Sicilia Antiqua

Sicily was Greek before it was Roman. Mamertine wine from Messina was Julius Caesar's favorite. Mount Etna's volcanic wines have been made for 3,000 years. This adventure explores the island where Western wine culture began.

10 experiences 🇮🇹 Italy challenging 1-2 weeks

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  1. 1
    🗺️

    Taormina Greek Theatre & Etna

    Spectacular Greek theatre with Mount Etna as backdrop — possibly the world's most dramatic setting. Wine bars below serve volcanic Etna wines. The view hasn't changed in 2,300 years.

    tour $$
  2. 2
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    Mount Etna Wineries

    Ancient vines at 1,000m elevation on volcanic soil. Some vines are pre-phylloxera (150+ years old). The elevation and volcanic minerals create wines unlike anywhere else.

    tasting $$
  3. 3
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    Catania Fish Market & Wine

    Roman Catina was a major port. The fish market (La Pescheria) is sensory overload. Wine bars nearby serve Etna wines with fresh seafood — the combination is perfect.

    wine_bar $$
  4. 4
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    Syracuse Archaeological Park

    Greek capital, then Roman prize. The archaeological park has an immense theatre, Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius cave. Wine bars in Ortigia serve local wines.

    tour $$
  5. 5
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    Noto & Baroque Southeast

    UNESCO baroque town rebuilt after 1693 earthquake. The Val di Noto produces excellent Nero d'Avola and sweet Moscato. The honey-colored stone glows at sunset.

    adventure $$
  6. 6
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    Agrigento - Valley of Temples

    The most impressive Greek ruins outside Greece. The Temple of Concordia is perfectly preserved. Wine at sunset overlooking the temples is transcendent.

    tour $$
  7. 7
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    Marsala - Fortified Wine Capital

    Named from Arabic "Marsa Allah" (port of god), this Roman port became famous for fortified wine. The historic cellars date from 1796 but the wine tradition goes back millennia.

    tour $$
  8. 8
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    Selinunte - Temple Wine Picnic

    Massive Greek temple ruins on the coast — the largest archaeological park in Europe. Pack a picnic with Sicilian wine and dine among fallen columns with the sea as your backdrop.

    adventure $
  9. 9
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    Menfi & Southwest Coast

    Ancient wine coast where Romans loaded ships with Sicilian wine. Modern producers like Planeta and Settesoli have revived quality. Excellent beaches and value wines.

    tasting $$
  10. 10
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    Pantelleria - Island of Passito

    Volcanic island closer to Africa than Sicily. The dammuso houses and UNESCO vineyard landscape are unique. Passito di Pantelleria is made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes.

    adventure $$$