ETNA
URBAN WINERY
An urban oasis in the heart of the metropolitan area that used to be the center of the wine region, at Etna Urban winery we take pride in our heritage and the beauty of the natural landscape that makes our winemaking operations possible. We take seriously the responsibility to both protect this precious resource and pass on our wine-making traditions to future generations.
We are located on the picturesque southern slopes of Mount Etna, enveloped in the urban sprawl of the ever-expanding city of Catania on the Italian island of Sicily. As a 100% family-owned business since 1790, we have embarked on a new chapter by defining what it means to be the first Sicilian urban winery. Proximity to the city center makes our winery the easist and most convenient to be reached from Catania
Etna Urban Winery gives the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the history of Etna wine making in Sicily, to visit an urban vineyard, to learn about the territory and to taste four Etna wines in a unique historical urban environment.
The experience
Vineyard trail
Walk our urban vineyards with us or at your own pace while discovering dry stone walls and an the bafflng “Cuba di Vigna Grande” (very old domed building) dated XII-XIII century. You will also walk through one of the few oak forests still in the area (now protected) and an olive grove.
Gourmet tasting
Enjoy and experience the quality of the wines born on the slopes of Mount Etna along with a selection of traditional and gourmet food created by our Chef. Wine selection includes our “Vigna Grande” IGT Nerello Mascalase and Balat IGT Rose’ as well as wines from partner wineries (e.g. Murgo, Nicola Gumina, Tenuta di Fessina, Masseria, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Girolamo Russo, Serafica, Terra Costantino, Benanti)
History
Learn about the traditional way to produce wine in Sicily. You will visit our 17th century Palmento (winery) that is host to two 10,000-litre wooden barrels and an old wine press that was once able to process around 8 tons of grapes!
Relax
Face the difficult choice of whether to relax around a lovely Sicilian courtyard, surrounded by our collection of succulents and hydrangeas, or lay down while looking at Etna Mountain and enjoying the summer breeze. Do not worry – both options include an exquisite and refreshing glass of wine.
Children
Let the children have their own fun by looking for different stone animals made by a local artist. We have hidden them around the winery along the adult’s track so look up and down to help them find them. Our winery is definitely a kids-friendly place!
Ask for the details at the entrance of the winery.
Awards
Etna Urban Winery is an award winning wine experience
Travel and Hospitality award 2022
Best winery in Sicily
Best wine experience of Mount Etna 2022
Winetourism.com
Our packages
YEAR ROUND EXPERIENCES
Sicilian lunch with wine tasting
1:00 pm · 2 hours
- Full traditional lunch composed of antipasti (starters) primi (pasta and risotto) and secondo (meat or fish).
- Tasting of four Etna wines.
- Visit to the 1790 historical family winery after before lunch.
- Possibility to self tour the urban vineyards after lunch.
- April to October, December and January: Arrive at 12:45 pm for registration and quick introduction. Experience starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Ends at 3.30 pm.
- November and March: Arrive at 11:45 pm for registration and quick introduction. Experience starts at 12:00 pm sharp. Ends at 2:30 pm.
- Shuttle service available from Catania at an additional fee
Price per adult (15 Euro for under 12)
Book today for:
€59.⁰⁰
YEAR ROUND EXPERIENCES
Wine and ceramics
11:00 am - 4 hours
- Introduction and mini tour of the urban vineyards to discover our project and collect natural elements to be used in the pottery class.
- 2 hours pottery class led by our in-house ceramist: introduction to hand-pottery techniques and preparation of small objects.
- Possibility to fire, glaze and ship the prepare objects to home at an extra cost.
- Full Sicilian lunch with wine tasting included
Price per adult (ask quote for kids)
Book today for:
€85.⁰⁰
SUMMER EXPERIENCES (MARCH TO NOVEMBER)
Sunset dinner
6:00pm - 1.5 hours
- Tasting journey with five Etna wines paired with gourmet creations by our chef (please mention in booking notes any special menu requirement e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten free/other allergies).
- Possibility to add kids’ menu.
- Possibility to self tour the vineyard trail and the 1790 winery before the tasting.
- Arrive at 5:30 pm for registration and quick introduction. Tasting will be served at 6:00 pm sharp. Ends at 7.30 pm
Price per adult (Kids menu 15 euro)
Book today for:
€61.⁰⁰
SUMMER EXPERIENCES (MARCH TO NOVEMBER)
Sunset tour and dinner
Start 4:30 pm · 3 hours
Price per person (online price only).
- Guided tour (in english) of the urban vineyards and of the 1790 Palmento (historical winery).
- Tasting journey with five Etna wines paired with gourmet creations by our chef (please mention in booking notes any special menu requirement e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten free/other allergies).
- Kids menu available.
- Shuttle service available from Catania at additional cost
- Tour starts at 4:30 pm, tasting will be served at 6pm. Ends at 7.30pm
Book today for:
€67.⁰⁰
Special experiences
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Superetna tasting
Start to be agreed · 4 hours
- The excellence of the wine region in one private tour. Iconic wines that have or will make history on Etna. Total tour duration 5 hours.
- Introduction of the Etna Urban Winery project, guided visit to the urban vineyard and of the 1790 historical winery led by one of Etna Urban Winery owners.
- Private tasting of Etna Urban Winery wines (red and rose’) from an historical viewpoint overlooking the urban vineyards.
- Private viewing and explanation of ancient family documents and images from the first chapter of the family winery (1790–1972) .
- Wine tasting journey of five iconic Etna wines paired with gourmet creations by our chef.
Wines in tasting:
- Etna Bianco Superiore “Pietramarina”, Benanti, 2018.
- Etna Bianco “A Puddara”, Tenuta di Fessina, 2020.
- IGT Terre Siciliane Sparkling pas dosè “Barone del Murgo”, Murgo, 2011.
- Etna Rosso “San Lorenzo – Piano delle Colombe”, Girolamo Russo, 2020.
- Etna Rosso “Prephylloxera – La Vigna di Don Peppino”, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, 2019.
Contact us if interested:
MENU
Chef's creations
The chefs
Tasting menu is designed by our Chef Consultant Carlo Sichel. With over 30 years of experience, he is a custodian of traditional sicilian cousine, re-invented with a modern twist. Menu is daily executed by our resident young Chef Leonardo, who has returned to Sicily after relevant experiences across Europe.
The dishes
For every season, we serve four gourmet bites that are representative of Etna and its seasonal ingredients . You will find gourmet inventions as well as traditional Sicilian dishes re-invented in a modern way.
The wines
A journey through contemporary Etna Wine making in one place. You will taste different wines (sparkling, rose, white and red) from different wineries located in different parts of the mountain, including our Vigna Grande, the first label of the Etna Urban Winery first released in 2022 (2021 vintage) and our Rose' Balat
Special dietary requirements
We have designed gourmet tasting menus also for our vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free and nuts-free guests. Please mention your special food requirement or intolerance at the time of booking.
Accolades
Key memberships
Key accolades
Official partners
How to reach us
Find us
Etna Urban Winery is the closest and easier to reach winery from the city of Catania, as well as from Taormina and Siracusa through convenient train service to Catania Central Station
Shuttle service from Catania: Available for both Sicilian Lunch and Sunset Tour and Dinner. Pick-up and drop-off from Piazza Stesicoro in central Catania (in front of Mcdoland’s). Check availability and book here
By car: 10-15 minutes driving from downtown Catania. Search “Etna Urban Winery” on Google or Apple maps.
By Taxi: Best option is Uber, search “Etna Urban Winery” as destination. If not available, pre-book the ride with Social Taxi Catania (+0958833). Ask quote for destination “Etna Urban Winery – Petralonga – Uscita Paesi Etnei) and ask for a quote before the ride to triple check the price. One way fare from Catania is around 30-35 Euro
By bus from Catania: AST buses leaves from a large parking located in front of Catania Centrale rail station, or Via Etnea 15 minutes later.
Sicilian Lunch: Take the the 11.45 AST bus to San Giovanni la Punta (30 minutes) and walk to the winery (15 minutes). Return buses at 4.20pm.
Sunset tour: Take the 2.15pm or 3.30pm bus to San Giovanni La Punta (30 minutes) and walk to the winery following google maps (15 minutes) Return bus at 7.30pm
Full timetable on http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it:8080/
Catania Centrale AST stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkdVZDhMuxDdcFyN8
Catania Via Etnea corner with Via Mercede AST stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CyrjCZdkJ7MRZymHA
San Giovanni la Punta AST stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRisDEHTDsQC2V8MA
Drop us a line
Don’t be shy! Drop us a line for any question or to inquire for special experiences.
Operating hours
Standard opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm until 7pm + special dates added in the calendar. Always check google maps for actual hours of the week. We will take our annual break from January 6th to March
Know our Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 72+ hours before: Full refund
Cancellations between 24 and 72 hours: 50% refund
Cancellations within 24 hours: no refund
It is also possible to move reservation to another day. In that case, your booking become non refundable.