Sicilian Wine Tasting
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Port
Taormina, Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All,61
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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.
Nothing in Catania and its surroundings is unaffected by Mt Etna volcano. Etna seldom sleeps, and even when she does, it is with one eye open. Set out on a scenic drive to Oro d’Etna -- one of the famous wine estates of the Etna region. Frigid winters, temperate summers, and abundant rainfall conditions here contrast sharply with those of the rest of Sicily, influencing the maturation of the grapes and imparting a unique terroir for wines featuring primary bouquets and total acidity from lava soil rich in potassium and mineral salts. The Costa family owns Oro d’Etna wonderful vineyard in Zafferana at 550 m asl, all planted in Nerello Mascalese with spurred cordon pruning. Explore small terraces made with dry stone walls in the oldest part of the vineyard and taste the excellent wines produced under the prestigious Etna DOC appellation.
Stop to visit Etna’s 1992 lava flows en route back to Taormina.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Mt Etna is an active volcano and erupts on a regular basis; participate at your own risk. Corkage policy: Wine purchased on this tour is exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).