WINE TOURS ~ ITALY & NEW YORK ~ Best wine tours in Italy & NY

Sicily

March/April 2024
Experience Sicily's Culinary Wonders: Journey with a Chef to Mt. Etna Volcano, Historic Ruins & Mountain Vineyards
Hosts: Marcus and Jamie Guiliano
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Discover the Charms of Sicily: Italy's Stunning Island Destination!

Located just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot," Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island and a true gem of Italy. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and unparalleled cuisine, there's never a bad time to visit this captivating destination.

From the majestic Mount Etna in the east to the idyllic vineyard island in the west, Sicily offers a wealth of diverse experiences. Whether you're exploring historic ruins, soaking up the sun on a gorgeous beach, or savoring the flavors of world-renowned Italian cuisine, every inch of Sicily is breathtaking.

So why wait? Book your trip to Sicily today and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this unforgettable destination. With so much to see and do, you'll never want to leave!
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Best Italian Wine Tours
VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
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Sicily is a huge island where every little city seems to have its own culture.

Hotels

Baglio Soría Firriato Wine Resort

Immerse Yourself in the Charm of Baglio Sorìa: A Perfect Example of Sicilian Architecture!
Nestled on a hill, amidst the picturesque Trapani countryside, Baglio Sorìa is a stunning seventeenth-century structure that seamlessly blends with its agricultural estate. With its typical Sicilian architecture, it's a shining example of the unique style that is prevalent in western Sicily.
The Baglio was once the heart of the rural community, where generations of men and women came together to work and share their lives. Today, it stands as a testament to the proud spirit of Sicily and its people, with its original building consisting of the main house, warehouses, workshops, and peasant houses.
But Baglio Sorìa is more than just a historic structure. It's a living piece of history that immerses you in the authentic spirit of Sicily. So come and experience the charm of Baglio Sorìa for yourself, and discover the beauty and authenticity of this incredible destination.
Baglio Soria Firriato Wine Resort - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Baglio Soria Firriato Wine Resort - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Baglio Soria Firriato Wine Resort - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily

The Ashbee Hotel

The Ashbee Hotel - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
The Ashbee Hotel - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
The Ashbee Hotel - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
The Ashbee Hotel - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Experience the Elegance of Ashbee Hotel: A Stunning 20th-Century Villa in Taormina!
Located just steps away from Taormina's San Pancrazio Church and the Greek Amphitheater, the Ashbee Hotel is a true gem of early 20th-century architecture. Designed by the renowned architect C.R. Ashbee, this 5-star deluxe hotel features large gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.  

The hotel's spacious and bright rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities you need, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Whether you're gazing out at the sea, the Nebrodi Mountains, or the lush garden, the views from your room are sure to leave you speechless.

Indulge in a refreshing drink at the hotel's bar or savor a delightful cup of tea in the charming tea room. And when it's time to explore the surrounding area, you'll find yourself in the heart of Taormina's most beloved neighborhood.
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Don't just take our word for it. According to independent reviews, guests can't get enough of the Ashbee Hotel's charm and elegance. So why wait? Book your stay at Ashbee Hotel today and experience the luxury and beauty of this stunning villa in Taormina!

Grand Hotel San Pietro

Grand Hotel San Pietro - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Grand Hotel San Pietro - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Grand Hotel San Pietro - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Indulge in Luxury at Grand Hotel San Pietro: Stunning Views and Unmatched Comfort Await You!


Perched above the stunning Ionian Sea, the Grand Hotel San Pietro offers an unparalleled travel experience. With its outdoor pool, sun terrace, and stunning views, this hotel is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the beauty of Taormina. And with the city's historical center just a 15-minute walk away, you'll have easy access to all the area's top attractions.


The hotel's spacious rooms feature flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and offer breathtaking views of the sea or the garden. And with free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a 24-hour front desk that can arrange tours and car rentals, you'll have everything you need for a truly unforgettable stay.


Indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, with a wide selection of croissants, cold cuts, eggs, and hot drinks to choose from. The hotel also features a traditional Sicilian restaurant and a poolside snack bar, as well as a garden bar where you can relax with a cocktail and take in the stunning views of Mount Etna.


And for even more convenience, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from Taormina center. So why wait? Book your stay at Grand Hotel San Pietro today and experience the luxury and comfort that you deserve!

Wineries

Welcome to Sicily, Italy's southernmost region, and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. For over 2,500 years, Sicily has been a significant center of Mediterranean viniculture, with a reputation and style of its wines that have changed significantly over that time.


Once famous for sweet Muscats and later fortified Marsala, Sicily's best-known wines are now dry table wines produced under the regional IGT title Terre Siciliane, or the Sicilia DOC.


Sicily's roughly triangular shape is reflected in the triskelion at the center of the regional flag. Blessed with consistently bright sunshine and moderate rainfall, Sicily's classic Mediterranean climate is ideal for the production of wine grapes. The warm, dry climate means that mildews and rots are kept to a minimum, particularly in well-ventilated areas that benefit from coastal breezes. This low disease pressure means that much of Sicilian wine is produced from organic grapes.


Alongside grapes and wine, Sicily's key exports are cereals, olives, and citrus fruits. Ironically, the island's near-perfect viticultural conditions played a key role in the downfall of Sicilian wine in the late 20th century. Rapidly converting low-yielding bush vines to high-yielding tendone or guyot training methods produced flavor-lacking wines that quickly lost consumer confidence.


Thankfully, the movement to reverse this reputation is well underway, and Sicily is now one of Italy's most promising and interesting wine regions. Sicily's soils, particularly those from Mount Etna, the towering stratovolcano dominating the island's eastern skyline, are of particular interest when studying the island's viticulture.


Join us for a trip to Sicily's vineyards and experience the unique flavors and aromas of the island's wines. Explore Mount Etna and the dark soils that characterize the Etna DOC vineyards, or enjoy the warm Mediterranean sun and coastal breezes while savoring a glass of Sicilian wine. Let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions.

Caruso & Minini

Caruso & Minini - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Caruso & Minini, situated on Sicily's western coast near Marsala, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The winery was initially purchased by Antonio Caruso to grow grapes for the nearby Marsala factories, and it was passed down through subsequent generations until Nino Caruso began bottling his own wine in the mid-1900s. Today, Stefano Caruso and Mario Minini have teamed up to produce wines from indigenous Sicilian varietals such as Catarratto, Nero d'Avola, Frappato, Inzolia, and Nerello Mascalese. Stefano's daughter, Giovanna, now works closely with her father to lead this historic winery.


The area around Caruso & Minini was once underwater and is characterized by its alluvial soil, rich in water and organic substances. The soil features large stones, called cuti in the local dialect, which impart a distinct minerality on the grapes grown in them. Moreover, the stones soak up heat from the sun and transfer it to the vines, allowing for an earlier ripening of the grapes and a higher acidity in the wines. Explore the unique history and terroir of Caruso & Minini on your next Sicilian wine adventure.

Tenute Lombardo

Experience the fruits of fifty years of passion and hard work at Tenute Lombardo! Owned by Giuseppe and his sons Salvatore, Gianfranco, and Roberto, this winery has been growing a variety of vines in their vineyards for many years. But in 2006, the brothers decided to take their passion for wine to the next level and started producing their own wines. And in 2013, they transformed an old farmhouse with a rich history of rural life and wine production into a stunning winery. Come taste the love and dedication that goes into every bottle at Tenute Lombardo.
Tenute Lombardo - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Tenute Lombardo - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Tenute Lombardo - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily

Graci

Graci - VIP Winery Tours - Sicily
Experience the ancient viticulture of Mount Etna with Graci Winery. Situated on the north slope of the volcano in Passopisciaro, their vineyards reach heights of 600-1,000 meters above sea level. What makes their wines truly unique is that many of the vines are still on original rootstock, ungrafted and untouched by phylloxera, thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soils. With a commitment to local traditions and cultivating only indigenous Mount Etna varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante, and Catarratto, young Alberto Aiello Graci creates distinct wines that capture the essence of each vintage. Join us for a tasting and experience the rich history of Mount Etna viticulture in every sip.
Graci - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Graci - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Graci - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Graci - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily

Firriato

Experience the magic of Sicilian wine-making at Firriato, founded by the visionary Salvatore and Vinzia Di Gaetano in the 1980s. With the help of renowned enologists, they have created a range of wines that tantalize even the most refined palates. As Sicilian wines gained prominence, Firriato began implementing a project to safeguard and restore the island's varied land. Today, they own vineyards in Trapani, Etna, and Favignana, representing the diverse geography of Sicily. From coastal to hilly to mountain viticultures, every sip of Firriato wine is a journey through the flavors and landscapes of this magical island.
Firriato - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Firriato - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Firriato - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Firriato - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily

Tenuta Sallier de La Tour

Get ready to experience the passion and determination of Sallier de La Tour, a beautiful estate just a few kilometers from Palermo. This project, born in 2008, is the brainchild of Filiberto Sallier de La Tour, prince of Camporeale and a romantic at heart. With Tasca at the helm, the estate has set its sights on producing top-quality Syrah, a grape that has been studied and cultivated to perfection.


While some may question the use of an "international" grape, Sallier de La Tour knows that the best vines can translate the language of the territory. And the Syrah of Doc Monreale is slowly but surely building its own identity, alongside native varieties like Grillo, Inzolia, and Nero d'Avola.


With every harvest, Sallier de La Tour is getting closer to achieving its ambitious goal of producing exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of the land. Come and discover the fruits of their labor with three different variations of Syrah, and experience the passion and dedication that drives this unique and exciting project.
Tenuta Sallier De La Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Tenuta Sallier De La Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Tenuta Sallier De La Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Tenuta Sallier De La Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily

Olio Arke. Olive oil Tour

When it comes to olive oil production in Italy, Sicily is the place to be! And our family is no exception. For three generations, we've been dedicated to the art of olive cultivation and oil production. It all began with our grandparents, who recognized the potential of the land near Serradifalco and planted the first olive tree as a symbol of their new beginning after the war in 1945.


From that moment, our family has upheld the values and passion for olive oil production passed down from our grandparents. In 2001, four young cousins embarked on a new adventure, with the goal of sharing their olive oil with the world. They planned and completed the entire production process, with a focus on promoting their oil in international markets.


Located in the heart of Sicily, just a stone's throw away from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Arkè embodies our family's history, values, and charm. It's a place where we get to work in a breathtakingly beautiful territory, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and aromas of our beloved olive groves. So come and experience the passion and tradition of Sicilian olive oil production at Arkè!
Olio Arke Olive Oil Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Olio Arke Olive Oil Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
Olio Arke Olive Oil Tour - VIP Wine Tours Italy - Sicily
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Directory of all Hudson Valley Wineries

Great travels soon!

Terms & Conditions

Hours

M-F: 9am - 9pm

Telephone

(845) 647-3000

Email

info@vipwineryvacations.com
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  • Home
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      • 40 Italian Wine Terms To Know
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