About Etna Wines
High Elevation
Mount Etna stands 3400 meters+ above sea level. This creates opportunities and challenges for wine growers.
Mediterranean Climate
The vineyards on Mount Etna are located on the east coast of Sicily, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea.
Volcanic Soils
Mount Etna's soils are some of the youngest vineyard soils in the world. They are loaded with vibrant minerals and nutrients.
The Mount Etna wine region is young by modern standards, yet the native varieties
from the slopes of Europe’s largest active volcano are taking the wine world by storm
Mount Etna farmers grow a range of different wine grape varieties to make several wines. The Etna DOC wines are:
Etna Spumante DOC — A white or rosé vintage sparkling wine made in the classic method from Nerello Mascalese grapes.
Etna Bianco DOC and Etna Bianco Superiore DOC — White wines from Etna are based on the Carricante grape.
Etna Bianco Superiore DOC — White wines from Etna that carry a Superiore status are based on the Carricante grapes exclusively from the contrade (neighborhoods) around Milo, on the eastern slope of the volcano.
Etna Rosato DOC & Etna Rosso DOC — Rosé and Red wines from Etna are based on the Nerello Mascalese grape, with the Nerello Cappuccio as the most important blender for pink and red wines.
Etna Rosso Riserva DOC — Based on Etna Rosso, but the wines must be aged for a minimum of four years, with at least one year in wood and one year in bottle before going to market.
While nearly all Etna producers sell their wines in bottle, it is still possible to find wines sold by the liter in taverns, wine shops, and some restaurants. This wine does not carry a vintage and is often referred to as vino sfuso (bulk wine).
Learn More About
The New Wines of Mount Etna
An Insider’s Guide to the History & Rebirth of a Wine Region
“A fascinating read and an indispensable resource.”
— Stephanie Johnson, Wine & Spirits Magazine
“A fine textbook. Excellent armchair traveling.”
– Eric Asimov, The New York Times
The Gourmand Award in Food Culture
ONLINE COURSES
& IN-PERSON EXPERIENCES
Our distance learning programs are designed to help beginners, wine experts, and journalists discover the wines of Mount Etna on their own terms. We offer a la carte courses and certificate programs that fit every schedule. In addition to our online courses, we offer wine experiences for professionals and enthusiasts. All experiences are custom-designed and private unless otherwise communicated.
Join Our Community of Etna Ambassadors
Etna Wine School is the only place to learn about Etna wines online.
We offer a la carte and certificate courses for wine enthusiasts and trade professionals.