TENUTA MONTE SERRA: THE BENANTI WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCE

Discover the most authentic Etna, where viticulture intertwines with history and the volcanic landscape yields some of Italy's most prized wines. The 18th-century estate of the historic Benanti winery, at the foot of Monte Serra, offers a unique wine tourism experience, combining winemaking excellence, culture, and the local area.

Considered one of Etna's most prestigious wineries, and owned by the Brave Wine holding company founded by entrepreneur Renzo Rosso , Benanti is recognized as a pioneer of excellent Etna viticulture. It was among the very first to understand the importance of zoning and is the only one that, selecting the various grapes from the areas historically most suited to their cultivation, produces wines from its own vineyards located on the volcano's four slopes (Contrada Calderara Sottana and Contrada Dafara Galluzzo to the north, Contrada Rinazzo to the east, Contrada Monte Serra to the southeast, and Contrada Cavaliere to the southwest). The company's philosophy focuses on respect for tradition and the identity of the places, with a production that expresses the complexity and elegance of native grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese , Carricante , and Nerello Cappuccio .

Upon reaching Tenuta Monte Serra in Viagrande, visitors receive a warm welcome from the company's sommeliers , young local professionals trained at leading schools such as WSET, AIS, and FIS, and are accompanied on an immersive and moving tour. It begins in the Monte Serra vineyard , located on the slopes of the extinct eruptive cone of the same name, where rare centuries-old ungrafted vines still thrive. The tour then continues to the majestic 18th-century Palmento , one of the largest and best preserved in the region, now transformed into a veritable museum of Etna winemaking. Enriching the experience is a visit to the Sala dei Quadri , a finely restored architectural space that combines Made in Italy design details with oil paintings on canvas, part of the Benanti family's private collection. The tour concludes in the Bottaia , an immersion in aromas that offers guests an opportunity to learn about the maturation process of Benanti's red wines. Finally, guided tastings take place in the historic internal rooms or in the outdoor spaces overlooking the vineyards, paired with selected local gastronomic specialties created by the company's chefs, who boast experience gained in renowned starred restaurants.

The “Wine & Culture” experiences , bookable on www.benanti.it , available in Italian and English (other languages upon request), are held daily – except Mondays – by reservation only . Customizable packages are designed for enthusiasts, experts, and industry professionals, offering in -depth insights into agronomic practices, winemaking techniques, and food and wine pairings, in an atmosphere of authentic interaction with the company's sommeliers. Wines can also be purchased on-site and shipped within Italy or abroad via specialized couriers.

And for even more personalized experiences, Benanti offers, in addition to the tastings and dinner packages, the organization of tastings at locations selected by customers, as well as exclusive use of the Tenuta Monte Serra estate.