We are ecstatic to announce that the #winelover community is celebrating its 13th Anniversary in 2025 by diving headfirst into the ancient, volcanic, and vibrant wine regions of Sicily! This is more than a trip; it’s a geological, historical, and enological pilgrimage to the island where viticulture has been prized since the Roman Empire.
Seven days of extreme terroir, iconic winemakers, and the beautiful philosophy that defines Sicilian wine today!
The Land of Legends: Where History Met the Vine
Sicily’s wine history is as layered as its soil. Settled by ancient peoples before the arrival of Greek settlers in the 8th century BC, the island became a cultural and trade hub of Magna Graecia. While the Romans later expanded viticulture, it was the arrival of the Arabs in 827 AD that revitalized agriculture through innovations like irrigation. The influence of the Normans then reintegrated Sicily into Europe, reviving the wine trade. Our journey will trace these influences from the Greek Theatre of Siracusa to the Arab-Norman architecture of the west.
The Volcano’s Breath: Etna DOC
Our core focus is the unparalleled geological intensity of Mount Etna, a place where volcanic soils meet Mediterranean warmth and high altitude. The Etna DOC is the oldest DOC in Sicily, established in 1968.
The wines of Etna are defined by the pyroclastic flows —avalanches of ash and volcanic rock that create porous, highly mineral, and well-draining soils. This low-fertility ground leads to vine stress and incredible concentration.
We’re going straight to the source to understand Etna’s signature grapes:
- Carricante: The primary white grape of Etna , known for its high acidity, savory, saline notes, and potential to develop petrol aromas (due to TDN) with age, much like Riesling. We’ll explore the famed Milo zone, the only area entitled to the #EtnaBiancoSuperiore DOC.
- Nerello Mascalese: The noble red, which yields a pale, high-acid wine with fine tannins and a mineral grip , often described as having an #AlpineSoul in a Mediterranean setting.
The Human Touch: A Philosophy of Wine
Our ultimate lesson comes from the human element, led by Salvo Foti / I Vigneri (@ivigneri_salvofoti). Cited by the New York Times as the most important figure in Sicilian wine, Foti embodies the island’s philosophy. His concept of “Vino Umano” is a continuation of the “Maestranza dei Vigneri,” a winemakers’ association founded in Catania in 1435.
Foti’s vision: “Il vino Umano prodotto dall’Uomo per l’Uomo nel rispetto dell’Uomo e dell’Ambiente” (Human wine produced by Man for Man with respect for Man and the Environment). This is demonstrated through their use of the ancient #Palmento (gravity-fed cellar), the #Alberello vine system, and their commitment to human and environmental respect.
Cerasuolo and the Southern Sun
Shifting gears, we journey south to the sun-drenched coasts and the #CerasuolodiVittoriaDOCG—Sicily’s sole DOCG. This is the flagship red blend, combining the powerful, fruity #NeroDAvola with the light, aromatic #Frappato. Here, the wine is shaped by the region’s unique sandy red soils (terra rossa).
The wineries participating in this program can be found on Instagram under the following handles:
| @ariannaocchipinti |
| @marabinowine |
| @cantinedinessuno |
| @ivigneri_salvofoti |
| @benantiwinery |
| @eredidimaio |
| @aziendadirachele |
| @terredinuna |
| @tenutaboccarossa |
| @aziendaagricolaiuppa |
| @maugeri_etnawines |
| @murgowinery |
| @riofavarawinery |
| @poggiodibortolone |
| @valledellacate |
| @villagrande_winery |
| @tre.mi.la.etnawines |
| @puseddasaro |
The #Sicilywinelover2025 journey is a celebration of our community’s 13 years of passion, set against a backdrop of volcanic intensity and ancient history.
This entire week of exploration was meticulously planned by the dedicated team: a massive thank you to our ambassadors Brandon Tokash (and our Lydia!) for putting together the most amazing, in-depth and insightful program, and Giulia Luccioli for all the seamless logistic coordination, as well as our community leader Karin de Carvalho for her tireless will in making this anniversary become a reality every year.
Follow along our journey on Facebook and Instagram @hashtag.winelover, as we explore sustainable farming, decode DOCG regulations, and taste the fire and finesse of Sicily!
#winelover #hashtagwinelover #winesofsicily #Sicilywinelover2025
Hope to have you with us next year!