Sicilian Wine Tasting
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Port
Taormina, Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A scenic drive to one of the famous estates of the Etna region. This region is characterized by a microclimate with frigid winters and temperate summers, abundant rainfall, and a wide temperature range. These conditions contrast sharply with those of the rest of Sicily, which is generally drier and hotter. These climatic features influence the maturation of the grapes and flavor in the local wines, including the conservation of primary bouquets and total acidity. The taste of Etna wine is due to the lava soil, rich in potassium and mineral salts.
The Costa family owns a wonderful 5-hectare vineyard, located in Zafferana, east side of Etna, at 550 m asl, called Oro d’Etna.
Just over 10 years old, planted in Nerello Mascalese and bred with spurred cordon.
With an age of about 40 years, bred with a sapling resting on a row and planted with red grapes of Nerello Mascalese and Cappuccio and of white Cataratto, Carricante and Minnella grapes, mixed as per tradition.
Positioned on small terraces made with dry stone walls, the oldest part of the vineyard, with a plant of more than 80 years old, bred with traditional sapling method.
From this vineyard, care of the vines, low yields per plant, careful selection of the grapes, but above all a lot of work and passion, excellent WINES are produced under the prestigious initials Etna DOC.
As you return to the ship, enjoy a quick photo stop and view of the 1992 lava flows.
Notes:
A moderate amount of walking is required; wear suitable footwear. The winery visit involves 45 minutes of walking. Corkage policy: Wine purchased on this tour is exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).