The best wineries in Catania.
Etna is certainly an island in the island. The long and hot summers with significant temperature variations between day and night, the harsh winters and the millennial human experience in the cultivation of the grapes make Etna obtain absolutely unique and unrepeatable results. In this scenario, in the north–eastern slope of Etna, between 600 and 850 meters above sea level, are the vineyards of our company. The philosophy followed in the management of the company is to indulge the events to obtain always the best, also with the help of the most modern technologies in the winery.
At the slopes of Etna, where the crumbly and ancient lava almost meets snow, villages and districts have strange names; names that a bit saucy child invents when he wants a story. Chiappamacine, Montedolce, Sciaranuova, Passopisciaro. It is right here, in Passopisciaro, that our story began: an ancient history, that as the land from which it was born, savours of Greece, of myths, of fire and of modernity. The story of a man who, already adult, with family and children, fell madly in love and devoted all his free time to his new lover who, in return, offered him a precious fruit.
The lover was a vineyard of eight hectares, the fruit was a rare and fulfilling wine, the man was Don Michele Pennisi, a cardiologist. All through his life Don Michele divided attention and professionalism among his patients and his vineyard. In the early years he made wine with the grapes he produced, then limited himself to only sale. In 1994 Vito, a faithful farmer, joined him, ready to share the passion and knowledge and to transmit them, when the time would come, to future generations.
Passion for wine flowed in the veins like blood, and when Don Michele took leave from this world in April 2006, his son Vincenzo, d professional geologist, was ready to take up the baton. Vincenzo began a new adventure. He wanted to sell wine even outside the region and for this he needed a name that was not limited to those of local wines, insofar as well–known all over Sicily. No, he needed a name that would evoke the history of that vineyard and of the man who with care led it to absolute excellence. There can be no doubt: the new red, rosé and white wine would be called Don Michele.
Unfortunately, in 2012 also the existence of Vincenzo reached its term and the interest for wine passed to the other two brothers: Giuseppe, a doctor in Turin and Giuseppina, a biologist in Catania. Their love for the vine and the deep respect for the efforts of their father and brother led them to overcome every obstacle and to deal, in spite of their distance, with the family passion. Even now the vineyard, a demanding but generous lover, responds with rich fullness to those who devote her care and affection: it was decided to produce an elitist wine, which brings with it the historicity and the tradition of the Sicily of the past, not altering the dictates that once moved Vincenzo.
A minimum production, limited and, for this reason, immensely valuable for the quality of wine, is considered by the leading experts of great finesse and charm, but especially, for the two brothers, is awareness that ... the dream can go on.
The Biondi Winery was founded in the late nineteenth century and reached its maximum size in the period between the two world wars. Thanks to the management commitment of Salvatore Biondi (great–uncle of the present owner) and the wine experience of his brother Cirino, the company succeeded in producing excellent wine.
In this period, another wine producer, Lanzafame, comes into the company and creates the BIONDI & LANZAFAME brand. During the first decades of the twentieth century, the company, with this new designation, participated in several exhibitions and fairs and the wines presented won several awards and medals: Casalmonferato 1913, Paris 1914, Lyon 1914, Cuneo 1914, Milan 1914, the registration in the "GRANDE LIBRO D’ORO". The BIONDI & LANZAFAME wine was exported to Europe and USA.
After the end of World War II, for the company begins a period of decline, due to the failure to adapt to modern technology to the new market arisen after the war.
Scilio Tenuta di Valle Galfina is a family-owned winery known for producing exceptional wines from carefully selected grapes. The winery is committed to using sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques to create unique and complex wines that showcase the character of the terroir. With a focus on quality over quantity, Scilio Tenuta di Valle Galfina offers a range of elegant and expressive wines that are sure to impress even the most discerning wine lovers.
At the end of the nineteenth century Giuseppe Benanti, grandfather of the current Giuseppe, started to produce wines in an old farm of his father on the slopes of Etna, in Viagrande (Catania).
In 1988, Giuseppe Benanti revived the ancient family passion, starting an extensive selection of the lands around Etna, highly devoted to viticulture and looking for particular clones of indigenous grape varieties and new oenological techniques to reproduce ancient fragrances with the help of the most modern winemaking techniques, like in a perfect blend of history and reality. A study that lasted five years, and led to the production of wines with a unique taste, able to recreate the ancient flavors and keeping them intact over time.
Wines with a strong personality, who carry the culture and passion for wine of the Benanti family, always driven by a respect for the lands, the "terroir" and the old millstones that, after revealing the wonders of the Etna area, has guided them before to Pantelleria and then to Pachino.
Today, the company, run also by the sons of Giuseppe Benanti, Antonio and Salvino, is located in a segment of the market for products of high quality and the request of his wines is in strong ascent. This result is mainly due to the quality of the wines, recognized both in Italy and abroad, as evidenced by the many awards and accolades that continue to arrive every year in the most important national and international competitions.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a family-owned winery with a passion for making distinctive wines that reflect the unique volcanic soil of their vineyards. The winery uses organic and biodynamic practices to cultivate their grapes, resulting in complex and elegant wines that showcase the terroir of the region. With a commitment to sustainability and a deep respect for the land, Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a testament to the enduring beauty and richness of nature.
Girolamo Russo is a family-owned winery that produces high-quality wines using traditional techniques. The winery is known for its exceptional attention to detail, which results in wines with distinct flavors and aromas. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, and the grapes are hand-harvested to ensure the best quality. The winery's portfolio includes both white and red wines, including Etna Rosso, Nerello Mascalese, and Carricante.
Pietradolce is a winery that produces high-quality wines using traditional methods and modern techniques. The vineyards are nestled in an ideal location for growing grapes, and the winemakers carefully select and harvest only the best fruit. Their wines are known for their distinct character and complexity, reflecting the unique soils and microclimates of the region. The winery is committed to sustainability and preserving the natural environment while creating exceptional wines.
Etna flows in the sap of the vineyards of Cottanera that, with its border viticulture, is one of the most interesting realities of the Italian and international wine scene. Those of Cottanera are vineyards that are located on lava rock, 700 meters above sea level, along the northern slopes of the volcano, and that screw with the atmosphere of Etna becoming the mirror of a unique, precious, charming and full of charm territory. The name, chosen by the company, is linked to an ancient village which limits the family vineyards along the bank of the river Alcantara.
Cottanera is a gem of 100 hectares, all grouped together, 65 of which are vineyards.
The vineyards and winery are located in Castiglione di Sicilia (CT), where, therefore, all stages of the supply chain from harvesting to bottling take place.
"To look to the future we can not ignore the education we received. Land, as my father taught me, is an invaluable asset, because it is the principle of all things, and of what we are". This is the philosophy that Guglielmo repeated and that wanted to hand down to his children.
Guglielmo was the first to bet on the value of those black lands. We are in the nineties when Guglielmo, along with his brother Enzo, decided to convert what was a hazelnut grove into a large vineyard, the first plants related to international varieties, and then, over the years, native grapes were added, the historic vines of Etna: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante.
Today, after the death of Guglielmo, Cottanera is led by the brother Enzo and by the sons of its founder: Mariangela, Francesco and Emanuele.
We cultivate only Etna grape varieties, in total respect of the territory and of the peculiarities of each vintage.
We limit our interventions to a minimum. The land commands, not us. We believe that only pandering and respecting the natural expression of our territory, we can have great wines. Great because honest.
This winery is known for producing high-quality wines using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. With a focus on the local grape varieties, they offer a range of unique and elegant wines that showcase the terroir of the region. The vineyards are situated in a unique landscape, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which adds to the distinctive character of the wines. The winery is passionate about preserving the environment and promoting biodiversity, and visitors can take tours to learn more about their innovative practices.
The company is situated on the slopes of Etna 300 m above sea level, in an area known for high–quality productions with Typical Geographical Indication. There, wines have been produced since 1825, once used as products to be cut with the wines of northern Italy and France and in bulk quantities. Only for a few years, following the introduction in the company of suitable wine–making machines, wine has been bottled with two designations: Rosso Cosentini and Nero d’Avola. The first is obtained with native grapes of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d’Avola 20%, the second only with Nero d’Avola grapes produced exclusively in the company since 1998.
Azienda Agricola Contino was founded by the experience and expertise of the Contino family, who for years, in the name of respect for the biological pace of the land, produces DOC wines that are estimated throughout Italy. The company’s vineyard stretches on the south–east side of Etna, on the slopes of Monte Gorna; thanks to the soil composition, characterized by volcanic sands, Etna Rosso DOC is obtained, a particularly fine wine that retains all the flavour of the land it comes from.
The use of modern technologies and the continuous search for modernity, combined with the respect of a healthy craftsmanship, are the guiding principles of the Contino family, who over the years has managed to become well–renowed for its wines, getting favorable feedback both by experts and by amateurs.
The company is located in the municipalities of Biancavilla, Santa Maria di Licodia, and Valverde (Etna south territory) and extends for a total of 18 hectares, of which 6 are vineyards and 12 are olive groves with cultivars of Nocellare Etnea, Nocellare Messinese Biancolilla and Moresca, all varieties required for the DOP Etna. The company was founded at the beginning of the twentieth century, but was refounded and innovated by the will of the La Rosa brothers Giuseppe and Marioche, who were doctors, but were not able to resist the lure of the ancient traditions of their family.
The wines produced under the direction of the oenologist Giuseppe Cascio are 3 labels for a total of 10,000 bottles a year. Among the services offered by the company, in a recently restored country house, there is the opportunity to organize meetings and cultural events for a total of 60 participants, as well as to use the premise of the restaurant with traditional or revisited by our chef dishes, for a maximum of 80/100 people.
Capirossa is located on the north side of the Park of Etna, precisely in Solicchiata di Castiglione di Sicilia. A few steps from the craters and the sea, the vineyards cover 15 hectares, alloted in the districts Barbagalli, Corvo, Bonanno, Tumacsi, all about 800 meters above sea level.
Historic vines (over 50 years), and recently planted, are part of a charming and unspoiled natural environment, with the typical terraces and stone walls of lava stone, characteristic of the Etna rural architecture, where the green blends naturally with the black of the volcanic soil. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, in addition to Grillo, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, express an excellent organoleptic potential, adapting to the extraordinary climatic conditions of our territory, celebration and maximum expression of typicality.
Search on the map the best wineries in Catania. With this simple tool you have the opportunity to discover the winery that is the nearest to you or to the area you prefer.
C.da Croce Monaci 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
Etna is certainly an island in the island. The long and hot summers with significant temperature variations between day and night, the harsh winters and the millennial human experience in the...
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via Monsignor Birelli, 6 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
At the slopes of Etna, where the crumbly and ancient lava almost meets snow, villages and districts have strange names; names that a bit saucy child invents when he wants a story. Chiappamacine,...
CONTACT & BOOK STORE
Corso M. Buonarroti, 61B 95039
Trecastagni (Catania)
The Biondi Winery was founded in the late nineteenth century and reached its maximum size in the period between the two world wars. Thanks to the management commitment of Salvatore Biondi...
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Contrada Arrigo, 05015
Linguaglossa (Catania)
Scilio Tenuta di Valle Galfina is a family-owned winery known for producing exceptional wines from carefully selected grapes. The winery is committed to using sustainable farming practices and...
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Via Garibaldi, 361 95029
Viagrande (Catania)
At the end of the nineteenth century Giuseppe Benanti, grandfather of the current Giuseppe, started to produce wines in an old farm of his father on the slopes of Etna, in Viagrande (Catania). In...
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Strada Comunale Calderara, 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a family-owned winery with a passion for making distinctive wines that reflect the unique volcanic soil of their vineyards. The winery uses organic and biodynamic...
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Via Regina Margherita, 80 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Girolamo Russo is a family-owned winery that produces high-quality wines using traditional techniques. The winery is known for its exceptional attention to detail, which results in wines with...
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SS120, 174 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Pietradolce is a winery that produces high-quality wines using traditional methods and modern techniques. The vineyards are nestled in an ideal location for growing grapes, and the winemakers...
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Strada Provinciale, 89 95030
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Etna flows in the sap of the vineyards of Cottanera that, with its border viticulture, is one of the most interesting realities of the Italian and international wine scene. Those of Cottanera are...
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Contrada Arcuria, Passopisciaro 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
We cultivate only Etna grape varieties, in total respect of the territory and of the peculiarities of each vintage.We limit our interventions to a minimum. The land commands, not us. We believe...
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Via Milo 30/59iv, 95015
Linguaglossa (Catania)
This winery is known for producing high-quality wines using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. With a focus on the local grape varieties, they offer a range of unique and elegant wines that...
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Via Etnea, 9 95020
Santa Venerina (Catania)
The company is situated on the slopes of Etna 300 m above sea level, in an area known for high–quality productions with Typical Geographical Indication. There, wines have been produced since...
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Corso Italia, 104 95039
Trecastagni (Catania)
Azienda Agricola Contino was founded by the experience and expertise of the Contino family, who for years, in the name of respect for the biological pace of the land, produces DOC wines that are...
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Via Trieste, 17 95100
Catania (Catania)
The company is located in the municipalities of Biancavilla, Santa Maria di Licodia, and Valverde (Etna south territory) and extends for a total of 18 hectares, of which 6 are vineyards and 12 are...
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via Magenta, 27 95030
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Capirossa is located on the north side of the Park of Etna, precisely in Solicchiata di Castiglione di Sicilia. A few steps from the craters and the sea, the vineyards cover 15 hectares, alloted...
CONTACT & BOOK