Etna DOCNerello Mascalese, Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia, GrecanicoFounded 2005ORGANIC CERTIFIEDEtna DOC
Giuseppe Russo took over the family's old Nerello Mascalese vineyards in 2005 after his father Girolamo died. Fifteen hectares of organically farmed vines between 650 and 780 metres on Etna's north slope produce sought-after single-vineyard reds including San Lorenzo and a Rina.
Tasting: Vineyard visits and tastings with local cold cuts, cheeses and homemade bread. Contact info@girolamorusso.it or call 0942 983142.
Signature wines: russo-san-lorenzo, russo-a-rina, russo-feudo
Etna DOCNerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, CatarrattoFounded 1900Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalEtna DOC
Founded in 1900, Calabretta is one of Etna's oldest family wineries. The fourth generation farms 12.5 hectares of ungrafted old vines with copper and sulphur only, producing low-intervention wines from Nerello Mascalese that rank among the most authentic expressions of the north slope.
Tasting: Visits by appointment at the Randazzo estate. Contact via calabretta.net.
Signature wines: calabretta-gaio-gaio, calabretta-etna-rosso, calabretta-vigne-vecchie
Etna DOCNerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante, Merlot, Syrah, MondeuseFounded 1994Etna DOC
Cottanera is a family estate on Etna's north slope producing both native Nerello-based Etna DOC wines and international varieties grown at high altitude. The boutique agriturismo Dimora Cottanera makes it a wine-tourism anchor on the Alcantara Valley rim.
Tasting: Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 17:00, booking essential. Guided vineyard, cellar and tasting experiences.
Signature wines: cottanera-barbazzale-bianco, cottanera-fatagione, cottanera-calderara
Etna DOCNerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante, CatarrattoFounded 1860Etna DOC
A historic estate on Etna's eastern slopes, Murgo introduced Sicily's most acclaimed traditional-method sparkling wine in 1990 using Nerello Mascalese. The 30-hectare property has been in the Scammacca del Murgo family since 1860.
Tasting: Wine tastings available Monday to Saturday 11:30 to 14:00. Restaurant and accommodation on site.
Signature wines: murgo-brut-metodo-classico, murgo-etna-rosso, murgo-etna-bianco
Etna DOC, IGP Terre SicilianeNerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Catarratto, Minella, CarricanteFounded 2001Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalEtna DOC
Belgian natural-wine pioneer Frank Cornelissen established his estate on Etna's north slope in 2001, working without sulphur at all. His Magma cuvee from ungrafted pre-phylloxera Nerello vines above 1,000 metres is among Sicily's most sought-after cult wines.
Tasting: Five tasting experiences from the Classic (5 wines, EU40) to the Magma private (6 crus including Grand Vin Magma, EU1,400 for up to 6 people). E-bike vineyard tours available. Book via pr@frankcornelissen.it.
Signature wines: cornelissen-magma, cornelissen-munjebel-rosso, cornelissen-munjebel-bianco
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Vittoria DOCNero d'Avola, Frappato, Grecanico, ZibibboFounded 1980Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalCerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Founded in 1980 by Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Giusto Occhipinti, COS pioneered biodynamic farming and amphora fermentation in Sicily. Their Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG from Nero d'Avola and Frappato is the defining expression of the appellation.
Tasting: Winery visits by reservation only. Contact via the COS website or telephone (+39 0932 876145).
Signature wines: cos-cerasuolo-di-vittoria, cos-pithos-rosso, cos-rami
