Sicily Wine Region Guide

The Mediterranean’s Vine Island

Sicily is Italy’s largest island and one of its most exciting wine frontiers. With a winemaking history stretching back over 3,000 years to Greek colonization, Sicily has recently emerged from a reputation for bulk wine production to become one of Italy’s most dynamic quality regions. The island’s extraordinary diversity of terroir — from volcanic slopes to sun-baked coastal plains — supports an equally diverse range of wine styles that are increasingly capturing international attention.

Mount Etna: Europe’s Hottest Wine Address

The volcanic slopes of Mount Etna have become Italy’s most talked-about terroir. At elevations of 400 to 1,000 meters on Europe’s most active volcano, vines grow in ancient lava soils rich in minerals.

• Etna Rosso — made primarily from Nerello Mascalese, frequently compared to Burgundy for transparency and finesse
• Etna Bianco — from Carricante, offering vibrant acidity and mineral complexity
• Altitude advantage — cool temperatures and dramatic day-night swings produce remarkable elegance and freshness

Nero d’Avola: Sicily’s Red Star

Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s signature red grape, producing wines that range from simple, fruity everyday reds to concentrated, structured wines capable of aging.

• Flavor profile: Ripe dark cherry and plum, spice, warm Mediterranean generosity
• Range: From easy-drinking table wines to serious age-worthy bottlings
• Syrah — also thrives here, producing rich, peppery reds that rival those from the Rhone Valley

Western Sicily and Marsala

Western Sicily has its own distinct identity:

• Province of Trapani — produces more wine than any other province in Italy
• Marsala — the historic fortified wine, slowly experiencing a quality revival
• Grillo and Catarratto — white grapes offering excellent value and refreshing coastal character

The Island’s Diversity

Sicily’s wine map encompasses over 20 DOC zones and the island-wide Sicilia DOC:

• Mineral whites of Etna — high-altitude volcanic expression
• Robust reds of the interior — warm-climate power and concentration
• Moscato di Pantelleria — sweet wine from a tiny island closer to Africa than mainland Italy
• Leading producers: Planeta, Tasca d’Almerita, Benanti, and Donnafugata

Why Sicily Matters for Wine Lovers

Sicily represents the new Italy — a region where ancient traditions meet modern ambition. The combination of volcanic terroir, indigenous grapes, and a new generation of quality-focused producers makes it one of the most exciting and best-value wine regions in the Mediterranean.

Explore Sicily with Sommo

Use the Sommo app to scan Sicilian wines and instantly learn about the terroir, grape variety, and producer story. Build your knowledge of this essential wine region one bottle at a time.