Sicily Wine Trails
2 nights in Salina, 1 night in Regaleali, 2 nights in Menfi, 1 night in Palermo
Sip your way around sun-soaked Sicily, trying the local wines influenced by neighboring Greece.
Looking to discover the delights of sun-kissed Sicily but to focus on its gorgeous local wines at the same time? This tour combines the opportunity to experience the history, culture, and panoramic views of the idyllic Mediterranean island with multiple opportunities to sample its sumptuous produce. Start in feisty Palermo, the island’s capital, which boasts energetic and irresistible street food markets, luscious beaches, extensive history, architectural gems, and surrounding coastal villages, before delving deeper into Sicily’s diverse areas. All the while, you’ll be supping carefree on wine varieties that borrow grapes from neighboring Greece and also a wide range of Mediterranean varieties (such as Malvasia, an exquisite, light, white vino) in the stunning surroundings of the mystical and volcanic Aeolian Islands.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo
Welcome to Italy!
Independent arrival in Palermo.
This afternoon, enjoy a unique street food tour to familiarize with the Sicilian culture and local culture. Overnight in Palermo.
Day 2: Erice & Marsala
Today you will leave Palermo for Menfi, considered the best wine area in Sicily and one of the best in the Mediterranean area: Menfi.
Meet your driver and start your exploration of the western villages of Sicily, from Erice to Marsala. Beyond the vineyards, at 2,461 feet above the sea stands Erice, a fairytale of a town erected on Monte San Giuliano. A mix of myth and history runs through the tiny lanes of this borgo that was dominated for centuries, by everyone from the Elymians and Phoenicians to the Greeks and Romans to the Normans and Vandals.
Marsala’s origins are tied up with those of an important archaeological site nearby, the little island of Mozia, also known as San Pantaleo. The small isle of Mothia, meanwhile, is one of the most important of Phoenician settlements.
We’ll visit the Florio winery near Marsala, where the Florio family has created a new winery concept: a magical place that provides a unique experience into a beautiful world. The historic Florio Winery in Marsala, built in Tufo stone by Vincenzo Florio in 1832, welcomes visitors and offers them a captivating journey of discovery within a sophisticated venue. After the visit, continue on to Menfi, where you will spend the next 2 nights at Planeta Winery Resort. Overnight in Menfi.
Day 3: Menfi- Cooking Class, Winery, Vineyards, and Archeology
Today, enjoy relaxing in the infinity pool with a view onto the vineyards and the Sea.
In the morning, join a cooking class followed by a tour of the vineyards along with a wine tasting.
Their patient and meticulous research of local winemakers have always been directed to the past as much as to the future. Despite their profound link to the oldest Sicilian traditions of winemaking, they have always been conscious of the need to adopt international standards, without neglecting the most vigorous and imaginative investigations into different varieties.
In the afternoon transfer to the near Archeological Park of Selinunte for a guided visit.
On a soft little hill overlooking the sea, the ruins of Selinunte are considered one of the most important archaeological areas in the Mediterranean and indeed in all Europe. Founded in the seventh century by settlers from Megara Hyblaea, it was the westernmost outpost of the Greek territories in Sicily. Overnight in Menfi.
Day 4 – Agrigento
In the morning, transfer to Regaleali with en route stop in Agrigento.
Meet up with your local historian/guide in Agrigento for a three hour guided tour visiting the magnificent Valley of the Temples, experience scenery of extraordinary beauty; the imposing Greek ruins, the Garden of the Kolymbetra and the Necropolis. The Archeological Park is an exceptional historical testimony to Magna Graecia’s presence in this area, as well as to subsequent epochs, the archaeological site at Agrigento, in Sicily, was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997. You will arrive in the afternoon at your country, relais. You arrive at Regaleali and enter a beautiful courtyard, where you’ll be met with the warmth and elegance of a noble Sicilian family, with the simplicity and genuineness you can find only in the country atmosphere. The balance of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight at Regaleali, in the heart of Sicily.
Day 5: Wine & Food in the Real Sicily
This is going to be a glorious day! For generations, the Tenuta Regaleali estate has been at the heart of the Tasca d’Almerita family’s wine production. This green haven stretches over the Sicilian interior between Palermo and Caltanissetta, up to the Sclafani Bagni hills where the heat so typical of this Mediterranean region is less intense. On land rising 900 meters above sea level, the fruit matures slowly, and this allows for a more excellent range of grapes – many of which are indigenous. There’s a good selection of French varieties as well, plus grapes from the Ionian and Aegean regions of Greece, from the Caucasus and Spain which together make Tenuta Regaleali a triumphant example of diversification, environmental protection, and biodiversity. You will visit the magnificent estate, and you will immediately understand that the prominent character, is the land, beloved and respected. You will be guided in the visit by Corrado, who don’t succeed at all to hide the love for the wine and for his job. At the end of the tour, you’ll leave with a beautiful feeling, that one can be a big wine company, can produce great wines, manage large numbers, have international awards, and yet remain faithful to its land, a land that as the owners love to say “we borrowed from our children”.
After lunch and some free time, we’ll continue to the beautiful town of Milazzo with a short en route stop in Cefalu to visit the town.
From Milazzo, you’ll catch the boat to Salina, the stunning island of natural beauty, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Salina is the second largest island that makes up this volcanic archipelago, an island filled with charm and hospitality. There are excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, surrounded by the incredible turquoise sea. Overnight in Salina, Aeolian Islands.
Day 6: The Aeolian Islands & Mediterranean Wines
Today, visit Capofaro Winery and vineyards on the island of Salina.
Capofaro is one of the five estates owned by the Tasca d’Almerita family, home of the Anfiteatro vineyard, “Grande Vigna” di Malvasia. As every Tasca d’Almerita project, the starting point in Salina was the vineyard. When the Capofaro property was purchased, there was a 6-hectare Malvasia vineyard that had been in production for about thirty years: the best part was kept in production, and the building was restored. The potential of the ancient vineyard was combined with the opportunity to expand the Malvasia vineyards on the island.
Day 7: Islands & Mediterranean Wines
Enjoy your day in Salina, relax, or explore the rest of the islands. Journey to Lipari the largest and most populous of the Aeolian Islands. Visit the Duomo or the Museo Eoliano. Panarea is another choice. The smallest and most fashionable of the seven islands. Head to the Hotel Raya for an aperitif. Make sure to enjoy a wonderful dinner in Salina – fresh fish is always on the menu, capers, peppers, and tomatoes along with excellent local table wines.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport in Catania.
You’ll leave Salina by boat and then meet your driver for the private transfer to Catania.
Meals: Breakfast