This week, a wonderful group of Fabulous Ladies Wine Society members are high up on the slopes of Mount Etna, tasting wines grown on one of the most extraordinary pieces of vineyard land in the world. It’s the first stop on the Fabulous Ladies Wine Tour of Sicily 2025.

Sicily’s volcanic north-east is a place of striking contrasts — black lava soils against lush green vines, sunshine offset by crisp alpine air, and an ancient winemaking culture that’s experiencing a thrilling modern renaissance.

Mount Etna is unlike anywhere else in Italy. The vineyards cling to the volcano’s steep slopes at altitudes of up to 1,000 metres, with dramatic day–night temperature swings and soils rich in ash, basalt, and pumice. It’s these conditions that give the wines their signature vibrancy, minerality, and sense of place.

The Grapes of the Volcano

Nerello Mascalese – The star of Etna Rosso

Elegant, perfumed and endlessly complex, Nerello Mascalese is the backbone of Etna’s red wines. Think bright red cherries, wild strawberries, herbs and subtle volcanic smoke, all framed by fine, chalky tannins. Many compare it to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo for its finesse and structure, yet it’s entirely its own thing — fiery, refined, and unmistakably Sicilian.

Blends often include a small proportion of Nerello Cappuccio, which adds colour, spice, and a touch of softness to the mix. Together they create the classic Etna Rosso DOC — reds that balance intensity with lift, and that age beautifully.

Carricante – The soul of Etna Bianco

For whites, Carricante reigns supreme. This high-acid, citrus-driven variety produces wines with laser-sharp freshness and distinct minerality — imagine lemon zest, green apple, wild herbs, and sea spray. When grown on Etna’s eastern slopes, particularly near the village of Milo, it reaches its purest expression and can age for decades, developing notes of honey and nuts over time.

Wineries We’re Visiting

Our Fabulous Ladies are exploring some of Etna’s most exciting producers — each offering a unique take on this volcanic terroir.

Cottanera

Family-run and based on the northern slopes near Castiglione di Sicilia, Cottanera is a benchmark for Etna wines. Their vineyards sit on ancient lava flows where Nerello Mascalese thrives. Expect beautifully structured Etna Rosso wines with layers of red fruit, spice and that unmistakable smoky minerality. Their Etna Bianco, made from Carricante, shows precision and purity — the kind of wine that perfectly captures Etna’s cool-climate energy.

Santa Maria La Nave

Perched high on the western slope of Mount Etna, Santa Maria La Nave is one of the region’s most remarkable boutique estates. They champion rare indigenous varieties — particularly Grecanico Dorato and Albanello, grown at over 1,000 metres on volcanic terraces surrounded by chestnut trees. Their wines are crystalline, elegant, and deeply expressive of their high-altitude terroir. The white, Millesulmare Sicilia DOC Bianco, made from 100% Grecanico Dorato (a white variety not commonly seen in Etna), is a standout for its balance of minerality, texture, and freshness.

Tenuta Tascante

From the respected Tasca d’Almerita family, Tenuta Tascante combines traditional winemaking with precise vineyard work across several “contrade” (individual volcanic districts). Their Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante and Contrada Sciaranuova bottlings highlight how dramatically different wines can be from one slope to another. Expect elegance, fine tannins, and depth — these are wines that speak eloquently of their volcanic origins and the artistry behind them.

What Makes Etna So Exciting Right Now

Mount Etna has become one of Italy’s most dynamic and talked-about wine regions. In just the past decade, the area has seen:

• A new wave of winemakers — Young producers and established names alike are investing in Etna, drawn by its diversity and potential for producing world-class wines with a strong sense of place.
• Focus on single “contrade” bottlings — Much like Burgundy’s crus, many producers now release wines from individual vineyard sites (contrade), highlighting the unique soils and microclimates of each slope.
• A shift toward organic and sustainable practices — Many estates are working organically or biodynamically, recognising the fragility and biodiversity of this volcanic ecosystem.
• Growing global acclaim — Etna wines regularly appear on top restaurant lists and receive glowing international reviews for their balance, elegance, and originality.

What Our Guests Are Tasting

During our time here, our group is sampling a vibrant mix of Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso — plus a few delightful surprises. Expect fresh, mineral whites from Carricante and Grecanico Dorato, alongside graceful, savoury reds from Nerello Mascalese that show both power and restraint.

Each sip reflects Etna’s dramatic terrain: smoky yet pure, structured yet elegant. The wines seem to hum with the quiet energy of the mountain itself — living proof that great wine is as much about place as it is about people.

The Final Word

As one of Europe’s most geologically active wine regions, Mount Etna is constantly in motion — both literally and metaphorically. The combination of old vines, volcanic soils, and passionate producers is propelling Sicily’s reputation for fine wine to new heights.

For our Fabulous Ladies exploring these slopes right now, it’s a rare chance to taste history, geology, and innovation all in one glass. And for those following along from afar, consider this your reminder that the next glass of Sicilian wine you pour just might contain a little spark of volcanic magic.