Sicily Wine + Culture Tour
EiGHT Days | SEVEN Nights
2024: September 27 - October 3 SOLD OUT
2025 Dates: april 24 - May 1 SOLD OUT
Welcome to Sicily
“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.”
One step on the island and you know exactly what Goethe was talking about. Its colorful inhabitants, ancient and motley ancestry, savage nature, proud Baroque towns, endless coasts, humble yet incredibly rich gastronomy (revered by all Italians — especially for the desserts!) and a viticulture that goes back about 4000 years makes Sicily the stuff myths are made of — and, actually, it is: the island is the set for many a Greek and Roman myth, chronicled by Homer, Cicero, Ovid and Virgil.
La Dolce Vigna's 7 Day - 6 Night tour features the eastern part of the island where the majestic Mount Etna — Europe's highest active volcano — dominates the horizon. You will learn all about Sicily's native red grapes, Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Frappato, and white, Inzolia, Catarratto, Carricante, Grillo, Moscato, and taste the phenomenal wine they produce: Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Faro, Moscato di Siracusa, Moscato di Noto (don't worry: we'll master how to pronounce those). Other experiences packed into this Sicilian cornucopia: visits to the charming towns (and UNESCO Heritage Sites) of Taormina, Syracuse, Noto and Modica, a hike through the volcanic terrain of Mount Etna, a guided walk-through of an ancient olive grove, some pretty exceptional ceramics, and tons of gelato.
“We just spent a full week with Leslie touring wineries, vineyards, olive groves and Mt. Etna. Lunches and dinners were always amazing with wine pairings, even a Michelin star restaurant. We highly recommend this tour and experience of Sicily.”
Sicily WINE TOUr Highlights
Get to know the incredible wines of Eastern Sicily at top wineries selected for you by your sommelier guide
Hike along the craters of Mount Etna, Europe's Highest active volcano
Experience an 800+ year-old olive grove + taste the exceptional olive oil it produces
Take a private tour of one of Modica's world-renowned chocolate producers
Visit the stunning, seaside towns of Taormina, Syracuse, and Noto (All UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
Enjoy unforgettable meals thanks to Sicily's rich culinary tradition
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sicily
“If you read through the itinerary for one of La Dolce Vigna’s tours and think it sounds fantastic, in actuality, it’s even better than that! Don’t hesitate. Just go!”
Sicilian Cuisine
Sicily is a cornucopia of flavors. It has absorbed traditions from the many cultures that conquered the island throughout its long history. Meals are often abundant, featuring pasta and fresh vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, and artichokes. Seafood is a staple along the island’s lengthy coast, while meat and mushroom dishes are more common inland and around Mount Etna. Prickly pear, citrus fruits and nuts such as the Bronte Pistacchio or the Noto Romana Almonds are ubiquitous, and make their way into the prized gelato and granita of Sicily, often served in a fluffy brioche bun. And, we can’t forget about one of Sicily’s big claims to fame: cannoli—just one of the million desserts you can savor while in Sicily!
Your Luxurious Accommodations in Sicily
Our accommodations in Sicily will be nothing short of epic. We stay at three fabulous boutique hotels: one on Mount Etna, one in the Baroque town of Noto and finally a charming country estate near Vittoria.
TOUR PRICE
ALL-INCLUSIVE $5900 / person
(based on double occupancy)
Your Sommelier Guide + Founder of La Dolce Vigna
“The meals, wine and tour stops were all incredible! Add to that Leslie’s organization, planning and personality — we can’t compliment her enough!”
Ciao! My name is Leslie Rosa. After a decade of working in the art world for eminent institutions and artists in New York and London, I moved to Italy, fell in love with the diversity of Italian wine and became a certified sommelier with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier.
As an art-curator-turned-sommelier, my passion is to create immersive experiences and itineraries in which each day tells a story and offers an in-depth look at the history and culture of a particular region through the lens of wine.
When not leading tours, you can find me doing pop-up wine tastings, writing for the Slow Wine Guide, or getting lost someplace beautiful with my travel watercolor set!
La Dolce Vigna Difference
Small Groups. Our tours are always limited to a maximum of 12 people to assure you an intimate experience.
Sommelier Guides. You will always have a certified sommelier guide to answer all of your wine-related questions on the road.
Family-Run and Historic Wineries. Our tours are centered around small, eco-conscious, family-run wineries that make truly outstanding wine, and packed with cultural insights.
Foodie Central. Be prepared to eat. A lot. We've picked out amazing spots for you, from the small, loved-by-locals osteria to the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Insider Access. We have special relationships with locals, which open up more unique and authentic experiences for you!
No Cookie Cutter Tours. Depending on the season and local events, we will custom organize the best and most insider experience for each group.
All-Inclusive. Rest assured that your tour price includes all meals (except for one meal), activities, hotels, transportation from the moment we meet until our fond farewell.
Down Time. For those of you who have been on other group tours, you know what we're talking about. Part of living la dolce vigna is taking the time to truly savor your experiences and surroundings. We've built in time for you to do just that at your own pace and on your own terms. Long live slow travel!
Helping others. Besides helping the local, artisanal economy through visiting small wine and food producers, eating at traditional trattorie and staying at intimate hotels, a donation on behalf of each individual that takes one of our tours will be made to 10,000 Gardens in Africa, a Slow Food initiative aimed at cultivating sustainable and healthy communities throughout Africa.
Noto, Sicily
Frequently Asked Questions about THE Sicily Wine Tour
How many wineries will we visit on the Sicily wine tour?
We typically visit 6 wineries on the tour. I’ve found this gives clients a great cross-section of the appellations, wine styles, etc. without over-doing it. We will also try wines from different wineries and possibly have winemaker guests during meals.
I am not a wine expert; will I still enjoy the tour?
You do not need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour, but a curiosity or love of tasting new wines comes in handy! A little more than half the trip will be focused on wine.
HOW IS the weather in Sicily in the SPRING AND AUTUMN?
Spring temperatures in Sicily can range from the 60s to the low 80s during the day and dropping as low as the 50s in the evening. In September temperatures are still quite summery (70s - 90s), though temperatures begin to cool down by mid-October, averaging in the upper 60s/ 70s during the day with cooler nights. The key is to bring clothes you can layer. Rain is always a possibility in both the spring and autumn.
What is the transportation for the Sicily wine tour?
La Dolce Vigna works with local transportation companies that have luxury fleets. Tour vehicles are Mercedes Sprinters (or comparable) with extra space to spread out.
What is included in the Sicily wine tour?
La Dolce Vigna believes in curating a complete experience for its clients. This means that winery visits, meals, activities, etc. are all hand-picked and included in your tour price to give you the best a region has to offer. With the exception of one meal (on occasion), everything during the tour period is included. For further details, you can visit La Dolce Vigna’s Terms page for the Sicily Wine + Culture Tour.
looking for a Private wine tour of Italy?
Look no further! In addition to our intimate group tours, La Dolce Vigna curates private wine tours—with or without a guide—based on your dates, travel style and interests. We will open the doors to authentic experiences complete with exceptional food and wine, colorful personalities, warm hospitality, not-to-be-missed cultural sites and many, many photo-worthy moments. (Trust us.)
