Sicily

Sicily's vineyards are mainly located in the western, northeastern and southern parts of the island. Though the region's wines were known as blending wines as recently as the 1950s, they now have their own distinction as quality wines. Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Lucido, Trebbiano Toscano and Nero d'Avola are the prevailing grape varietals grown in the region. Vines thrive in Sicily because of the variety of soils and the mild climate. It's not surprising, therefore, that Sicily is Italy's most productive region in terms of yearly wine output.

Wine Trail-From north to south
* Don't miss Donnafugata (tel. 0923999555) at Via Sebastiano Lipari 18 in Marsala.
* In Calatafimi, visit Marzuko (tel. 0924951191), which produces Bianco d'Alcamo DOC wines, as well as Solario Bianco, Solario Rosso and Baglio Rosso table wines.
* In Sciacca, stop at Planeta (tel. 091327965) which offers wine tasting in the old winery.
* Visit Grasso (tel. 0909281082) at Via Albero 5 in Milazzo for a wine tasting and a visit to the firm's wine museum.
* Valle dell'Acate (tel. 0932874166) in Acate has a 19th century winery and an old farmhouse where tastings take place.

Festivals and Culinary Events
* May: Randazzo - Wine Festival
* June: Menfi - Menfi and Its Wine
* August: Alcamo - Alcamo DOC Festival, Marsala - Wine and Cheese Festival