Top 13 Local Wines
in the Metropolitan City of Catania

Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a renowned winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. With over forty years of experience in the fine wine industry, the estate is dedicated to producing wines that purely express the refined and multifaceted microcosm of the Etna region. Tenuta delle Terre Nere practices organic farming, emphasizing meticulous vineyard care to achieve ideal ripening conditions. This approach ensures that minimal intervention is needed in the cellar, allowing the inherent qualities of the grapes and their specific microclimates to shine through in the wines. The winery is particularly noted for its production of Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco wines, primarily utilizing indigenous grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. Among their esteemed vineyards is a parcel in Contrada Calderara Sottana, home to vines over 140 years old that survived the phylloxera epidemic, offering a unique expression of the Nerello Mascalese grape. Expand

Girolamo Russo is a winery located in the village of Passopisciaro, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. Re-established in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo in memory of his father, Girolamo, the winery embodies Giuseppe's commitment to preserving his family's traditional values while introducing innovative winemaking approaches. The estate spans approximately 15 hectares of vineyards, situated between 650 and 780 meters above sea level, interspersed with hazelnut and olive groves. The vineyards are cultivated organically, employing traditional methods that have allowed these ancient vineyards, many over a century old, to thrive. Girolamo Russo produces a range of wines under the Etna DOC designation, including reds, whites, and rosés. Their red wines are primarily made from the Nerello Mascalese grape, often blended with Nerello Cappuccio, while their white wines feature Carricante and other indigenous varieties. Visitors can arrange tours and tastings by appointment, offering an opportunity to experience the unique terroir and winemaking philosophy of Girolamo Russo. Expand

Barone di Villagrande is a historic family-owned winery located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, near the village of Milo in Sicily, with winemaking roots dating back to the 18th century. The estate has remained in the hands of the Nicolosi Asmundo family for generations and is considered one of the pioneers in the modern development of Etna wines. Vineyards are planted at high altitudes on volcanic soils rich in minerals, which contribute to the wines’ freshness, structure, and complexity. The winery focuses primarily on indigenous grape varieties such as Carricante for white wines and Nerello Mascalese for reds, both of which express the distinctive character of Etna’s terroir. The wines are typically defined by vibrant acidity, elegance, and a pronounced mineral profile, with white wines showing notes of citrus, herbs, and volcanic ash, and reds offering red berry fruit, spice, and earthy nuances. Production follows sustainable practices with careful vineyard management and minimal intervention in the cellar. Barone di Villagrande is particularly known for its Etna Bianco wines, which have notable aging potential and develop layered complexity over time. In addition to winemaking, the estate also offers an enotourism experience, allowing visitors to explore the vineyards and immerse themselves in the unique landscape of Mount Etna.Expand

Pietradolce is a family-owned winery founded in 2005 and located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in the village of Solicchiata near Castiglione di Sicilia. Its vineyards lie at elevations between approximately 650 and 950 meters above sea level, on highly mineral, lava-rich soils that strongly shape the character of the wines. Part of the estate is planted with very old, pre-phylloxera vines trained in the traditional alberello system, preserving an important element of Etna’s viticultural heritage. The winery focuses exclusively on native grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for red wines, and Carricante for whites. Winemaking follows a restrained, terroir-driven approach, with fermentations mainly in concrete tanks and aging carried out in carefully selected oak barrels housed in a cellar carved into volcanic rock. The wines are known for their precision, elegance, and pronounced mineral character, with reds showing notes of red berries, spice, ash, and floral nuances, and whites marked by citrus freshness, salinity, and tension. Pietradolce is widely regarded as one of the reference producers of Etna, valued for its faithful expression of site, altitude, and volcanic identity.Expand

Cottanera is a family-owned winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in the area of Castiglione di Sicilia, where vineyards are planted on steep, rocky terrains shaped by volcanic activity. Founded in the early 1990s by the Cambria brothers, the estate was developed with a clear intention to express the distinctive identity of Etna through precise, site-driven wines. The vineyards lie at high elevations, often between 700 and 900 meters above sea level, with significant diurnal temperature variations that allow for slow ripening and the preservation of natural freshness. Production focuses primarily on the indigenous varieties Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante, which form the backbone of the estate’s Etna DOC wines. In the cellar, the approach is balanced and restrained, aimed at highlighting mineral tension, elegance, and purity rather than extraction or power. The Etna Rosso wines are defined by fine-grained tannins, layered red fruit, and a distinctive volcanic salinity, while the Etna Bianco offers clarity, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Today, Cottanera is regarded as a reliable and articulate interpreter of Etna, combining terroir expression with a contemporary understanding of Sicilian winemaking.Expand

Graci is a terroir-driven winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in Passopisciaro, within the Alcantara Valley of Sicily. Founded by Alberto Aiello Graci, who left a career in finance to revive his family’s agricultural roots, the estate is built around a rigorous commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention. Vineyards are spread across multiple high-altitude sites, ranging from roughly 600 to 1,000 meters above sea level, and include very old vines, many planted on their own roots in sandy volcanic soils. Production focuses on native varieties, primarily Nerello Mascalese for reds and Carricante for whites, with wines vinified using indigenous yeasts and aged mainly in large, neutral oak vessels to preserve site expression. Graci places strong emphasis on single-contrada bottlings such as Arcurìa, Feudo di Mezzo, and Barbabecchi, each highlighting subtle differences in soil, elevation, and exposure. The style is restrained and precise, favoring freshness, mineral tension, and structural clarity over richness or extraction. Today, Graci is widely regarded as one of the most authentic and consistent producers on Etna, valued for wines that translate the volcanic landscape into transparent, age-worthy expressions with a strong sense of place.Expand

Tenuta di Fessina is a boutique winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, founded in 2007 in the village of Rovittello, within the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia. It was created with the aim of preserving and expressing the authentic character of Etna’s terroir through the careful cultivation of old vineyards and native grape varieties. The vineyards lie on mineral-rich volcanic soils at varying altitudes, with Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio used for red wines, and Carricante and Minnella for whites. Production is based on manual vineyard work and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the natural balance and identity of each site to emerge clearly. A restored 17th-century palmento stands at the heart of the estate, symbolizing the link between historical winemaking traditions and a contemporary, precise approach. The wines of Tenuta di Fessina are known for their elegance, marked minerality, and structural clarity, offering a refined and authentic expression of Etna’s volcanic landscape.Expand

Monteleone is a small, family-run winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in the area of Castiglione di Sicilia, focused on expressing the volcanic terroir through limited and carefully managed production. Founded in 2017, the estate was created with the aim of preserving old vineyards and local grape varieties while applying a precise, low-intervention approach to winemaking. The vineyards lie in the contrade of Cuba and Pontale Palino at around 500 meters above sea level, on soils rich in lava and volcanic minerals. Some of the vines are over 80 years old and trained in the traditional alberello system, which naturally limits yields and enhances concentration. The winery works exclusively with native Etna varieties: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for red wines, and Carricante for whites. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel to allow each site’s character and microclimate to emerge clearly. The resulting wines are defined by precision, minerality, freshness, and fine structure, with strong aging potential. Monteleone positions itself as an authentic Etna DOC producer, focused on terroir expression, identity, and long-term sustainability rather than volume or stylistic excess.Expand

Belonging to Etna DOC, this white Italian wine is predominantly produced with Carricante grape variety, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Lively and acidic Etna wine is typically straw yellow, with characteristic floral, citrus, and mineral notes. Though it is rarely aged, oak maturation can help develop a full-bodied, creamier flavor. It can match a variety of dishes, but it works especially well with seafood, particularly in combination with pasta. Pair it with classic Sicilian pasta chî sàrdi or sarde a beccafico.Expand

The principal grape variety in this light to medium-bodied red Sicilian wine is Nerello Mascalese, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Ruby red Rosso belongs to the Etna DOC, which also encompasses lively and acidic Bianco wines. Fresh and energetic Etna Rosso typically displays notes and aromas of dark fruit and spices. They usually have balanced tannins and bright acidity, which makes them work well with various dishes. They naturally pair with dishes based on tomato sauce, but they can also match traditional Sicilian fish and meat specialities. Expand

Nerello Mascalese is a late-ripening native Sicilian grape variety that is mostly cultivated around Mount Etna. One of the few grapes that survived the phylloxera plague—due to the high altitudes where it is grown—Nerello Mascalese is considered as one of the best Sicilian red grapes. It is mostly used in the appellations of Etna and Faro. Although it can be used as a blending grape, it is also made into varietal wines. The grape produces medium-body and fruity red wines that have firm tannins and bright acidity. The wines may slightly vary in character, but they usually include aromas and flavors reminiscent of red berries and spices. Nerello Mascalese wines pair well with risottos and pasta dishes, red meat, mushrooms, and aged cheese. The grape is often compared to Pinot Noir, and it is thought to descendent from Sangiovese. Expand

Carricante is a little-known ancient Sicilian grape that is mainly cultivated on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. It is best known for its use in the Etna Bianco appellation, where it is used in varietals and blends (a minimum of 60%). It is usually blended with Catarratto and Minella Bianca. Although Carricante is found in other parts of Sicily, it is considered that the best examples come from the volcanic soils around Mount Etna. The wines are pale yellow with green reflections. They are aromatic, crisp, and refreshing, usually with citrus, floral, and fruity notes reminiscent of oranges, orange blossom, and apples. They can have an anise-like note. On the palate, they are lively, mineral, and high in acidity. Some can age well. Carricante can pair well with appetizers and seafood, but it also has enough character to stand next to grilled white meat. It is best paired with local specialties. Expand

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a Sicilian appellation that is currently the only one with a DOCG status. Located in the south of Sicily, the appellation produces red wines with a blend of Nero d’Avola, which mainly provides weight and body, and Frappato—which contributes to the lighter and fruity character of the wine. These ruby red wines will typically display fruity notes of cherries, red berries, pomegranate, and plums. Aged varieties may develop heavier notes of tobacco, chocolate, or leather. Because of their well-structured, soft, and velvety tannins, these wines are incredibly food-friendly, and they can match appetizers, red or white meat, game, pasta, as well as fish dishes. Expand