Cantine Aperte - Tenute Nicosia

Cantine Aperte on Mount Etna, at Tenute Nicosia

Cantine Aperte is Italy's most beloved wine tourism event, promoted nationally by the Movimento Turismo del Vino. In Trecastagni, in the heart of the Province of Catania and at the foot of Mount Etna, the historic Tenute Nicosia estate plays the host, opening the doors of its cellar and volcanic vineyards to curious visitors, enthusiasts, and families.

The Monte Gorna vineyards

The festival takes place among the lava stone terraces of the Monte Gorna vineyards, situated at the base of one of Etna's extinct craters. Here, the native Etna DOC varieties thrive: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for the reds, and Catarratto and Carricante for the whites. The Nicosia family has been cultivating these vines for generations, ever since Francesco Nicosia opened his first wine shop in Trecastagni in 1898.

Tastings, tours, and masterclasses

The program is designed to offer a 360-degree wine experience. Visitors can participate in:

• Guided tours of the Monte Gorna vineyards and the ancient palmento (millstone), with a free shuttle;
• Cellar visits focusing on the vinification and aging of organic Etna wines;
• Guided tastings led by ONAV masters from Catania;
• Masterclasses on Metodo Classico Nerello Mascalese, the true pride of their volcanic production.

Culture, cinema, and Slow Food

Cantine Aperte at Tenute Nicosia is more than just wine: the day weaves together oenology and culture with workshops on sustainability (in collaboration with the ASviS National Festival for Sustainable Development) and sensory labs that combine wine, art, and arthouse cinema. On the gastronomic front, the Slow Food corner offers local zero-kilometer products, while the Osteria and Picnic Box provide slow-food dishes paired with the estate's own wines. To close the day, enjoy musical selections from the sunset DJ set.

A highlight of Sicilian wine tourism

Included in the national calendar of the Movimento Turismo del Vino, this Etna edition of Cantine Aperte represents one of the most evocative stops for wine tourism in Sicily: the combination of the lunar landscape of Mount Etna, volcanic wines, and the hospitality of the Nicosia family makes this one of the most anticipated days of the regional wine spring.