Excursion S.a.l.t. etna wines experience & lunch at benanti winery tour at Catania

Explore the winemaking traditions and flavours of Sicily during this unforgettable, full-day S.A.L.T. experience led by distinguished journalist, wine judge and professional winemaker Benjamin Spencer.

Benjamin Spencer

Your journey into the winemaking traditions and flavours of this stunningly beautiful region of Sicily is guided by Benjamin Spencer, director of the Etna Wine School and author of The New Wines of Mount Etna, awarded "Best European Wine Book 2021". In addition to holding a diploma from the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Benjamin is a journalist, wine judge, and seasoned professional winemaker with two decades of experience working with artisan and internationally-traded wine brands in California and Italy.

If at the winery on the day of your experience, either Antonio or Salvino Benanti will be joining Benjaming in sharing information about their family and winery.

Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Milo, Mt. Etna

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 60-minute drive to the village of Milo. En route, pass through the town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonisers in the 8th-century B.C. Milo Village is located on the eastern slopes of the spectacular Mt. Etna. Here, the surrounding areas are home to many vineyards and woods, thanks to the fertile soil rich in mineralised water.

Winemaking Traditions

Wine has been produced in Sicily for millenia, and there is evidence that Mycenaean traders cultivated grapes in the Aeolian Islands as early at 1500 B.C. When the Greeks began to settle in Sicily in the 8th century B.C., they introduced several varieties of vines. Although fine wines are typically associated with western Sicily or the areas near Mount Etna, many new wineries have emerged across the island. A slew of the island's traditional wines and spirits are now globally-renowned, and several boast denomination of origin (appellation). Sicily has its own table and dessert wines, and many regional liqueurs. The magic is in Sicily's fertile soil and long, cloudless summers, with humidity but virtually no rain from June until harvesting in late-August. These factors ensure Sicilian vintages remain remarkably consistent from year-to-year.

Benanti Milo Vineyards, Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Upon arrival in Milo, your S.A.L.T. Program begins by joining Benjamin for a guided walk of the vineyards Benanti Winery. Visit the vineyard and learn about its provenance, then proceed for a wine tasting of 'Superior of Milo', a white wine typical of this area thanks to the Carricante cultivation, and the only territory in which Etna Bianco can boast the title of 'Superior'.

Viagrande, Benanti Montserra Estate, Vineyard & Oak Barrel Room, Lunch, Vintage Wine Tastings

Next, re-board your coach and head to the world-renowned Benanti Montserra Estate in Viagrande, situated on a hill on the slopes of Mount Etna. Viagrande became famous due to its mention in Nedda, the first novel by Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga, and is renowned for its vineyards and gastronomic traditions. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the vineyard and historic oak barrel room. Following your tour, proceed for a Sicilian lunch and tasting of several of their finest vintages, a delightful experience that leaves you with a greater understanding and appreciation of Sicilian flavours. After lunch, some free time is made available to explore the winery and purchase some Benanti wines at your leisure. At the conclusion of your S.A.L.T. experience, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Benanti Winery

Benanti Wines was founded in 1988, thanks to the commitment and passion of the Cavaliere del Lavoro, Giuseppe Benanti. He purchased vineyards highly-suited to quality wine production on different sides of Mt. Etna, resuming the activity already undertaken by his grandfather, Giuseppe, 40 years earlier. The vineyards are all already planted with Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante; vines typical of the volcano. Cavaliere Benanti decided to focus immediately on these varieties, and, over time, emerged as one of the main wine ambassadors in Italy and around the world.

In recent years, Caveliere Benanti's sons, Antonio and Salvino, have joined the Cavalier Benanti. The production amounts to about 200,000 bottles and all the work, from the vineyard to the cellar, is devoted to the utmost respect for the vine and its unique characteristics. Benanti wines are exported to important markets such as the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, England, France, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, China, and Singapore. They have consistently won coveted prizes both in these countries, and, of course, Italy. Their many prestigious awards include 'Italian Winery of the Year' (Gambero Rosso, 2007) and 'Top 100 Winery in the USA' (Wine & Spirits Magazine, 2012) as well as 11 'Tre Bicchieri' Gambero Rosso awards, making Benanti the most awarded winery in Etna.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mt. Etna, Eastern Slopes, Vineyards, Woods, Milo, Benanti Wineries, Vineyard and Cellar Tours, Sicilian Lunch, Wine Tastings

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. Program tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 500 metres, at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and few steps at the entrance to the wineries and wine cellar. Walking at the Benanti Monteserra Estate is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, bring sun protection and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. In shoulder season, a warm jacket is recommended. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.