Catania stands out as a top destination for wine lovers and those eager to explore Sicily’s volcanic landscapes. Its proximity to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, makes it a natural haven for wine tasting and volcanic vistas. Whether you’re interested in hiking Etna’s craters, visiting local wineries, or discovering subterranean lava caves, Catania offers a variety of immersive experiences. We love the Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour – From Taormina for its full-day adventure that combines hiking, wine tasting, and a visit to the Alcantara Gorge, all with hotel pickup included. For a more personalized journey, the Private Etna tour from Catania + Lunch at Etna Winery gets rave reviews for its tailored experience and in-depth exploration.
What makes Catania especially appealing is the diversity of tours available: from full-day excursions exploring volcanic craters and lava caves, to intimate wine tastings in urban and mountain wineries, and even hands-on cooking classes. Whether you prefer guided hikes on Etna, scenic vineyard walks, or visits to underground lava tunnels, there’s a tour suited to your interests. Below, we review the 15 best wine tours in Catania, highlighting what makes each unique and helping you decide which fits your style.
1. Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour – From Taormina
At number 1, this full-day Tour from Taormina offers a balanced mix of hiking, sightseeing, and wine tasting. It includes a hike through the ancient woodlands and lava caves of Mount Etna, plus a Sicilian-style lunch paired with regional wines. The tour also visits the Alcantara Gorge, famous for its basalt formations. With hotel pickup and entrance fees included, it’s a stress-free way to experience Etna’s landscape without the climb. Guests praise the passionate guides—Roberto and Claudio—whose enthusiasm and local knowledge make the day memorable. The tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day out, combining nature, culture, and wine, especially if weather conditions might limit certain activities. The value is excellent considering all inclusions, plus it’s suitable for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full, value-packed day with hiking, wine tasting, and Alcantara Gorge views, all with convenient pickup.
2. Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania
Number 2 on our list is the Mt Etna and Wine Tasting from Catania. It’s an 8-hour adventure that combines a thorough exploration of Etna’s caves and craters with a visit to a local winery. The caves formed by lava flows are a highlight, along with walks through old volcanic craters. The itinerary is flexible, allowing time for hikes or cable car rides, plus a visit to a wine cellar for tastings. Guests love the knowledgeable guides like Thomasso and Enzo, who bring Etna’s geology alive. The tour offers great value at around $123 per person, especially for its comprehensive nature and small-group intimacy. It’s ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of Etna’s volcanic activity alongside wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for geology enthusiasts and wine lovers who want a well-rounded day with plenty of exploration.
3. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting
Number 3 features the Tour Etna & Wine Tasting, a small-group experience with an emphasis on walking, cave exploration, and wine. It’s designed for those interested in walking along crater edges and visiting lava tunnels, culminating in a wine tasting at a vineyard. The guide, Enzo, is praised for his expertise and friendly manner. The excursion includes a visit to the Silvestri Craters, lava tunnels with helmets and lamps, and a typical Sicilian lunch with wine. With only 8 hours, it’s a balanced trip that suits travelers wanting an active day on Etna combined with wine. Guests note the intimate group size enhances the experience, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy personalized attention.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for active travelers who want to combine geology, hiking, and wine tasting in a small-group setting.
4. Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Trekking with Wine Tasting
Number 4 offers a Sunset Trekking experience that’s ideal for those who appreciate dramatic scenery and a relaxed pace. You’ll trek across Etna’s lunar-like landscapes, exploring lava tunnels and craters, then toast the sunset with local wine. This 6-hour tour emphasizes scenic views and storytelling from passionate guides, with stops at Valle del Bove and the Silvestri Craters. Watching the sunset above the Bove Valley, with a glass of Etna wine in hand, makes for a memorable experience. The tour is suitable for fit travelers comfortable with a short trek and wants a more intimate, evening activity.
Bottom Line: Best for sunset chasers and those seeking a less strenuous, scenic evening on Etna.
5. Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting
Number 5 provides a comprehensive full-day experience with private transport, visiting the Silvestri Craters, a honey farm, and culminating in a winery lunch with wine tastings. For about $290, it’s a premium option that combines gastronomy and geology, with personalized attention. Guests rave about the delicious lunch and the opportunity to sample local honey, olive oil, and wines. The tour offers a chance to relax and socialize in a scenic setting, making it ideal for foodies and wine aficionados seeking an immersive experience. The downside is the higher price point, but the inclusive nature makes it worth considering.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a luxurious, all-in-one wine and food experience with scenic views in comfort.
6. Catania: Pistachio Ravioli, Pasta Home Cooking Class w/ Wine
For something different, our number 6 is a hands-on cooking class that introduces you to authentic Sicilian cuisine. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn to make pistachio-filled ravioli, then enjoy your creations paired with local wines. It’s a short, 3-hour experience perfect for food lovers eager for a practical skill and a taste of Sicily’s culinary heritage. While not a traditional vineyard tour, it’s highly rated for its intimate setting and engaging instruction. It’s an excellent choice if you want a memorable, flavorful experience that goes beyond just drinking wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who love cooking and want to learn Sicilian recipes paired with regional wines.
7. Etna Urban Winery, Vineyard Walk & Sunset Tasting Dinner
Number 7 features the Etna Urban Winery & Sunset Dinner, a 3.5-hour evening tour. You’ll walk through the vineyards of one of the world’s few urban wineries, explore the historic 1790 family winery, then enjoy a tasting dinner pairing Etna wines with Sicilian dishes. The combination of vineyard walking, history, and dinner makes it a great pick for those interested in gastronomy and local wine culture. The experience is intimate, with a focus on modern Sicilian cuisine and unique wine pairings. Guests often praise the relaxed atmosphere and high-quality food.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies and wine enthusiasts seeking an elegant, evening experience in a historic setting.
8. Etna private tour with wine cellar Gambino lunch and wine tasting
Number 8 offers a personalized private experience that includes exploring Mount Etna’s southern side, visiting a historical church buried by lava, and ending with a lunch and wine tasting at Gambino Winery. This full-day tour, at around $280 per person, is perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility and a more intimate setting. Many reviews highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and the quality of the winery experience. The visit to the underground church and the lava fields adds unique historical and geological layers to the day. It’s ideal for those seeking a tailored, in-depth Etna experience with local wine and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for private-minded travelers wanting a flexible, personalized day with rich cultural insights.
9. Catania: Etna Urban Winery Sicilian Lunch with Wine Tasting
Number 9 is a short, 1.5-hour urban winery lunch that offers a taste of Sicilian wines paired with local dishes in a relaxed courtyard setting. It’s perfect for travelers short on time who still want to enjoy regional wines, especially if they’re interested in the urban wine scene. The selection includes four different wines—red, sparkling, white, and rosé—and the casual atmosphere makes it easy to socialize. It’s a good option for wine novices or those seeking a quick, authentic experience close to Catania.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, authentic wine tasting paired with classic Sicilian dishes.
10. Etna trekking and wine tasting
Number 10 combines a guided hike on Mount Etna with a visit to a local winery. It’s a full 8-hour tour, suitable for active travelers who want to experience the volcano’s terrain close-up while tasting regional wines. The tour includes walking through lava flows and extinct craters, with helmets and flashlights provided. After the hike, you relax at a winery with local delicacies and wines. Guest reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide, Janet, who makes the geology engaging, making it a top choice for adventurous wine lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a mix of volcano exploration and wine tasting.
11. Catania: Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market
Number 11 offers a wine tasting in Piazza Scammacca, a vibrant local market. You’ll sample four different volcanic wines paired with local foods, guided by a sommelier. It’s a shorter, 1.5-hour experience that’s ideal for those wanting to appreciate Sicily’s volcanic wines in an authentic, bustling setting. Reviewers love the insider knowledge and the chance to try interesting, lesser-known wines paired with tasty bites.
Bottom Line: Great for wine enthusiasts who want a quick, lively introduction to Sicilian volcanic wines.
12. Private Etna tour from Catania + Lunch at Etna Winery
Number 12 is a fully personalized private tour that includes exploring Mount Etna’s craters, visiting a honey farm, and enjoying a scenic drive through mountain villages. It concludes with a delicious lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. For around $363, it’s a premium, flexible experience ideal for travelers seeking a bespoke day with no rush. Guests rave about the driver’s knowledge and the chance to visit sites like the Cyclops Cave and the church buried by lava.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a private, tailored day with insider visits and gourmet lunch.
13. ETNA & WINE, TAORMINA TOUR FD from CATANIA (GUIDE and LUNCH Included)
Number 13 combines Etna exploration and Taormina sightseeing in an 8-hour tour. It features crater walks, lava cave visits, and a scenic drive, ending with a free afternoon in Taormina’s charming streets. The guide Andrea is praised for his knowledge and humor. The tour also includes a traditional lunch and a visit to a volcanic cave, making it a well-rounded option for those who want both nature and culture.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a blend of Etna’s geology and Taormina’s elegance, with guide-led insights and local cuisine.
14. Private Etna tour with wine tasting and lunch
Number 14 emphasizes a relaxed, private experience exploring the southern side of Etna, with visits to the 1669 eruption sites and a wine tasting with lunch. It’s ideal for those wanting a flexible, intimate day with a knowledgeable guide. The included visits to the church buried by lava and Monte Vetore add historical depth, and the winery lunch provides a perfect culinary finish.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a personalized, historic, and gastronomic tour of Etna.
15. Etna Jeep Tour: Craters, Flows, Lava Caves, Etna Wine, Brunch
Finally, the Jeep Tour with brunch offers an off-road adventure covering craters and lava caves, culminating in a brunch with Etna wines. It’s a short 4.5 to 5-hour trip, perfect for those who want a quick adrenaline rush and good food. The off-road aspect makes it stand out, with pick-up from several locations and helmets provided for lava cave visits. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s enthusiasm and the combination of adventure and wine.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want an exciting, fast-paced day with scenic views and local wines.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Catania
Choosing between these tours depends on your priorities. If you’re after a comprehensive experience with hikes, caves, and tastings, Tour 1 or Tour 2 are excellent options. For a more relaxed or intimate experience, consider Tour 8 or Tour 12. Budget travelers may prefer shorter tastings like Tour 11, while foodies should look at Tour 6 or the sunset trekking experience.
Consider your fitness level: hikes and cave visits demand some walking, while wine tastings in urban settings are easier. Time-wise, full-day tours give depth, but half-day experiences can fit into a busy itinerary. Booking early, especially in high season, ensures you get your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Catania offers a spectacular array of wine-related experiences—from volcano hikes and lava caves to vineyard strolls and cooking classes. For a balanced adventure, the Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour delivers a full day of nature and tastings. If you want a private, tailored experience, Tour 8 is unbeatable. For those short on time but eager to taste Sicilian wines, the Urban Winery Sicilian Lunch offers a quick yet authentic experience.
No matter your style, booking early will help you secure your spot on these popular tours. Whether you’re hiking Etna’s craters, exploring lava caves, or sipping wines with a view, Catania’s wine tours promise memorable moments that blend volcanic drama with Sicilian flavor.
