Italy
Etna
ET-nah
Volcanic terraces on the north slope. Nerello Mascalese, and whites from Carricante.
Map
- When to go
- April–June and September–October. Winter can be snow on the mountain and sun in the town.
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese · Carricante
Tasting rooms
North slope is the serious drive. Book. The mountain weather changes the plan. One estate is a day if the roads are slow.
Benanti
Viagrande
BookBenanti
The estate that made Etna a fine-wine conversation. Pietramarina if they pour the white.
Book. Ask for the contrada, not only the blend.
Nerello Mascalese · Carricante · Benanti
Passopisciaro
Passopisciaro
BookPassopisciaro
North slope. Single contrade. A reason to leave Taormina.
Appointment. The town is the name of the wine.
Nerello Mascalese · Passopisciaro
Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Randazzo
BookTenuta delle Terre Nere
Contrada by contrada. The north slope in a glass.
Book. Don't rush back to the coast.
Nerello Mascalese · Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Graci
Passopisciaro
BookGraci
Another north-slope grower. Smaller, and worth the email.
Write ahead.
Nerello Mascalese · Carricante · Graci
Firriato
Cavanera
BookFirriato
A larger estate with a hospitality desk and a view of the volcano.
Book Cavanera. Easier than the tiny cellars.
Nerello Mascalese · Firriato
Itinerary
North slope
1 day
Leave the coast early. One or two estates. Back before dark.
Morning
Passopisciaro or Terre Nere
Nerello. Ask which contrada.
Afternoon
Benanti or Graci
One more, or just the mountain.
Etna roads close when the volcano says so. Don't stack three tastings.
Business inquiries
Have a room in Etna?
Featured placement, your booking link, ninety days. Drinkers stay free.
Business inquiries