Sicilian wine tourism opens the doors to the historic wineries of Marsala
Cantine Aperte is Italy's most beloved wine tourism event, established in 1993 and promoted by the Movimento Turismo del Vino. Every year, on the last weekend of May, hundreds of Italian wineries open their doors to wine tourists. In Marsala, the quintessential city of wine on Sicily's western coast, the event takes on a special charm thanks to its historic wineries overlooking the sea and the tradition of the famous fortified wine that bears the city's name.
In the municipality of Marsala, in the province of Trapani, some of the most prestigious names in Sicilian oenology participate in the event:
Cantine Aperte is designed as a sensory journey through vineyards and aging cellars. Visitors can participate in guided tours, roving tastings, technical masterclasses led by experts, gastronomic pairings with local specialties, and live concerts. It is the ideal opportunity to get a close-up look at the producers' work, from vine to bottle, and to discover the oenological identity of Western Sicily, ranging from Marsala DOC to native white wines and great reds.
For Sicily, Cantine Aperte represents a premier showcase: the initiative involves a growing number of wineries across the region, with Marsala standing out as one of the most representative hubs. The event highlights the viticultural landscape, the historical heritage of the bagli (traditional fortified farmhouses), and wine culture as a travel experience, helping to make Marsala one of Italy's wine tourism capitals.
The 2026 edition celebrated a historic milestone for Sicilian wine tourism, with over 30 participating wineries across the region. In Marsala, in the province of Trapani, the weekend of May 30 and 31 showcased the great historic estates.
A weekend that confirmed Marsala as one of the premier destinations for wine tourism in Sicily.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Cantine Pellegrino: 60s-70s themed Flower Power Party, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with aperitifs, tastings, and vinyl music.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Cantine Florio: Tasting masterclasses and guided tours through the bagli and barrel rooms. Donnafugata: "An Unusual Sunday" with tastings, food pairings, musical moments, and guided tours at the Marsala estate.
Marsala is accessible by car via the A29 motorway (Mazara del Vallo or Trapani exit), by train via the Marsala station on the Trapani–Palermo line, and by air via the Trapani-Birgi airport, located just a few kilometers from the city.
Experiences at individual wineries (tours, tastings, masterclasses, parties) generally require payment and advance booking, with rates varying based on the program. It is recommended to book online via the official websites of the wineries and the Movimento Turismo del Vino Sicilia, subject to availability.
Wear comfortable shoes for vineyard tours and arrange for a designated driver. Marsala offers numerous accommodation options to extend your stay and also visit the salt pans and the Stagnone islands.
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Cantine storiche di Marsala (Florio, Pellegrino, Donnafugata)