Wine in Politeama, Palermo, Sicily

Enoteca Picone ★ 4.8

Palermo's most storied enoteca since 1946; floor-to-ceiling bottles, an encyclopedic Sicilian list and an expert team that stocks wines rarely found elsewhere on the island.

The list: Historic enoteca since 1946 with 7,000-plus labels spanning Sicilian artisan producers alongside global grands crus; retail shop by day, wine bar from 5pm.

Pours: Etna Rosso DOC selections, Nerello Mascalese, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

Tip: Arrive at 5pm for aperitivo with a charcuterie board before the evening rush.

Enoteca Butticè ★ 4.6

Beloved Palermo wine bar where sommelier Salvatore Fanale fields a vast list of Sicilian gems and global stalwarts; outdoor terrace on the piazza is the place to be at sundown.

The list: 700-plus labels led by Sicilian selections curated by sommelier Salvatore Fanale; aperitivo platters and outdoor terrace.

Pours: Tasca d'Almerita Regaleali Rosso, Etna Bianco DOC, Passito di Pantelleria DOC

Tip: Ask Salvatore for his current Etna picks; the underground gems change seasonally.

Enoteca Picone ★ 4.8

Historic Palermo enoteca since 1946 with 7,000-plus labels; ground floor is a full retail shop by day with a focus on Sicilian artisan producers alongside global grands crus; considered the finest bottle shop in western Sicily.

Tip: The staff can source hard-to-find micro-producer Etna bottles not available elsewhere on the island.

WSET Courses Palermo - Enoteca La Nicchia ★ 4.4

Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 courses in English held at Enoteca La Nicchia; one of the only venues in Sicily offering internationally accredited WSET tuition.

Tip: The WSET Level 2 in English is ideal for international visitors working in hospitality.