Mount Etna in autumn is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sicily. It certainly cannot compete with the wonderful “red leaves” of the Nebrodi or Madonie woods, but there are routes full of atmosphere and poetry for all tourists to love. We are referring specifically to the so-called “Strada del Vino” (Route of Wine). This route includes several urban centers and natural landscapes particularly characterized by the cultivation of vines and the production of excellent Controlled Designation of Origin quality wines. Following this path allows you not only to admire unique views but also to taste delicacies.
Walking on the Route of Wine
Imagine those splendid Sicilian autumn days, with a still warm sun but with a crisp breeze and scattered thunderstorms that pour gentle rain on the fields. Imagine embarking on one of these days on a journey made of beauty and delight, in order to discover 17 towns and their territory.
Ideally starting from Riposto and Giarre, on the eastern side of Etna – famous for their citrus groves and orchards – you climb towards the volcano reaching Mascali, Santa Venerina, Zafferana Etnea, Milo, Sant’Alfio. You can then continue towards the northern side of Etna reaching Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa, Castiglione di Sicilia, Randazzo. Turning west you will travel towards Bronte, Adrano, Nicolosi and then conclude the ring-route on the south-eastern side at Pedara, Viagrande and Trecastagni.
Obviously you cannot explore the entire route in a single day, but it will be necessary to divide it into several stages, also to better enjoy the locations and get to know their characteristics at your pace. One thing is sure, however: wherever you decide to go it will be a satisfaction.
What you will see along the way
Mount Etna landscape in autumn changes together with the changes of the volcano, because Etna is a “living and dynamic” mountain, in every season. If to the east you will mostly admire evergreen woods and terraced vineyards, turning north you will also find warm-coloured trees that shade large expanses of vineyards, very often associated with wonderful old farmhouses.
The large vineyards continue on the western side, where they intertwine with pistachio fields, the “green gold of Bronte”. Once every two years the precious green berries ripen together with the grapes creating special tasting opportunities (the Bronte Pistachio Festival).
Returning east from the southern side you can admire hills formed by ancient extinct craters – also cultivated with vines – and vineyards that rise on the slopes of ancient eruptions’ lavas. Here the grapes have particular nutrients and the wines have a truly special flavour.
The most famous stages of the Route
Along the route, as mentioned, you will encounter 17 municipalities and numerous hamlets. Some of these have a particular fame linked to the production of wine. These are: Mascali, Milo, Piedimonte, Linguaglossa, Castiglione, Bronte, Pedara, Viagrande and Trecastagni.
Thanks to historic vines plants such as Catarratto and Minnella, to magical blends such as Nerello Mascalese and the timeless Carricante plant, the production of the famous “red wines of Etna”, the “Etna whites” and the proseccos ensures these locations a passionate tourism that especially in autumn – at the opening of the “new wine” after the grape harvests – is becoming more and more important.
By visiting these locations, in addition to tasting delicious wines during theme events (Vini Milo, Calici di Stelle, Festa della Vendemmia) you can follow historical and naturalistic itineraries of great beauty. Visit the early Christian church of Nunziata di Mascali, the nature trails of Etna Nord that start from Milo (where the bronze monument dedicated to the singers Battiato and Dalla is proudly displayed in the square). Go admire the churches of Piedimonte and Linguaglossa, the pine forest of Linguaglossa, the castle and the Byzantine chapel of Castiglione … . And also: the baroque quarters of Bronte, the “lava” churches of Pedara and Trecastagni, the Lava Museum of Viagrande… .
When we recommend you follow the Route
The ideal would be to do it between October and November, that is, at the time of greatest explosion of autumn colours and especially at the time when the new wine of the year is bottled. While the month of October may still be characterized by unstable weather, in November you could enjoy a beautiful mild warm sun and the delights of local agricultural production. (PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)