If you’re exploring Sicily and love a good wine experience, this tour offers something pretty special. It’s not your typical winery visit—here, you’ll walk through urban vineyards right on the slopes of Mount Etna, explore a 1790 family-owned winery, and enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with four Etna wines. It’s a mix of history, stunning scenery, and good food that can really elevate your time in Sicily.

What we really like about this tour is the chance to see a rare kind of urban winery—not many places combine city vibes with vineyard tranquility so seamlessly. The guide’s knowledge shines through, making the whole experience more meaningful. Plus, the sunset dinner with wine pairing sounds like a perfect way to end the day, especially if you’re into local flavors.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience lasts about 3.5 hours, so it’s a solid half-day outing. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of walking, history, and wine tasting without feeling rushed. If you’re after a laid-back, educational, and delicious experience, this one’s probably for you.

Key Points

Unique Urban Setting: Walk through vineyards embedded between the city and Mount Etna, offering a different perspective than traditional wineries.
Historical Cellar Tour: Discover a remarkably preserved 1790 family winery with authentic equipment like old barrels and grape presses.
Expert-Guided Experience: Guides are knowledgeable, animated, and make the history and wine-making process interesting.
Gourmet Dinner & Wine Pairing: Sample four distinct Etna wines, including estate labels, paired with delicious tapas and a main course.
Beautiful Sunset Views: Conclude your time relaxing in the courtyard or garden with volcano views at dusk.
Good Value & High Ratings: With a 4.9/5 rating from 53 reviews, most find this tour engaging, insightful, and tasty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off at the wooden gate marked “Etna Urban Winery”, where you’ll meet your guide and start a gentle walk across the urban vineyards. These vineyards aren’t sprawling countryside fields but are instead woven into the cityscape, with dry-stone buildings and walls dating from the 19th century. You’ll see how the land has changed over time, especially with the oak woods that once covered the area—now replaced by the city’s expansion. Kids receive a treasure map, which is a fun touch that keeps younger travelers engaged.

As you stroll, your guide shares stories about the land, the volcanic soils, and the history of winemaking in the area. Many reviews praise guides like Angela and Vera for their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge. One review specifically mentions Angela’s heartfelt storytelling, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Back at the historic winery, you’ll step inside to see original equipment from the 1700s. The cellar’s large chestnut barrels, stone fermentation tanks, and grape pressing machines are fascinating relics that give a real sense of tradition. The guide might also share insights from old diaries of ancestors, adding depth to the history.

Finally, it’s time for the tasting. You’ll sample four Etna wines—including two estate wines—each one carefully paired with gourmet tapas prepared by Chef Leonardo. The wines range from sparkling whites to reds, each reflecting the volcanic soils and unique climate of Mount Etna. Several reviewers rave about the quality of the wines and the thoughtful pairings. One person mentions buying bottles after the tasting, emphasizing how memorable the wine was.

End your visit in the courtyard or garden, where you can take in volcano views at sunset—a picture-perfect moment that many visitors cherish. Whether you’re soaking in the scenery or just relaxing after the tasting, it’s a fitting finale.

Keen to taste more of Catania? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Exploring the Details

Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a comfortably paced experience. The group size isn’t specified, but reviews suggest it’s intimate enough for questions and personal attention.

Price & Value: While the exact cost isn’t provided, the consistent high ratings and positive reviews suggest it offers good value. For the price, you get a comprehensive vineyard walk, historical insights, four wines, and a gourmet dinner—all guided by passionate experts.

Accessibility: Given the walking involved, wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes is recommended. The terrain isn’t overly rough but does include vineyard trails and cellar floors.

Family-Friendliness: The mention of treasure maps for children indicates some appeal for families, though the main focus is adult wine tasting and historical exploration. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and tasting experiences.

Language & Booking: The tour is conducted in English, with flexible booking options—free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand and the ability to reserve now and pay later.

Authentic Experiences as Highlighted by Travelers

Many reviews mention excellent guides like Angela who bring the history and process of winemaking to life. One review says, “Angela was very knowledgeable about the complexity of each wine and how the taste is affected by soil and weather,” emphasizing the educational aspect.

Visitors also talk about stunning views and the atmosphere of the courtyard at sunset, making the experience picturesque and memorable. One review mentions that the dinner and wine pairing was so good they stayed to have dinner after the tour, which signals a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Some reviewers highlight the value for money, describing it as “a great experience” with “delicious food and wines,” and noting that it is a very thorough and enjoyable tour overall.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast curious about volcanic wines or a traveler who loves unique landscapes and history, this experience is likely to suit you well. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided storytelling, tasting high-quality wines, and soaking in beautiful volcanic scenery.

While not explicitly tailored to families, the treasure map element hints at some kid-friendliness, making it potentially enjoyable for slightly younger visitors who like exploration. However, the focus on wine and history makes it more suited for adults or older teens.

This experience is also a good pick if you’re in Catania or Taormina and looking to add a relaxing yet educational activity that combines culture, nature, and gastronomy.

More Great Tours Nearby

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children receive a treasure map and might enjoy the walk, the main focus is wine tasting and historical exploration, so it’s best for older kids or teenagers comfortable with tasting and walking.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the walk, the cellar visit, the tasting, and the sunset.

Do I need to wear special shoes?
Yes, comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended because you’ll be walking on vineyard trails and cellar floors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, guides speak English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Are the wines included in the price?
Yes, the four Etna wines are part of the tasting experience, paired with gourmet tapas and a main course.

Is the experience good value?
Based on reviews, yes. Many find the combination of history, wine, food, and scenery to be worth the cost.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the wooden gate with the “Etna Urban Winery” sign, located at coordinates 37.568397521972656, 15.099898338317871.

Ready to Book?

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Catania

Etna Urban Winery, Vineyard Walk & Sunset Tasting Dinner

4.9

(53)

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare glimpse into Sicily’s volcanic wine culture, combining history, scenery, and gastronomy in a way that’s engaging and memorable. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed yet informative experience, especially if you’re intrigued by the idea of urban vineyards on Mount Etna. The high ratings and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-loved choice among travelers—and for good reason.

If you’re curious about Etna wines, want to learn about local traditions, or simply enjoy a beautiful sunset with good food, this experience should definitely be on your list. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and bring your curiosity along for the ride.