Sicilia en Primeur

The story of Sicilian wine

Sicilia en Primeur is the premier event for those looking to get a first look at the island's new wines. Launched in 2004 by Assovini Sicilia, the association representing the region's most prominent wineries, the event has evolved from a simple trade showcase into a grand collective narrative of Sicilian wine culture. Every year, it brings over a hundred Italian and international journalists to Palermo and other cities across the island, where they spend five days experiencing Sicilian wine in its natural habitat—among vineyards, cellars, and historic palaces.

The 2026 22nd Edition

From May 11 to 16, 2026, the 22nd edition focused on the theme "Taste the Island. Live the Story", highlighting how the wine experience is a living journey that encompasses not just wineries, but also the territory, art, and history. The event kicked off at the Oratorio dei Bianchi with a conference dedicated to wine tourism, followed by preview tastings, cultural talks, and twelve wine tours that led guests through Mount Etna, Western Sicily, the South-East, central areas, and the smaller islands. The event featured 56 member wineries, with over a thousand labels presented to the press.

The charity evening open to the public

The most anticipated moment for enthusiasts is the closing event on Saturday, May 16, when Sicilia en Primeur opens its doors to the general public. From 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM, in the evocative halls of the Real Albergo delle Povere at Corso Calatafimi 217, visitors can taste over three hundred Sicilian labels presented by member companies. Accompanying the wines are gastronomic workshops curated by Gastronomia Armetta with Teresa Armetta, in collaboration with Slow Food Palermo, scheduled for 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM. All proceeds from the evening are donated to the Italian Red Cross - Palermo Committee, giving the tasting a significant charitable purpose.

A journey through wine territories

Sicilia en Primeur is more than just a tasting: it is a journey through the island's viticultural soul. From the volcanic wines of Mount Etna to the expressions of Western Sicily, from the smaller islands to the vineyards of the south-east, the event highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of one of the Mediterranean's richest wine heritages. Conferences and talks address major industry themes: sustainability, digital innovation in wine tourism, generational turnover, and the cultural value of Sicilian wine.

The setting: Palermo and Sicily

The Municipality of Palermo, capital of the Metropolitan City of Palermo in Sicily, provides the ideal backdrop for the event. Its historic palaces, Baroque oratories, and monumental spaces like the Real Albergo delle Povere, Palazzo Sant'Elia, and Santa Maria dello Spasimo turn every event into an experience that blends wine, art, and history, showcasing a Sicily capable of sharing its story with the world through its flavors.