Wine Summer Experiences in Southern Italy and its islands offer a deep dive into a land of contrasts — where wild nature meets a millennia-old wine heritage. Along volcanic slopes, rugged coastlines, and sun-drenched hills, the culture of wine becomes a way of life, rooted in tradition and shaped by the Mediterranean spirit.
Here, tasting wine is only the beginning. It’s about feeling the power of the landscape, savoring bold, expressive flavors, and connecting with a slower, more soulful rhythm. Between sea and sky, vineyard and table, every moment becomes a celebration of authenticity.
These experiences invite you to engage all five senses — to walk through ancient vineyards, enjoy cuisine rich in local character, and discover the passion that drives Southern Italy’s winemaking heart.
But if your destination is Northern Italy, here are our top wine experiences for you.
SICILY: : Wine summer experiences
Benanti Winery
Benanti Selection
Located in Viagrande on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna, the Benanti winery offers wine tourism experiences that highlight the richness of the volcanic landscape. Among these, the Benanti Premium Selection stands out. It is an immersive journey crafted for wine enthusiasts eager to expand their knowledge of Etna wines.
The experience starts with a guided tour of the historic Monte Serra estate. Here the guests can explore the vineyards and the old palmento, learning about traditional winemaking methods. The tour then proceeds through the historic cellar, now an art gallery, and the barrel room where the red wines are aged.
The tasting features five selected wines from different contrade of Etna. Each wine is paired with a gourmet lunch prepared by the estate’s Resident Chef, who is a graduate of ALMA culinary school with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. The dishes draw inspiration from Sicilian tradition and are perfectly complemented by the wines in the tasting.
Price: from €60.00 to €220.00
Website: www.benanti.it
AEOLIAN ISLAND – Lipari: Wine summer experiences
Tenuta di Castellaro Winery
Castellaro wine resort/bistrot
Located on the island of Lipari, Tenuta di Castellaro offers food and wine experiences that combine the beauty of the volcanic landscape with their local wines. Guided tastings include visits to the winery and walks through the vineyards, with several options available.
For a more immersive experience, guests can enjoy picnics among the vines, either during the day or at sunset, with breathtaking views of Alicudi, Filicudi, and Salina. These experiences include:
- a picnic basket
- one bottle of wine for every two people
- a gourmet selection from the Castellaro Bistrot.
Then the iconic Brindisi al Sole (Sunset Toast): after a brief winery tour, guests are led to a panoramic viewpoint. There, you toast to the natural beauty that has always defined this land.
The tasting continues on the terrace with two more wines, paired with two sharing boards.
The experience ends on a sweet note with a glass of Malvasia delle Lipari DOC passito and traditional sesame cookies (sesamini).
The Castellaro Bistrot, led by Chef Giacomo Caravello, offers an innovative cuisine that enhances local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally and features dishes like spaghetti with caper pesto.
For those wishing to extend their stay, the Castellaro Wine Resort offers exclusive accommodations nestled among the vineyards.
Price: inquire at the winery
Website: www.tenutadicastellaro.it
CALABRIA: Wine summer experiences
Librandi Winery
Giornata Librandi (Librandi Experience Day)
The Giornata Librandi offers an immersive experience hosted by the Librandi winery, located in Cirò Marina in the heart of Calabria. This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore the entire winery, from the vinification area to the barrel cellar. The experience continues with visits to the vineyards and ancient olive groves at the Rosaneti estate. Their scenic hills are crossed in pick-up trucks to reach hilltop viewpoints and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
The day also includes a visit to the VI.TE.S. Wine Museum, housed in an early 19th-century farmhouse and considered the heart of the estate. The tour concludes with a lunch featuring local specialties, paired with a curated selection of the winery’s most representative wines.
Price: inquire at the winery
Website: www.librandi.it
Want wine experiences in Northern Italy instead? Click here.