Taormina is famous for its breathtaking views, charming streets, and historic sites—yet its wine scene often gets overshadowed by its scenic beauty. But if you’re a wine lover, the area offers some exceptional ways to explore Sicily’s volcanic terroirs, taste unique wines, and enjoy authentic local cuisine. From private tours that take you through Etna’s lava-strewn vineyards to walking tastings in the heart of Taormina, there’s an experience suited for every palate and pocketbook. We especially like the Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries, which combines intimacy, expert guidance, and regional delicacies in just half a day.
Taormina’s proximity to Mount Etna makes it the perfect base for exploring Sicily’s volcanic wine regions. Whether you prefer a full-day private adventure or a quick tasting session, there’s a tour that will satisfy your curiosity and your thirst. For those looking to combine food, history, and wine, options like the Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour offer a more culinary-focused experience, while full-week packages give a comprehensive taste of Sicily’s culinary treasures. Below, we’ve broken down the best wine tours around Taormina, helping you pick the perfect match.
1. Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with food&wine tasting
Rated: 5.0/5 (356 reviews) | Price: $359.16 | Duration: About 6 hours
This top-rated tour is perfect for lovers of volcanic wines and regional gastronomy. You’ll visit three different family-run wineries on the slopes of Mount Etna, sampling reds, whites, and rosés directly from the volcanic soils that give these wines their unique character. The driving is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and your driver Bruno or Omar will navigate past charming villages, lava-made churches, and orchards full of citrus and olives. All food and wine are included—think cheeses, salami, and regional delicacies—and personal, intimate settings make this ideal for couples or small groups. The reviews sing praises about the warm hospitality, the quality of the wines, and the knowledge shared by the winery owners.
Key highlights include access to family-run wineries, regional food pairings, and a scenic drive across Etna’s volcanic landscape. The tour offers excellent value for money given the private experience, food, and multiple tastings. It’s suited for those who want a relaxed yet comprehensive look at Sicily’s volcanic terroirs and don’t mind a full day away from the coast.
Bottom line: This tour hits all the marks for a dedicated wine enthusiast wanting an immersive and personalized experience with authentic regional foods.
2. Private tour of Etna and Winery Visit with Food and Wine Tasting from Taormina
Rated: 5.0/5 (188 reviews) | Price: $387.24 | Duration: 5–8 hours
If you prefer a customizable experience, this tour is ideal. It includes a private guide who will tailor your day—whether you want to focus more on wine tasting, explore the craters, or visit a honey shop. You’ll visit Zafferana Etnea, famous for its honey, and ascend Mount Etna to the Rifugio Sapienza station, at 2000 meters. From there, you can see the Silvestri Craters, enjoy panoramic views, and visit lava caves or take a cable car to 2900 meters (extra cost). The highlight is the visit to an Etna winery for a relaxed lunch and tastings of both reds and whites, paired with local delicacies.
This tour’s strength lies in its flexibility and private guiding, making it perfect for travelers with specific interests or those who want to combine geological exploration with wine and food. Reviewers love their guides Alessandro and Corrado for their knowledge and hospitality, and many mention the outstanding lunch and wine experience as a standout.
Bottom line: A highly customizable option for those who want to explore Etna’s volcano and wine scene in-depth with a private guide.
3. Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group or Private)
Rated: 5.0/5 (179 reviews) | Price: $184.90 | Duration: About 6 hours
This tour caters to food and wine lovers eager for a full-day immersion in Sicily’s Etna countryside. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll cruise through scenic villages, learning about regional traditions. The focus is on local food—sampling wines, cheeses, salami, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes at a family-run winery and an antique farmhouse. The small-group option guarantees intimacy, and the private version allows personalized attention. The guide shares stories about Sicily’s history and culinary heritage, making each tasting a story in itself.
Guests rave about the delicious lunch, the quality of wines, and the warm atmosphere at the family-run wineries. The tour balances cultural insight with relaxed tastings, making it a good choice for those wanting an authentic, hands-on experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, food-centered day surrounded by Sicily’s rural charm, with options for small groups or private tours.
4. Taormina: Guided Etna Wine Tasting Half-Day Tour
Rated: 4.7/5 (231 reviews) | Price: $56.94 | Duration: About 5 hours
For a quick escape into Sicily’s wine scene, this half-day guided tour offers a taste of Catania’s local wines and the scenery around Mount Etna. You’ll visit a regional winery, sample local wines and appetizers, and see the picturesque village of Linguaglossa. The tour is perfect for those on a tight schedule who still want an introduction to Etna’s wine culture.
Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide and the generous wine tastings. It’s a practical option if you’re staying in Taormina or nearby and want a short but memorable sip of Sicily’s wine heritage.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, well-reviewed introduction to Etna wines and the region’s scenery, ideal for travelers with limited time.
5. Etna panoramic private tour+Wine taste&food combination (AMAZING)
Rated: 5.0/5 (46 reviews) | Price: $229.28 | Duration: About 5–6 hours
This luxury private tour starts with a pickup in a Mercedes V-class, heading toward Etna’s main viewpoints. You’ll visit the Silvestri Craters, enjoy a short trek, and have the option to take the cable car (extra). The highlight is sampling local honey, oil, and olives at Oro d’Etna, then visiting a winery at 1.5 hours for tasting Etna wines paired with cured meats and cheeses. The group size is small, and the guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge.
Guests love how smoothly the day flows and appreciate the combination of scenic views, geological exploration, and tasting regional products. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, all-in-one experience with a focus on food and wine.
Bottom line: A premium private experience offering a mix of scenic views, geological highlights, and outstanding food and wine.
6. Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour (Small Group or Private)
Rated: 4.5/5 (172 reviews) | Price: $105.46 | Duration: About 2.5 hours
If you prefer an intimate walking experience exploring Taormina’s culinary scene, this tour is ideal. You’ll visit three different venues—sampling fresh seafood, regional wines, cheeses, and sweets—while hearing stories about Sicilian food traditions. The guide is friendly and knowledgeable, making the cultural context come alive with every stop.
Guests mention the generous tastings and the lively atmosphere of Taormina’s old town. This tour suits those who want a shorter, more relaxed introduction to Sicilian cuisine in a charming setting.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers who want to enjoy Taormina’s food scene without leaving the town, and enjoy good company.
7. Private – Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Taormina
Rated: 5.0/5 (24 reviews) | Price: $388.56 | Duration: About 7 hours
This private tour combines hiking and wine tasting, perfect for active travelers. You’ll explore Mount Etna’s craters and lava caves with trekking shoes provided, then relax at a vineyard on the slopes for a personal wine tasting. The guide is enthusiastic and keeps the day flexible, letting you choose between summit walks or lava caves.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guide Sergio and the seamless experience. The tour is suited for those wanting a more adventurous day with a focus on geology and regional wines.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for active travelers who want to combine hiking with wine and scenic views.
8. 8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily
Rated: 5.0/5 (23 reviews) | Price: $3,083.18 | Duration: 8 days
For those wanting a comprehensive Sicily experience, this 8-day small-group tour covers Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, Etna, Ortigia, and Noto. You’ll stay in charming hotels, visit farms, wineries, markets, and enjoy numerous tastings—five lunches, two dinners, and seven culinary experiences. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to go beyond just wine to include the island’s entire culinary scene.
This tour is highly praised for its depth and personal attention. If you love food and want to see Sicily in depth, this is the ultimate choice.
Bottom line: An intensive, well-rounded journey for true food and wine connoisseurs seeking a deep dive into Sicilian cuisine.
9. 3 Days Tours Offer: Etna Wine; Taormina Food & Wine; Godfather
Rated: 5.0/5 (10 reviews) | Price: $341.40 | Duration: 3 days
This package offers a hassle-free way to experience Taormina’s culinary scene, Etna’s vineyards, and iconic film locations from “The Godfather.” Day 1 features a Taormina Food & Wine Tour, while Day 2 explores Etna with wine tastings on the slopes, and Day 3 visits film sites and local towns.
Travelers find the package excellent for a well-rounded Sicilian experience with small groups, comfortable transport, and all food and drinks included.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want a multi-faceted taste of Sicily’s food, wine, and film history.
10. Body Rafting Alcantara gorges with Traditional food and local wine
Rated: 5.0/5 (7 reviews) | Price: $303.79 | Duration: 5–6 hours
While primarily an adventure activity, this tour includes local food and wine after body rafting in the stunning Alcantara Gorges. You get to experience the thrill of floating through limestone canyon waters, then relax with a Sicilian lunch in Giardini Naxos, paired with local wines. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and gastronomy for active travelers.
Guests love Marco’s guiding skills and the combination of outdoor fun with regional flavors. It’s a great way to combine nature and cuisine in one day.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a dose of Sicilian adventure with authentic food and wine.
11. Tour of the Etna cellars, typical lunch and wine tasting
Rated: 5.0/5 (4 reviews) | Price: $208.37 | Duration: About 6–7 hours
This tour offers a balanced day of natural beauty and tasting. You visit the Alcantara Valley’s river and canyon, a medieval town called Castiglione, and enjoy lunch with wine at a local cellar. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a mix of nature, history, and regional flavors without too much activity.
Reviews mention the quality of the wines and the beautiful scenery, along with the knowledgeable guides.
Bottom line: A well-rounded option for those wanting a mix of geology, history, and wine in one day.
12. Old Sicily and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina
Rated: 4/5 (10 reviews) | Price: $67.97 | Duration: About 8 hours
This longer tour combines visits to the Alcantara Gorges, the town of Randazzo, and a visit to a renowned winery. It offers scenic drives, cultural stops, and wine tastings, giving a broader view of Sicily’s landscapes and flavors. It’s good for travelers who want a leisurely day with multiple highlights.
Reviewers appreciate the friendly guides and the opportunity to see different parts of Sicily while sampling local wines and products.
Bottom line: A relaxing, scenic tour ideal for those interested in both culture and wine over a full day.
How to Choose Your Taormina Wine Tour
When picking the perfect wine tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you want a comprehensive experience, the 8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour offers extensive immersion. For a shorter, private escape, Tour #1 provides intimacy, regional food, and volcanic wines in a half-day. If you’re active, the private Mt Etna hiking and wine tour offers geology, trekking shoes, and a private guide.
For those on a tight schedule, the half-day guided wine tasting gives a quick, quality taste of Etna wines. Meanwhile, if you prefer a culinary exploration of Taormina itself, the Food and Wine Walking Tour is very popular.
Always consider seasonality—many tours operate year-round, but spring and fall tend to have the best weather. Booking early guarantees availability, especially for private or small-group tours during peak season.
Wrapping Up
Taormina offers a wealth of wine experiences that range from private vineyard visits to full-week culinary journeys. For a focused, private half-day, the Three Etna Wineries strikes an excellent balance between quality and value. If you want to immerse yourself in Sicilian food and wine culture for a full week, the 8 Days Food & Wine Tour is unbeatable.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will help you lock in the best options and avoid missing out. Whether you’re after volcanic wines, regional delicacies, or a combination of both, Taormina’s wine scene is ready to deliver an authentic taste of Sicily’s unique terroirs.