Exploring the wineries on Etna during Christmas Eve and New Year's holidays is an excellent idea! What could be more wonderful than enjoying a Christmas getaway in Italy, on an island Sicily where you can experience all four seasons? As you gaze at the summit of Mount Etna, you'll descend along the most stunning serpentine road with views of the sea, snowy peaks, and once-frozen black lava, placing you in the heart of autumn's freshness! Nearly all the wineries on the slopes of Mount Etna will welcome you with a breathtaking autumn landscape bursting with vibrant colors: below, in the distance, you'll see the spring-summer sea, and higher up in the mountains, the snow-covered slopes! What could be more enchanting than visiting such a magical natural wonder on New Year's Eve?
The soil on the slopes of Etna is highly fertile, as each eruption deposits ash or even lava enriched with mineral fertilizers. The climate here is ideal for cultivating vineyards: winters are moderately cool, summers are sufficiently warm, and the sun shines almost year-round, while there is ample precipitation for a successful harvest. Etna, snow-covered in winter, remains an active volcano, with its peak reaching approximately 3,323 meters. Its height fluctuates periodically due to frequent eruptions.
The most popular wine varieties you can sample at each of the wineries include Carricante and Catarratto for white wines, and Narello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino for red wines. Numerous plantations of oranges and lemons, olives, bananas, eucalyptus, pine groves, vines, pistachios, and almonds contribute to making the nature and climate of Etna an ideal place for producing red, rosé, and white wines.
You can arrange visits to multiple wineries to discover their unique characteristics. For instance, a highly popular tour involves wine and snack tasting at three different wineries on Etna.
At each winery, a professional sommelier will greet you and share insights about the history of wine production, guiding you to one of the most revered spots – vineyards. Following this, you can wander through the vines and capture stunning photos, after you'll enjoy in a wine tasting accompanied by typical local dishes. Follow me and I will show you several wineries that are worth visiting during the Christmas & New Year holidays!
Cantine Murgo, established in 1860. Additionally, you can reserve one of the hotel rooms to immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature, fresh and clean air, and enjoy walks in a vast area surrounded by cypress trees and wooded areas. In summer, there is also a swimming pool available.
The winery is situated at an altitude of 500 m above sea level, offering a picturesque view of Etna on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. The vineyards cover 25 hectares and are primarily dedicated to producing Etna DOC wine. Here, you can savor a variety of wines known for their sophistication, elegance, minerality, and aromatic complexity, each paired with appropriate snacks: an assortment of local cheeses, sausages, and seasonal vegetables. If you wish, you can also order a complete lunch featuring the renowned Sicilian pasta and hot meat dishes.
Gambino Vini is one of the most welcoming and renowned wineries. You can visit with a large group and will always be greeted warmly in the hall or on the terrace with expansive panoramic windows, offering a unique view during an unforgettable tasting experience.
This is one of my favorite places, and whenever I visit, I always feel at home, particularly because of the family – the owners of these vineyards! The Gambino family: pragmatic, direct, and sincere. Their connection with the land, the product, and the guests is always rooted in authenticity and Mediterranean warmth. A family that cherishes these places and vineyards, expressing them directly in their wines. Among the first to take a chance on the unpredictable opportunities of interpreting these lands, they have gained much from this long-term experience. Always present and leading the way are Maria, Vittorio, Maria Grazia, Philadelfo, and Francesco.
Cantine Polmento Castanzo stands out as the most refined winery among the three I am discussing today. The ambiance is more personal, and the scenery and interior details are even more remarkable.
Everything here is a testament to Etna. It feels as though you are alone with this mighty volcano, uncovering some of its incredible mysteries. The property spans eighteen hectares, segmented into various districts and slopes, and further divided into small plots, each uniquely shaped by the lava flows deposited over time.
Don't hesitate to contact me for your private travel experience or itinerary in Sicily and Italy!
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