Sicily's 10 Best Wine Hotels

Sicily likes to think of itself as a place apart both geographically and culturally. It's the largest island in the Mediterranean, and has been invaded and ruled by numerous foreign powers — from the Arabs to the Spanish — and this cacophony of flavours lingers, setting the island’s food and wine apart from mainland Italy. For a long time Sicily has been known for its sweet wines: your Malvasia and Marsala, but now its table wines are gaining popularity too. Sicily’s best wine hotels for sweet wines are in the west with those vineyards, while Sicily’s best wine hotels for its drier offerings can be found on the mountain slopes and coastal plains of the east, around Syracuse and Noto. We've searched the island and put together a shortlist of the wine hotels in Sicily, with options for every taste and budget, including top notch luxury with Michelin starred dining, wine resorts with superb amenities and a gorgeous converted historic abbey.

For the Album

• With nine white-on-white bedrooms, glass-walled bathrooms and pared-down furnishings, Zash Country Boutique Hotel is a minimalist's dream. It boasts stunning food with a Michelin-starred restaurant, and it’s all set within a traditional, ochre-coloured country house. Outside, there’s a shimmering infinity pool, beautiful, yet simple, gardens and views of Mount Etna and its vineyards, and the ocean.

For the Views

• At the heart of the famous, family-run Planeta vineyards near Menfi, is La Foresteria Planeta a luxurious wine hotel overlooking the vines and out to sea. Its 14 individually decorated rooms and suites mix contemporary and period pieces in their decor, and each has a private terrace. The restaurant serves authentic Sicilian cuisine, and offers lessons too — and wine tastings. And the infinity pool is divine. Families are welcomed with bikes in all the right sizes, plus babysitting facilities and lots of space.
• You’ll find the Monaci delle Terre Nere on the slopes of Mt. Etna, a deep pink villa looking down over vineyards and the ocean. Traditional on the outside, inside it’s simple, with stone walls, wooden beams and whitewashed walls, against which are set bold art works and contemporary lighting. There are 19 rooms and suites, some in the main house and some scattered around the grounds in converted farm buildings or new builds. The hotel also has a cinema room and games room, tennis courts, a chic pool, and an excellent restaurant.

For the Vineyard Experience

• The big draw at Torre Marabino, a working farm near Modica, is the wine cellar; a vast, vaulted space where you can taste your way to heaven. There’s a beautiful restaurant with an excellent Sicilian menu (all the wines offered are made at the winery), and accommodation is in just seven airy rooms, furnished with elegant simplicity. The pool, terrace and gardens are elegantly designed too, and there are self-catering facilities and family-sized rooms.

For Romantics

• Baglio Occhipinti is a gorgeous Italian style, 19th century villa, set within its own vineyard, just outside Ragusa and only 15 minutes from the beach. There are just five guest rooms, all large, with exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, tiled floors and white linens, and a collection of elegantly inviting living spaces. Outside you'll find a beautiful, mature garden (with a kitchen garden complete with fruit trees, that serves the restaurant) and a pool.

For a Relaxed Retreat

• The Abbazia Santa Anastasia is a 12th century Benedictine abbey, surrounded by acres of its own vineyards, and now converted into a rather sumptuously traditional hotel. Plush and welcoming, with friendly communal spaces that make the most of the huge original fireplaces, stone walls and tiled floors, this is a relaxing pick. Expect wine and cheese evenings, billiards, and solid antiques in the 29 rooms and suites. The restaurant is superb, and there’s a charming courtyard with an outdoor pool. Perfect for catching up on your reading between vineyard visits?
• The Wine Resort Villagrande is another peaceful pick: a four guest room resort with wonderful vineyard views from its many sunny terraces and balconies. Rooms are large, airy and traditional, with private, coast-view terraces, and decorated with just the right number of antiques. There’s also a pool with a view, and the restaurant offers cooking classes.
• The Baglio Soria Resort & Wine Experience is an elegantly renovated vineyard estate in Trapani, with 11 bright, contemporary rooms and suites, and super stylish wine bar serving wine from the estate’s own vineyard. Suites have living space and private balconies, and some are large enough to accommodate a family. Plus there’s a chic pool, and a restaurant where they also offer cooking classes.
• The Baglio Oneto Resort is a stylish, five-star wine resort with spectacular sea views, and an impressive facade and gardens. The resort has 48 rooms, suites and villas, most with private terraces or balconies, and decorated with traditional style. The resort runs wine tastings of their own wines, and of other local producers, and their restaurant champions local produce and cuisine in much the same way. Just outside Marsala, close to the beach.

For Great Value

• The Cavanera Etnea Resort is a peaceful wine resort siting at the foot of Mt. Etna, surround by lush vineyards and forest. Converted from a country estate, the building has some wonderful original features, including a working wine press — and a vast cellar! — but the interiors are contemporary, simply styled with black-lava tiles, stone-coloured walls and white linens. We love the pool surrounded by grape vines. There’s no restaurant, but there’s an impressive wine bar where they also run tastings and start tours.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best hotels on Sicily
• Consider staying in one of our Guru's recommendations for 20 of the Best Boutique Hotels on Sicily
• You could refine your search to just the best places to stay in Palermo, the best places to stay in Modica or the best places to stay in Syracuse?
• For further inspiration for wine hotels check out our ultimate guide to Italy's best.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • La Foresteria Planeta Estate Menfi, Sicily 14 rooms from AU$424

    
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    Cooking classes  -  Chef Angelo Pumilia teaches authentic Sicilian cooking in the hotel's spacious kitchen

    Wine tasting  -  Have a guided wine tour

    Great walks  -  Walk the vineyards and olive groves that surround La Foresteria

    Full of character

    

    Luxury wine resort in south west Sicily. Nestled amongst the vineyards, rooms are individually decorated with period pieces, all have private terraces and wonderful sea views. Authentic Sicilian cuisine and cookery lessons for the very keen! A family friendly, foodie haven, close to the beach. See More

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  • Torre Marabino Ispica, Sicily 7 rooms from AU$251

    
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    Foodies

    Sights nearby  -  Explore the Unesco Baroque towns of Noto and Modica, plus much more

    Restaurant  -  Traditional Sicilian cuisine

    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A lovely working farmhouse with its own wine barrels and an excellent restaurant. Rustic rooms with wooden beams, white washed walls, exposed stone and simple furniture. Lovely gardens and pool. A romantic and gourmet spot. See More

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  • Zash Country Boutique Hotel Archi, Sicily 9 rooms from AU$333

    
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    Foodies  -  Zash Restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star; be prepared for something delicious!

    Sights nearby  -  Make a day trip to the ominous Mount Etna.

    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels

    Minimalist and design fans will simply love this property. Blending old and new, nature and decor this property immerses its guests in the local surroundings. Glass walls, exposed stonework and in room hot tubs. Sample the best in Sicilian cuisine in the sun filled gardens. A photographers dream! See More

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  • Monaci Delle Terre Nere Zafferana Etnea, Sicily 19 rooms from AU$440

    
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    Honeymoons

    Wellbeing

    Romantic Break

    Total relaxation

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, CN Traveller

    Wonderfully chic retreat on the slopes of Mount Etna. Rooms and suites blend contemporary design with original elements; glass walls and parquet floors complement stone walls and wooden beams. Cinema, games room, tennis, an excellent restaurant. Very romantic, gourmet and family friendly. See More

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  • Cavanera Etnea Resort Sicily 10 rooms from AU$196

    
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    Total relaxation  -  With an endless selection of wine, a pool and the surrounding Sicilian countryside, this hotel offers total relaxation

    Country Escape  -  Located on a country estate with a vineyard at the foot of Mount Etna, this hotel is a glorious country retreat

    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the hotel's chic wine bar and the enormous outdoor pool

    Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful natural setting of the hotel on a long walk; enquire at the hotel for recommended routes

    

    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    This luxury wine resort occupies a renovated country estate at the foot of Mount Etna. Rooms blend modern and classic interior design; the best have an exquisite four-poster bed. All rooms offer views of the vineyard and black tiled floors made from volcanic lava. Relax by the pool; a stylish stay. See More

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  • Abbazia Santa Anastasia Sicily 29 rooms from AU$228

    
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    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil retreat surrounded by vineyards, boasting fabulous cuisine and a luxurious pool.

    Great walks  -  Take long walks through the picturesque countryside surrounding the property.

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Unesco World Heritage Site Cefalù Cathedral.

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    A 12th-century converted Benedictine abbey set in acres of vineyards. Atmospheric interiors are traditional and luxurious with rich hues, wooden floors and antique furniture. The restaurant is superb. There's plenty to explore in the surrounding region or simply unwind with a good book. See More

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  • Wine Resort Villagrande Milo, Sicily 4 rooms from AU$228

    
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    Local exploring  -  A great base for wine enthusiasts or simply exploring the area.

    Views  -  All rooms have views over the Ionian coast

    Great walks  -  Etna National Park

    Back to Nature

    

    A peaceful Vineyard resort with views over the winery. This elegant country house has an array of sun terraces where guests can unwind. Rooms are cool, with classic high ceilings. Have a glass of local wine with dinner, whilst enjoying the glorious sunset over the hills. See More

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  • Baglio Occhipinti Vittoria, Sicily 5 rooms from AU$245

    
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    Foodies  -  Explore the kitchen garden with organic fruit trees, local vineyards, plus foodie delights in nearby Putnesca & Scoglitti

    Great walks  -  Putanesca, the small fishing village is a 20 minute drive away and has charming walks

    Local markets  -  Daily fish market in Scoglitti, 15 minutes away

    Sights nearby  -  Short drive from the Baroque town of Vittoria

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Gorgeous Italian manor house set within a vineyard. The house, from 1860 has five big bedrooms and living rooms to be enjoyed: filled with antiques, fantastic views and rustic fireplaces. All this plus an outdoor swimming pool, kitchen garden and restaurant using only locally sourced produce. See More

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  • Baglio Sorìa Resort & Wine Experience Trapani (Sicily) 11 rooms from AU$284

    
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    Local exploring  -  The hotel's location makes it a good base for local exploring of Trapani and the natural surroundings

    Country Escape  -  Located in the countryside of Trapani, this hotel has all the rural charm of a great country escape

    Romantic Break  -  Couples will love the tranquil hideaway setting and the pretty outdoor pool

    Cooking classes  -  Take a cooking class through the hotel and learn the tricks to making perfect Italian food

    

    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    This modern resort is located in a renovated country estate in Trapani with a vineyard. Rooms are bright and modern, with wood accents and rich linens nodding to the hotel's origins. The best suites have a living area and balcony. Relax by the pool before a tasting at the wine bar. A stylish hotel. See More

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  • Baglio Oneto Resort 91025 Marsala, Sicily 48 rooms from AU$319

    
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    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil spot complete with glorious pool and local wines, ideal for restful holidays.

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.

    

    A stylish 5-star hotel in Sicily offering 48 rooms with spectacular views of the sea from their private balconies. Feast on authentic regional cuisine while sampling wines from the property's own vineyard. A picturesque and tranquil spot just outside historic Marsala. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 29th March 2022