour Etna & Wine Tasting or the From Taormina: Etna Walking Tour might be best. For those seeking comfort and scenic drives, the Etna Tour and Lunch offers an elegant day. Budget travelers can opt for shorter tastings such as the Etna Wine Tasting with Local Food Bites, which still deliver authentic flavors.
Consider the duration, whether you prefer a half-day or full-day experience, and if you want to include gastronomy or focus solely on wine. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons (spring and autumn), when tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Catania and its surrounding areas provide a diverse array of wine experiences—from active volcano hikes with tastings to relaxed winery lunches and short cultural tastings. If you crave adventure and stunning landscapes, the Tour Etna & Wine Tasting ranks high for its combination of hiking and local wine. For a comfortable, scenic day, the Etna Tour and Lunch offers a premium experience with personalized touches. Meanwhile, small, authentic tastings like the Etna in a Glass bring you closer to Sicily’s artisan wine producers.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable vineyard visits, volcanic vistas, and flavorful wines. Sicily’s Mount Etna isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active, vintner’s paradise waiting to be explored.