Etna Sud: Wine Tasting in the 1790 Palmento and Visit to Cantina Lavica

Highlights

• The south side of Mount Etna: the side that tours don't show
• Private wine press from 1790: a place you won't find on tours
• Guided tasting led by a sommelier, featuring three Etna DOC wines produced on site
• Gobelet-trained vines at 750 meters above sea level on pure volcanic sand
• Discover a lava bubble transformed into a wine cellar!

Description

Cantine Sava is not just any winery. It is the story of a family of farmers who brought a 1790 wine press back to life and restored a 1791 Catanian press: structures that had lain dormant for over two centuries and have now been renovated using the original materials, stone by stone. The experience begins among the rows of vines: alberello-trained vines nestled in the volcanic sand on the south slope of Mt. Etna, at an altitude of 2,460 feet, in Contrada Salùci. This landscape is radically different from the northern slope – wilder and less frequented – and the mineral-rich volcanic sand can be seen and tasted in the glass. The most striking moment is the descent into the “lava bubble”: a natural cavity carved out by the volcano's fire, which has been transformed into a wine cellar. Here, the wines rest in the dark, at a constant temperature and humidity, in a place that preserves the memory of the volcano and makes the wines special. At the end of the tour, we explore the 1790 wine press together. Under the lime of the old wine press, someone had left a message: a cross intertwined with the phases of the moon, carved into the stone. Not a decoration, but a deliberate mark, hidden for us to discover together as we try to unravel its ancient secrets. The tasting session is led by the winery's sommelier and includes the tasting of three Etna DOC wines: Etna Rosso 2022, Etna Rosso 2023, and Etna Bianco 2024, accompanied by a selection of local products from the area. The guided tasting is suitable for all levels. We want to make the experience accessible to those who are new to the world of Etna wine, while also meeting the needs of experts! Nothing special is required for the activity – just comfortable shoes and a lot of curiosity!

Includes

Sommelier-led tasting of 3 Etna DOC wines – Etna Rosso 2022, Etna Rosso 2023, and Etna Bianco 2024 – suitable for all levels of wine knowledge Platter of typical local products selected to accompany the tasting Guided walk through the alberello-trained vineyards on the south slope of Mt. Etna, at an altitude of 2,460 feet (750 meters) Guided tour of the 1790 wine press and the 1791 Catoonian wine press, restored using original materials Access to the natural lava bubble used as a cellar, which is not normally open to the public Historical account of the lunar symbol carved in stone and the tradition of the Eucharistic sacramental wine Water throughout the experience

Excludes

Transportation to/from the winery Meals other than the charcuterie board included in the tasting Drinks other than water and the wines included in the tasting Gratuities

Important Information

• In the event of bad weather, the vineyard tour may be shortened, but the wine tasting will still take place indoors in the historic wine press. Please advise of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking It is recommended to come by car: free parking is available onsite. Please arrive at least 10 minutes in advance: the experience starts on time. The experience is conducted in Italian; upon request, it can also be conducted in English. No soft drinks are provided as an alternative to the wines being tasted

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund