Food and Wine tour from Taormina with Lunch in a Etna Winery

Authentic Sicilian Food and Wine Tour from Taormina with Lunch in an Etna Winery

This food and wine adventure in Sicily promises an insider’s look at the island’s culinary treasures, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Etna. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on genuine, local experiences — far from crowded tourist spots. From meeting passionate farmers to savoring Sicilian specialties paired with regional wines, it’s a taste of Sicily that feels personal and authentic.

One of the highlights we love is the opportunity to meet local producers—like small farmers and dairy artisans—who take pride in their craft. The carefully curated tastings, from olive oils to hazelnuts and cheeses, give you more than just a snack; they’re a deep dive into Sicilian food culture. However, a possible consideration for travelers is that the tour lasts about seven hours, which might be a bit long for those with tight schedules or limited stamina for walking and tasting.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy good food, wine, and authentic cultural exchanges. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet enriching day that combines scenic drives, genuine interactions, and fantastic flavors, this tour will suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experiences: Meet small farmers and artisans, tasting their genuine products.
• Scenic Drive & Transport: Options include a vintage car or SUV, adding a stylish touch.
• Diverse Tastings: Olive oil, hazelnuts, dairy cheeses, and artisanal granita.
• Wine & Food Pairing: Enjoy a multi-course Sicilian lunch with 3-4 local wines.
• Personalized Nature: Private tour groups ensure a more intimate, tailored experience.
• Flexibility & Value: Pickup and other customizable features add convenience.

Discovering the Roots of Sicilian Cuisine

This tour is a genuine journey into the heart of Sicily’s food culture, centered around small-scale producers and traditional methods. Starting from Taormina, the trip takes you approximately 30 minutes to the villages of Linguaglossa and Randazzo, located at the foot of Mount Etna. Here, the setting itself is captivating—craggy volcanic landscapes, lush hazelnut forests, and vineyards that thrive on mineral-rich volcanic soil add a unique flavor to every bite and sip.

Comfortable & Stylish Transport

Depending on your choice, transportation ranges from a vintage car to a modern 7-seater SUV. The vintage option, for those who love a touch of nostalgia, adds a fun, stylish element to your journey. The vehicles are small and intimate, making it easier to take in the scenery and chat with your hosts, Chris and Barbara. This personal touch is one of the tour’s strengths, as they are known for their warmth, knowledge, and genuine passion for the region.

The Farm Experience: Olive Oil & Hazelnuts

Your first stop is a farm where you’ll meet local farmers and sample extra virgin olive oil, directly from the source. This is no supermarket tasting—here, you get to understand how Sicilian olive oils are produced, tasting them with fresh focaccia and local hazelnuts and hazelnut creams. Reviewers have expressed how special it is to see the passion of the farmers firsthand: “Chris and Barbara are so kind, knowledgeable, and interesting,” one reviewer shared, highlighting how these personal connections make the experience memorable.

The farm visit isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the significance of these products to Sicilian life. The olive oil and hazelnuts are staples in local cuisine, and sampling them in their natural environment provides a richer appreciation.

Cheese & Granita: Small Dairy & Historic Pastry Shop

Next, you’ll visit a small dairy producing regional cheeses like ricotta and provola dei Nebrodi. Tasting fresh dairy straight from the farm offers a level of freshness you simply can’t get at a supermarket. Reviewers have noted the authenticity here: “They are so passionate about the area they grew up in,” which comes through in the quality and care of the cheeses.

To cool down, you’ll enjoy a traditional artisanal granita at a historic pastry shop, a Sicilian summer staple. It’s a simple moment, but one that captures the authentic local flavor and craftsmanship.

The Vineyards & Wine Tasting Lunch

The highlight for many is the visit to a scenic Etna winery, where you’ll tour the vineyards—learning about how volcanic soil influences grape growing. The landscape is breathtaking, with vines stretching across lava fields.

The lunch here is a true highlight: multi-course Sicilian fare paired with 3 or 4 wines from the cellar. The wines are thoughtfully selected, and the pairing elevates the food, making each sip and bite a delightful experience. Reviewers rave about the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable guides who explain their unique characteristics: “Chris and Barbara are so passionate about the area, and their knowledge about local wines makes this part of the tour truly special.”

Authenticity & Personal Touch

The tour’s focus on genuine interactions and local producers makes it stand out. It’s not a scripted or overly commercial experience. Instead, it feels like visiting friends—who happen to be experts—sharing their favorite spots. “We are authentic local people,” Chris and Barbara say, and it shows in their enthusiasm and attentiveness.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Duration & Timing: The tour lasts around 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup included. This makes for a relaxed day with plenty of time to savor each experience. If you prefer, transportation can be in a vintage car, adding a dash of style and fun.

Group Size & Private Experience: It’s a private tour, so you’ll only share the experience with your group, ensuring a personalized, unrushed visit.

Cost & Value: At $415.33 per person, the price might seem high but includes numerous tastings, a scenic drive, an authentic farm-to-table lunch with wine, and personalized attention. Considering the premium local products, expert guides, and intimate setting, it offers good value for those seeking a genuine Sicilian experience.

Accessibility & Suitability: Most travelers can participate, but consider the walking involved and the length of the day. It’s best suited for food and wine lovers eager for a cultural and culinary immersion.

Weather & Cancellation: The tour is weather-dependent, and a full refund is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This food and wine tour is a fantastic way to uncover Sicily’s culinary roots with the help of local guides who truly care about their land and traditions. It’s perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing, craving authentic interactions and regional flavors. The combination of farm visits, cheese tasting, and a vineyard lunch makes for a well-rounded, memorable day that captures the essence of Sicily’s food culture.

The personalized approach, knowledgeable guides, and quality tastings make it stand out among many culinary tours. If you’re a traveler who appreciates real, locally produced foods paired with regional wines, this experience will likely be a highlight of your trip to Sicily.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you love discovering local food and wine, want to meet passionate producers, and enjoy scenic drives through volcanic landscapes, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers seeking an intimate, authentic experience that introduces them to Sicily beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers eager to learn about Sicilian traditions directly from those who live and breathe them.

It might not be the best fit if you prefer quick, low-effort excursions or have limited time—this is a full, immersive experience that rewards those who want to savor every moment, every taste, and every view.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, transportation can be arranged in either a vintage car or a 7-seater SUV, depending on your choice, and is included in the tour price.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? The provided information does not specify, but given the personalized nature of the tour, you may want to inquire directly with Open Sicily Experiences for specific needs.

What kinds of wines will I taste? You can expect to taste 3 or 4 different wines from the vineyard’s cellar, paired thoughtfully with Sicilian dishes.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and reviews mention a 15-year-old having a great time, so it’s suitable for families if your kids enjoy food and wine experiences.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a well-balanced look into Sicily’s food traditions, blending scenic beauty, engaging stories, and delicious flavors. It’s a choice that delivers genuine, memorable moments for those eager to taste Sicily’s soul through its land, its people, and its wine.