20 by the glassCentro Storico, Catania
Started as an online enoteca in 2013; now two storefronts on the same Baroque street with a wine-bar format and one of Catania's fullest Sicilian selections by the glass.
The list: Specialist Sicilian shop and wine bar with nearly all major island producers represented by the glass and bottle; second location in the San Benedetto monastery at Via Crociferi 14.
Pours: Etna DOC range, Frappato di Vittoria, Nerello Mascalese
Tip: The monastic setting at Via Crociferi 14 is the more atmospheric option for a glass.
30 by the glassOrtigia, Siracusa
Ortigia institution since 1987, transformed into a leading natural-wine bar by AIS-certified owners Elisa Merlo and Gianfilippo Russo; triple Slow Wine award winner for best Cerasuolo di Vittoria selection.
The list: 2,000-plus labels dominated by small-production natural and artisan wines from Italy and worldwide; dual-purpose retail and wine bar with food pairings.
Pours: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Etna DOC, natural Sicilian bianco
Sommelier: Elisa Merlo and Gianfilippo Russo
Tip: Slow Wine has cited Solaria for three consecutive years for Sicily's best territorial selection.
20 by the glassCentro, Taormina
Casual wine bar with typical Sicilian food at the top of Corso Umberto; convenient starting point for Etna wine exploration with a well-curated island selection.
The list: Sicilian cellar-focused wine bar on Taormina's main pedestrian corso; local food pairings with Etna and regional selections.
Pours: Etna Rosso DOC, Nerello Mascalese, Malvasia delle Lipari DOC
Tip: Pair a glass of Etna Rosso with arancino before heading to the Greek theatre.
15 by the glassOrtigia, Siracusa
Intimate Ortigia wine bar and shop specialising in natural and artisan Sicilian wines; lively after-dinner spot with a discerning crowd.
The list: Ortigia natural wine bar with a compact curated list of Sicilian and Italian artisan producers; retail and by-the-glass service.
Pours: Natural Nero d'Avola, Etna Rosso DOC, Frappato di Vittoria
Tip: Check their social media for natural wine producer pop-up evenings.
15 by the glassPalermo
Palermo natural wine advocate with a tight selection of Sicilian and Italian low-intervention producers; small plates from local and seasonal suppliers.
The list: Natural wine shop and bar in Palermo with local, seasonal organic food pairings; part of Raisin's verified natural wine network.
Pours: Natural Sicilian Bianco, Natural Nerello Mascalese, Pet-nat Catarratto
Tip: Ask for their current Etna naturale selection; producers rotate seasonally.
20 by the glassCentro Storico, Catania
Created by lawyer-turned-sommelier-turned-artist Gabriella Maugeri; wine service is paired with live art exhibitions and performances in a refined Catania setting.
The list: Sommelier-led wine bar doubling as an art exhibition space; Sicilian and Italian selections with rotating artistic programme.
Pours: Etna Rosso DOC, Etna Bianco DOC, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Sommelier: Gabriella Maugeri
Tip: Check Instagram for current exhibition openings; wine and art events are the highlight.
