Between Craters and Glasses: A Tour of Etna and the Wines of Barone di Villagrande

Chloé and Gabriel, now in love with Sicily, continue their honeymoon through enchanting places, unique experiences, and exceptional wines. After an unforgettable dinner in Taormina, where they tasted some of the finest wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna, their curiosity about local winemaking has grown immensely.

The couple decides to hire us once again, relying on our chauffeur service for a new tour on Mount Etna, this time enriched by a visit to the historic Barone di Villagrande winery.

The Start of the Etna Tour: The Comfort of Car Rental with Driver

The day starts early with our driver, Marco, arriving promptly at the Taormina hotel where Chloé and Gabriel are staying. The elegant and spacious Mercedes VITO awaits them for a tour that promises to be just as special and even more in-depth than their first experience on Etna.

“Good morning, Chloé! Good morning, Gabriel!” greets Marco with his usual warm smile as he opens the door for them.

“Good morning, Marco!” replies Chloé with excitement. “We’re so happy to do this tour again. We loved it so much last time, and we can’t wait to visit a winery too.”

“Barone di Villagrande is one of the most famous wineries in the area,” Marco explains as they set off. “You’ll get to discover the charm of Etna wines and the secret behind these intense, unique flavors.”

On the way to Etna, Chloé and Gabriel relax, enjoying the comfort and safety of the chauffeur service. Thanks to Marco’s expertise, they can focus solely on the beauty of the scenery, mentally preparing for the day ahead.

Mount Etna: A Second Exploration, Even More Fascinating

After about an hour, the group reaches the volcano’s slopes once again. The couple is thrilled to relive the experience, and Marco, knowing their interests well, decides to take them to a new scenic spot to immerse them in a different landscape from their first visit.

“This area is less frequented by tourists,” Marco explains, stopping in a quiet spot where the volcanic landscape can be admired in all its splendor. “Here, you can see how the lava flows have sculpted the land over the years.”

Chloé and Gabriel step out of the car and look around, captivated by the dark rock formations and the sight of plants that, despite the hostile soil, manage to thrive in this unique environment.

“I never imagined that Etna could have such diverse landscapes,” comments Gabriel. “It’s amazing to see how nature adapts, even on volcanic terrain.”

Marco explains how Etna’s eruptions have shaped the land, creating ideal conditions for cultivating vines. “Thanks to the composition of the soil, the wine produced here has a unique flavor,” Marco adds. “Soon, you’ll have the chance to taste these qualities during the visit to Villagrande.”

Barone di Villagrande Winery: Discovering the Wines of Etna

After completing the Etna stop, Marco drives the couple to the Barone di Villagrande winery, a historic wine estate located right on the slopes of the volcano. With a history dating back to the 18th century, Barone di Villagrande is one of the most renowned places for producing Etna wines, famous for the quality of its wines and the passion behind their production.

Upon arrival, Chloé and Gabriel are welcomed by one of the estate’s representatives, who guides them through the vineyards and facilities. Marco accompanies them, ready to answer any questions and share anecdotes about the history of Sicilian winemaking.

“Etna’s volcanic soil gives the wines a unique taste,” the winery guide explains as they walk through the rows of vines. “The minerals in the soil and the altitude of the volcano influence the vines’ growth, giving the wine a distinct and unmistakable character.”

During the tour, Chloé and Gabriel also visit the barrel room, where the wine rests and matures. The atmosphere is tranquil, with subtle notes of wood and grapes in the air.

“It feels almost like a sacred place,” Chloé comments, observing the rows of barrels.

“Winemaking is an ancient art,” the guide replies, smiling. “Here, every bottle tells the story of the land and a deep passion for it.”

The Tasting: A Journey of the Senses

After the tour of the winery, it’s finally time for the much-anticipated tasting. Chloé and Gabriel are seated in a room overlooking the vineyards, where a table has been set with various wine glasses and some typical Sicilian products.

“This is the best part!” exclaims Gabriel, already excited to savor the wines.

The winery’s sommelier begins the tasting with a white wine, explaining the main grape varieties grown on Etna. Chloé takes a sip of the wine, immediately appreciating its freshness and the complexity of flavors.

“This wine is incredible! It has a mineral taste, but at the same time, it’s so well balanced,” Chloé remarks, surprised.

The sommelier smiles and explains, “The volcanic soil gives these unique characteristics. Here, wine has a strong identity that reflects the energy of Etna.”

The tasting continues with a full-bodied red, aged in barrels, and concludes with a rosé, perfect for pairing with light dishes and appetizers. Each wine is accompanied by local cheeses, olives, and a selection of Sicilian cured meats, further enhancing the wine’s flavors.

“I’ve never tasted wines this authentic before,” Gabriel comments. “Every sip seems to tell the story of this land.”

Return to Taormina: Reflecting on a Unique Experience

After the tasting, Chloé and Gabriel relax in the winery’s garden, admiring the view of the vineyards stretching up the slopes of Etna. “We never imagined a day like this,” says Chloé, gazing at the distant volcano.

Marco, who has accompanied them throughout the day, approaches and invites them to prepare for the journey back. “It was a pleasure to accompany you again today,” he says. “Thanks to our chauffeur service, you’ve been able to discover the secrets of this land without worrying about driving.”

Chloé and Gabriel agree, recognizing that the chauffeur service has made the experience even more special. “We were able to enjoy every moment, focusing only on the landscapes, wines, and the stories you shared,” Gabriel says, shaking Marco’s hand.

During the return trip, Chloé and Gabriel reflect on the experience they just had. “Sicily is so varied and rich in history and culture,” Chloé comments. “Every day, we discover a different aspect of this extraordinary island.”

Marco smiles, pleased to have contributed to making their day unique. “That’s the beauty of a chauffeur service: it allows you to experience every part of the journey stress-free, fully appreciating Sicily’s wonders.”

The couple returns to Taormina with hearts full of emotions and an experience that will remain forever in their memories. Thanks to our service, Chloé and Gabriel enjoyed a day blending nature, culture, and flavors, discovering the secrets of Etna and its wines, all within the comfort and security of our chauffeur service.

 

FAQ - Sicily Car Service: Tour of Mount Etna and Visit to Barone di Villagrande Winery

 

What does the Etna and Barone di Villagrande Winery tour offered by Sicily Car Service include?
Our customized tour includes transfer from Taormina (or another preferred location) to Mount Etna and then to the Barone di Villagrande winery, with a private, expert driver at your disposal for the entire day. During the tour, you’ll explore volcanic landscapes, visit the winery, and taste some of the best wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna.

How long is the journey from Taormina to Etna and then to the winery?
The drive from Taormina to Mount Etna takes about one hour. After visiting the craters and scenic viewpoints, we’ll transfer to the Barone di Villagrande winery for a tasting. The tour is designed to last the full day, with a return to Taormina in the evening.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?
Absolutely! Our service is fully flexible. You can personalize the itinerary with additional stops on Mount Etna or change the order of visits. Our driver will be happy to offer recommendations and suggestions to make the day special and tailored just for you.

What are the main highlights of the Etna tour?
During the tour, you will explore:

• The extinct craters of Mount Etna, where you can admire the volcanic landscapes.
• Scenic viewpoints with views of the lava flows and learn about the volcano's geological history.
• Nature trails showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Etna region.

What makes the Barone di Villagrande winery visit special?
Barone di Villagrande is one of Etna’s most historic wineries, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the 18th century. During the visit, you’ll discover the secrets of Etna’s viticulture as you tour the vineyards and historic cellars. The tasting allows you to enjoy volcanic wines rich with the minerals found in the soil and influenced by the altitude.

Is there a lunch stop during the tour?
Yes, during the winery visit, it’s possible to enjoy lunch with a selection of typical Sicilian dishes paired with Etna wines. Our driver will recommend the best pairings for a truly authentic and complete meal.

What are the benefits of the chauffeur service for this tour?
Our chauffeur service allows you to experience the tour without any worries. With an expert driver, you can enjoy the journey, scenery, and tastings without needing to focus on driving. The flexibility of our service also allows you to stop wherever you like, tailoring the tour to your preferences.

How can I book a tour of Mount Etna and Barone di Villagrande Winery with Sicily Car Service?
You can easily book by contacting us by phone at +39 333 160 6317 or +39 328 481 7474, or by visiting our website at www.sicilycarservice.com.

Do you offer other customized tours in Sicily?
Yes, Sicily Car Service offers a wide range of customized tours throughout the island, including tours of the baroque cities of Val di Noto, excursions to Agrigento, Siracusa, and more. Every tour can be tailored to your preferences to provide a unique experience.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of our Etna and Barone di Villagrande Winery tour, answering the main questions to help you plan a perfect day discovering Sicily’s wonders.

Sicily Car Service - Car Rental with Driver

VIA WILHELM VON GLODEN, 46
98039 TAORMINA (Messina)
+39 333 160 6317 - +39 328 481 7474
https://www.sicilycarservice.com