Renowned all over the world for its homonymous wine (indeed, it has been appointed Città del Vino since 1987), the wine industry has long been a fundamental part Marsala’s economy. Read on to discover the best wineries in Sicily.

Marsala was first popularized in 1770 when an English trader, John Woodhouse, was forced to anchor here during a violent storm.

Woodhouse headed for a tavern, downed some local wine, and realised it had commercial potential: The rest is history.

You can drink some of the amber yellow Marsala in one of the town’s quaint wine shops, or head through the hills along roads lined with prickly-pear cacti to one of the vineyards nearby.

Several of these can be visited and offer guided tours and tastings.

To put you on the right track,here a list of the very best wineries in Sicily that you absolutely must visit should you find yourself on Sicilian shores.

The Florio Winery

Occupying an idyllic spot overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean Sea, the Florio Winery is famous for its high-quality Marsala, as well as a great selection of fortified and sweet sparkling wines – wine enthusiasts are truly spoilt for choice.

For only13 Euros, visitors are treated to a fascinating tour through the building’s impressive cellars, which not only covers the heritage of the winery, but also teaches you a thing or two about the history of Sicily.

Donnafugata Winery

They offer a guided tour in the cellar and tasting of 4 wines, each one representative of Donnafuga-ta’s various productions from € 22 per person. Tours and tastings require reservations.

Baglio Donna Franca Winery

It is one of the best wineries in Sicily and it is located not too far from Marsala town. This is an amazing relais-restaurant-winery just in front of the sea and surrounded by vineyards; the view you can enjoy from the terrace at sunset is simply remarkable.

Martinez Winery

This family has been producing wines since 1886 and beyond their great Marsala and sweet wines for Pantelleria or aromatic wines, they are renowned for a quite unusual production of sacramental wines.

They also have an app you can download (both for iOS and Android), to know some match of Marsala with the food and enjoying more the visit.

Did you Know?
Townspeople drink the dark, vintage Marsala, which is best sipped as a dessert wine with hard piquant cheese, fruit or pastries, and it’s also used to flavour the local cassatelle cakes made from fried ricotta and cinnamon.