When you think of Italian wine, your mind might go to a glass of ruby Chianti or bubbly prosecco, but it should also think of Sicily, which is why we’re sharing this guide to Sicilian wine.
Only after spending some time in Sicily and visiting some of the region’s top wine producers did I realize just how incredible the wine in this part of Italy is. You may have come across a sweet Marsala before (a fortified wine produced on the western edge of Sicily) or seen Sicilian wines on the menu at some of your favorite Italian restaurants.
Still, you may not be aware of it beyond that, which is why we decided it was high time to publish this guide to Sicilian wine.

A Beginner’s Guide To Sicilian Wine
Well, this region has a rich history of making outstanding wines — some of which may just become your next favorite glass of vino.
How Long Has Sicily Been Producing Wine?
Sicily boasts a long and rich history of winemaking. The region has produced wine for centuries, with grape cultivation for wine dating back to the 8th century B.C.
With a dry, warm climate, consistent sunshine, and moderate rainfall, the island is well-suited to provide an excellent location for growing grapes. Coastal breezes also help reduce the chance of rotting vines, making organic, low-intervention farming much more feasible.
Until the mid-1900s, however, winemakers exported their products to perfect the wine in other places, such as northern Italy and France. It’s only been relatively recently that Sicily has had the chance to stand on its own in the wine world.
Now, as travel trends shift towards the undiscovered, Sicily has become an even bigger topic in the wine conversation. For instance, Sicilia DOC has over 400 wine producers in their wine consortium, and you may have already noticed some Sicilian wines in your local wine shop.
Whether you’re Sicily-bound or want to enjoy some new and refreshing flavors, this guide to Sicilian wine will tell you everything you need to know.
What Makes Sicilian Wine Unique
“The different terrain and elevation create unique soil components, creating indigenous grapes that can only be grown on the island,” explained Antonio Rallo, President of Sicilia DOC. “Sicily’s climate makes it perfect for sustainable farming with roughly 300 days of sunshine per year, winds that protect against frost and mildews, and one of the longest harvests on the planet lasting more than 90 days.”
Where Is Wine Country In Sicily?
The first thing to note from this guide to Sicilian wine is that, as the largest island in Italy, it boasts a vast and varied wine landscape. Sicily has 24 wine regions, including 23 Denominazioni di Origine Controllata (DOC) and 1 Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG).
In the west, you’ll find Marsala DOC, where the famed fortified wine is produced. Etna DOC is on the east coast, where peppery Etna Rosso (or red wines) come from. Rich reds from Nero d’Avola grapes hail from one of the sunniest, warmest parts of Sicily, Noto DOC. Grapes used in Sicilian wines are grown throughout the island, though.
Why Try Sicilian Wines
Although Sicily has produced wine for centuries, the region traditionally exported much of its product throughout Europe and beyond to fortify other wines. In the mid-1900s, they began exporting less and bottling more locally as Sicilian wine.
While you may not have heard of some of the best wines from Sicily, you’ll find they’re worth your attention. During a wine trip through Sicily, I discovered many new types of wine that immediately made their way onto my list of favorites — even a few reds, which I don’t typically drink.
Sicilian wine brands haven’t yet received the same level of recognition as those from Tuscany. From a consumer’s perspective, though, that means you’ll pay considerably less for equally excellent wine.
What Type Of Wine Is Sicily Known For?
When shopping for the best Sicilian wine, this guide will help you better understand the tasting notes to expect and the meals to pair it with.
Below you’ll find descriptions of a handful of the most grape varieties that are indigenous to Sicily and what they bring to a nice glass of vino.
Main Sicilian White Wine Grapes
Grillo
Famous for making Marsala wines, you can also find Grillo grapes in both varietal and blended white wines. Light and fresh, expect fruity flavors like ripe citrus and a hint of spice.
Pair it with: seafood pasta, roasted fowl, and baked casseroles
Catarratto
Expect bold, fruity, and floral aromas from this yellow-green grape, which is beautifully balanced with a gentle touch of fine herbs and spices. Catarratto grapes generally produce wines with a full body and a generous amount of acidity.
Pair it with: seafood, marinated antipasti, and vegetarian courses
Inzolia
Also known as Ansonica, this grape is primarily grown in Western Sicily. An aroma of nuts and herbs lends wines made from Inzolia grapes a hint of understated elegance, complemented by a soft, mineral finish. You may also detect subtle aromas of flowers and fruits.
Pair it with: mushroom pasta, baked or grilled fish, white meats
Major Sicilian Red Wine Grapes
Nero d’Avola
A rich ruby hue, Nero d’Avola thrives in clay and deep soils, which contribute to its more intense aromas and flavors, as well as a full body, healthy acidity, and tannins. Get ready for the enticing aromas of red fruits, like strawberry and sour cherry, sweet spices, licorice, and even cocoa.
Pair it with: charcuterie and antipasti, grilled swordfish, grilled or roasted meats, and mushroom risotto.
Frappato
This grape produces light-bodied wines, making it easy to drink and perfect for a lazy afternoon. It is often blended, but you may also find it bottled separately. Frappato has intense aromas of violet, spices, and red cherry.
Pair it with: pasta, pizza, roasted meat, potatoes, soft cheeses
Perricone
Sometimes called Pignatello, this grape gets used to make full-bodied wines with deep hues and typically a higher alcohol content. You’ll discover aromas of spicy red fruits, herbs, and earthiness, along with flavors of bramble fruit.
Pair it with: charcuterie, salty antipasti, pasta with ragu, eggplant parmigiana, roasted vegetables, cheese.

How To Go Wine Tasting In Sicily
Headed to Sicily soon? You can sip on these wines right where they get produced, so make sure to save some time to go wine tasting while you’re in Sicily.
In general, you can get between the vineyards by car (we can help arrange a driver and a whole day of tasting if you’d like), and the wine tasting experiences are more laid-back and less touristy than in a better-known region like Tuscany.
Keep in mind that most wineries require some reservation, so make sure to email or call in advance, or book a Sicily food and wine tour to have all the fine details handled for you.
Cantine Nicosia
Imagine touring a winery with Mount Etna in the background — it’s possible to have some of the most extraordinary scenery with a glass of wine. As expected, the wines here have a bit more minerality, and you can even find some certified organic vegan wines here. Be sure to make a reservation for a meal at the osteria, where you can enjoy traditional Sicilian fare in a relaxing garden setting.
Alessandro di Camporeale
A visit to this winery feels more like visiting family for the weekend, which makes sense considering they’ve had four generations of winemakers. Plan to do a tasting lunch here, as you’ll find the wines just as delightful as the hospitality. Make sure to try Donnatà, made from the Nero d’Avola grape.
Gorghi Tondi
Built on a nature reserve, Gorghi Tondi produces its wines with a particularly environmentally friendly attitude. Before your tasting, you’ll also have the opportunity to tour the reserve, showcasing the unique terrain they work with when producing their wines.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the wines they produce, but be sure to try the Coste a Preola, made from 100% Grillo grapes.
Have you ever had Sicilian wine? Let us know in the comments below what you drank and what you liked so much about it!
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