Wine in Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily

Enoteca Solaria ★ 4.7

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.

Enoteca EVOÈ ★ 4.3

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.

Enoteca Solaria ★ 4.7

Ortigia institution since 1987; 2,000-plus labels with a focus on natural and artisan producers; triple Slow Wine award winner for best Cerasuolo di Vittoria selection; retail and wine-bar hybrid.

Tip: Elisa Merlo and Gianfilippo Russo are both AIS-certified; their pairing advice is worth taking.