The Syracuse Trail
Explore the most powerful Greek city in the west. Syracuse rivaled Athens, and its symposia were legendary. From the Greek theater to Ortigia's temples, taste how Greek wine culture conquered Sicily.
A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi
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Curated by Wine Memories
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Syracuse Archaeological Park
Syracuse was the most powerful Greek city in the west, rivaling Athens. The archaeological park preserves the Greek Theater (seating 15,000), the Roman Amphitheater, and the famous "Ear of Dionysius" cave. The tyrant Dionysius I ruled here with wine-fueled banquets that became legendary. UNESCO World Heritage site.
Adventure Price: moderate - 2
Ortigia Island Historic Center
The island heart of Syracuse where Greek temples were converted to Christian churches. The Temple of Apollo (7th century BC) and the Cathedral (built into a Temple of Athena) show layers of history. The streets overflow with trattorias serving Sicilian wines with seafood.
Wine bar Price: moderate - 3
Paolo Ferrara Archaeological Museum
One of Europe's finest archaeological collections, spanning from prehistory through the Greek and Roman periods. The symposium pottery, Dionysiac reliefs, and wine vessels show how Greeks brought their drinking culture to Sicily. The Venus Landolina is world-famous.
Adventure Price: moderate - 4
Cantine Ferreri
A family winery in the Syracuse countryside producing wines from indigenous Sicilian varieties. The Greek connection is conscious - they understand their terroir was first cultivated by colonists 2,700 years ago. Tastings include Nero d'Avola and Moscato di Siracusa.
Winery Price: moderate - 5
Noto - Baroque City with Ancient Roots
The baroque masterpiece of Noto was rebuilt after a 1693 earthquake, but the region's wine culture is ancient. Noto wines from surrounding hills offer distinctive character. The UNESCO-listed town combines stunning architecture with excellent wine bars and restaurants.
Wine bar Price: moderate - 6
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 Price: moderate - 7
Selinunte Archaeological Park
The largest archaeological park in Europe preserves the Greek city of Selinus. Destroyed by Carthage in 409 BC, the tumbled temples and massive columns create an evocative landscape. The acropolis and eastern temples show Greek city planning, with space for religious festivities including Dionysiac celebrations.
Adventure Price: moderate - 8
Marsala & Western Sicily Wines
Marsala's fortified wine is post-Greek, but the region's viticulture is ancient. Modern producers make both traditional Marsala and excellent dry wines from Grillo and other varieties. The English-invented fortified style built on millennia of winemaking tradition.
Winery Price: moderate