There is only one word to describe Sicily’s wine scene and that is exciting. This is a passionate and ancient winemaking region, famous for deep, dark reds and refreshing whites that often offer incredible value. Aside from the easy-going wines, Sicily is also a hotbed for organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Thanks to its warm, dry climate organic winemakers face less of a challenge than in many other areas of the world.

When it comes to grape varieties, there are a number to watch out for. Nero D’Avola is the most famous red variety with its dark-fruit and wild herb flavours. On the whites, Catarratto is a surprisingly interesting variety that is full of green fruit and citrus flavours. Catarratto also makes exceptional orange wines.

Others to spot are the refreshing white Grillo grape and the Nerello Mascalese. The last of which is grown on the slopes of Mount Etna and is often called Sicily’s Nebbiolo, thanks to its smoky flavour and tannic structure.