Join Me for a 6-Day Wine Tour Through Tuscany
A Small-Group Wine Journey Through Boutique Vineyards, Medieval Towns, and Tuscan Cuisine
October 9-15, 2026 | 6 Days | Maximum 18 Guests
Hey there! I’m Lexi.
I'm a WSET Level 3 Certified Wine Educator with 9 years in the wine industry, and I started Lexi's Wine List to make wine approachable for everyone.
For the past few years, I've been leading small-group wine retreats through California and Tuscany, and what I love most is connecting travelers directly with the winemakers themselves at intimate, family-owned wineries. These aren't the places you'd find on your own—they're hidden gems with real stories.
If you're craving authentic Italian culture, incredible food, and wines you won't find at home, this Tuscan adventure is calling your name. I can't wait to explore this magical region with you!
See our past adventures
Scenes from our previous small-group wine tours in Tuscany
Your 6-Day Itinerary
Every day is carefully curated to give you the perfect balance of wine, food, culture, and relaxation
Arrival in Sicily
Our journey begins in Etna, one of the most exciting and unique wine regions in all of Italy, centered around Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna.
Upon arrival at the Catania airport, our private driver will transfer us to our boutique accommodation, a charming agriturismo on the slopes of Mount Etna, with panoramic vineyard views, a working winery, and a traditional Sicilian restaurant.
We'll kick off our adventure with a welcome meeting to learn about the region's rich culture, meet our travel companions (and new friends), and review our itinerary for the week. From there, we'll board our private minibus and head into town for a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant, including plenty of delicious regional wine.
Wine Tasting in Etna + Taormina
We'll be exploring the northern and eastern slopes of Mt. Etna, known for wines of structure and complexity.
We'll spend the day visiting two boutique, family-owned wineries, touring the grounds, learning about the volcanic terroir, and discovering traditional winemaking techniques. The second winery visit will include a delicious lunch paired with local wines, set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily's iconic volcano.
Our private driver will take us to Taormina, where you'll have time to visit the picturesque village and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Perched above the Ionian Sea, Taormina enchants with its ancient Greek theater, coastal views, and charming streets filled with history.
Catania & Syracuse
We'll make our way to Syracuse on the southeastern coast of Sicily with a stop in Catania to explore its historic architecture and bold food scene.
We'll depart from Etna and head to Catania, where our private tour guide will take us through the lively fish market ("Piscaria"), down Via Etnea to admire the Baroque architecture of Basilica della Collegiata, and we'll conclude in a café to taste the local delicacies — cheeses, charcuterie, arancini, and more.
We'll make our way to our 4-star accommodation in Syracuse, where crumbling ruins, Baroque architecture, and sparkling turquoise waters complete its laidback Sicilian charm. Enjoy lunch at your leisure at a seaside osteria and explore the small island of Ortigia, full of walkable, cobblestoned alleys, lively piazzas, and beautiful sea views.
We'll head to a boutique winery in Syracuse for a wine and dine experience, an authentic taste of Sicilian hospitality. We'll enjoy local wines paired with a thoughtfully curated homemade meal.
Pachino & Scicli
Located at the southeastern tip of Sicily, Pachino is full of sun-drenched vineyards and known for bold, expressive wines, as well as its world famous tomatoes. Just nearby, we'll explore Scicli, a tiny hidden gem where Baroque beauty meets small-town charm.
We'll visit a boutique winery in the warm, sunny region of Pachino, known for its aromatic Moscato and bold Nero d'Avola, and home to the rich winemaking history of southeastern Sicily.
We'll meet our local guide and expert, Chef Emilia Strazzanti, for an authentic food and wine tour through the UNESCO-listed town of Scicli. Emilia will guide us through the historic center to the best hidden gems, picking up fresh bread and produce along the way. We'll then be welcomed into a typical Sicilian home — reminiscent of Emilia's grandparents' — where we'll dive into a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional dishes like fresh pasta, scacce, or arancini. We'll sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labor — a delicious three-course Sicilian lunch paired with natural wines from small, local producers and a genuine taste of Sicilian hospitality and culture.
We'll arrive back in Syracuse for dinner at your leisure.
Val di Noto Wine Country
Val di Noto is a region known for its sun-soaked vineyards, vast olive groves, and epic coastline. The wines produced here — especially Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Moscato di Noto — are among the best in Sicily.
We'll visit a boutique winery in Val di Noto, enjoying a guided tour, learning about the unique terroir, and savoring some delicious wines. Next, we'll head to the town of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site known as the Baroque capital of Sicily. Its crown jewel is the Cathedral of San Nicolò, which sits at the top of a wide staircase overlooking the town's elegant main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Lined with palazzi, churches, and cafés, the whole town feels like a movie set.
We'll celebrate the end of our unforgettable wine journey with a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant in Ortigia, featuring exquisite local cuisine paired with a thoughtful selection of Sicilian wines.
Arrivederci!
Our English-speaking private drivers will transport us back to the Catania airport in time for your flight home. We'll be split into smaller groups depending on our flight times to minimize waiting time and ensure a comfortable and timely departure experience.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Everything you need for an unforgettable week in Sicily
What's Included
- 5 nights at boutique vineyard and seaside accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- 5 family-owned, off-the-beaten path winery visits and tastings
- 5 UNESCO World Heritage Site Visits
- 3 dinners with wine pairings
- 2 lunches with wine pairings
- 2 private food tours with local guides and tastings
- 2 wine experts at your disposal for the week
- Hands-on cooking class with local chef
- Expert English-speaking local guides
- Private luxury minibus transportation throughout the week
- Transportation to/from Catania airport
- All entrance fees and activities
- Taxes
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages outside of included tastings and meals
- Additional accommodations before/after trip dates
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
Secure your spot with a $1,300 deposit
Common Questions
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Please click the “Reserve Your Spot” button to fill out a quick form. Shortly after, you will receive an email from me with further instructions on how to make your deposit and book your spot. Reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis. Credit cards are accepted with no additional fees.
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April 8-13, 2026
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This retreat is perfect for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a deeper taste of Sicily — culturally and literally. You don’t need to be a wine expert, just someone who enjoys good company and beautiful places. Past travelers range from couples celebrating anniversaries to solo travelers seeking adventure to friends reconnecting over shared interests. If you appreciate quality over quantity and authentic experiences over tourist traps, you'll love this trip.
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$4370 per person (single supplement: $1090)
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Boutique accommodations
All wine tastings and winery visits
Guided food tours and hands-on cooking experiences
Most meals (with wine, of course!)
Private transport during the retreat (and to/from the Catania airport)
Local guides and cultural experiences
A few surprise treats along the way
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Flights to/from Sicily
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
A few meals on your own for flexibility
Personal purchases
Gratuities
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Expect a relaxed but full itinerary. There’s plenty of wine tasting and dining, but also time to explore, rest, or sip espresso in a sunny piazza. Some light walking is involved, especially in historic hill towns.
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Of course! Pricing for this trip is based on double occupancy, so there is just an additional fee of $1090 for solo travelers.
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April is a beautiful time to visit Sicily, with mild and pleasant temperatures. You can expect daytime highs around 65–75°F (18–24°C) with cooler evenings of around 50–55°F (10–13°C).
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Your passport
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for warm days and cooler evenings
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
An appetite for wine and delicious food
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A 30% per person deposit ($1300 USD) is due upon booking. The final payment ($3070 USD) is due by January 8, 2026. Credit cards are accepted with no additional fees.
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Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by us due to not meeting the minimum headcount. The final payment is non-refundable.
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Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and medical evacuation. We recommend TravelEx and we’d be happy to assist you with getting a quote and booking the insurance.
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You'll stay in boutique 4-star accommodations with private bathrooms. Our agriturismo on Mount Etna offers stunning vineyard views, and our Syracuse hotel is ideally located for exploring Ortigia. All rooms are comfortable, clean, and charming—think authentic Sicilian style with modern amenities. Exact hotel properties will be confirmed once the trip is sold out.
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The itinerary is thoughtfully paced with structured group activities balanced by free time. You'll have several meals at leisure to explore on your own, plus time in Taormina, Ortigia, and other towns to wander, shop, or simply relax with a coffee.
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We can accommodate most dietary restrictions including vegetarian, gluten-free, and common allergies. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can coordinate with restaurants and our cooking class instructor.
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Our groups are typically small (maximum 14 guests) and attract wine-loving travelers of all ages, usually ranging from 30s-60s. What brings everyone together is a love of authentic experiences, good wine, and great food. Past travelers have made lasting friendships—the intimate group size makes it easy to connect.
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Absolutely! Many travelers choose to arrive a day early or stay longer to explore Sicily independently. We're happy to provide recommendations for additional accommodations and things to do.
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We follow current Italian travel requirements and health guidelines. We recommend all travelers have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage. If you feel unwell during the trip, let us know immediately—your health and the group's safety are our priority.