A traditional Sicilian lunch served the way your nonna would do it, then topped with a wine tasting in the winery courtyard. I love the shared-table setup, because it feels social without being forced, and the menu structure, antipasti, primo, and secondo, gives you a full sense of a real meal. I also like that some courses are suitable for vegetarians, so you are not stuck with an afterthought. The one drawback to consider is that the tasting and meal are described in categories, so if you want exact dish names or very specific wine details upfront, you should ask when you arrive.

Timing is simple, and that is a big plus when you are on a tight Sicily schedule. You meet at Etna Urban Winery, get a quick introduction after arriving about 15 minutes early, and lunch gets served at 1pm sharp (courtyard in good weather, tasting room if weather turns).

Key highlights to look for

• Shared-table Sicilian meal, built in courses: antipasti, primo, and secondo
• Wine tasting included, starting with red Vigna Grande plus three other Etna wines (sparkling, white, rose)
• Courtyard lunch or tasting-room plan B, so you are not stuck waiting if the weather shifts
• After-lunch options, visit urban vineyards and a 1790 family winery, or relax in the gardens
• Small group size, capped at 15 travelers, which keeps the vibe friendly

Etna Urban Winery, right by San Gregorio di Catania

You start at Etna Urban Winery, Via Catira, 40, 95027 San Gregorio di Catania. This matters because you are not hunting across multiple sites. You have one anchor point, one meal rhythm, and one place to return to when it ends.

The location also sets expectations. This is not a stuffy tasting room experience where you hide behind a glass. It is built around a courtyard lunch when weather cooperates, with a fall-back tasting room if it does not. That mix is ideal if you like a setting that feels slightly outdoor, but still comfortable and organized.

Arrive early for the 15-minute introduction

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so you get that quick introduction. Lunch goes out at 1pm sharp, and once the meal starts, the schedule moves. I find it helps to get there with your head clear and your hunger level under control. You do not want to arrive thinking you have time to stroll, because you will not.

Also note the basics that keep things smooth:

• Mobile ticket is used
• The experience is offered in English
• Confirmation comes at booking time
• Most travelers can participate
• Service animals are allowed

If you are traveling with babies, children, or dogs, let the provider know in advance. That kind of heads-up is usually what keeps the whole day calm for everyone.

The shared-table lunch: antipasti, primo, secondo

The lunch is built like a proper Sicilian meal, not a “snack and sip” situation. You sit at a shared table in the winery courtyard, or in the tasting room during adverse weather. A shared table is one of those small things that changes the feeling of the experience. You end up talking, laughing, and comparing wine notes without needing to force conversation.

Here is how the courses are structured:

• Antipasti for starters
• Primo (pasta or rice main course)
• Secondo (meat or fish based main course)

A key detail for your planning is vegetarian suitability. Several of the served meals are suitable for vegetarian guests. That is a big deal because it usually means the kitchen is prepared to work with dietary needs, rather than hoping someone politely skips the same single dish each time.

What you should keep in mind: you are getting a full meal with multiple parts, so treat this as a real lunch block. If you eat light before you go, you will enjoy it more. If you show up starving, you will enjoy it too, but you might feel rushed at the start because lunch is served at a specific time.

Wine tasting: red Vigna Grande plus three Etna wines

After the food, the program moves into wine. The tasting includes your red Vigna Grande along with three other Etna wines: sparkling, white, and rose. That is a nice spread because you sample across styles, not just multiple reds.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you a structured tasting without turning it into a seminar. You get variety, you get sequence, and you get to decide what you actually enjoy, instead of guessing. If you are a wine drinker, it is a straightforward way to taste four labels as part of your lunch. If you are not a wine expert, it is still approachable because the tasting is clearly tied to your meal, not a separate, intimidating event.

One consideration from real-life experience with tastings like this: the description can be clear about categories and included wines, but if you care about every detail, ask. If you want to know how the tasting is organized, or what to expect in the pour order, it is worth bringing that curiosity with you. You will get the best result when you treat it like a friendly explanation, not a lecture.

After tasting, you choose: urban vineyards or garden time

This is where the experience gets flexible. After the wine tasting, you have the possibility to:

• Visit the urban vineyards and the 1790 historical family winery, or
• Relax and unwind in the gardens

That choice is practical. If you like walking and seeing production-related spaces, go for the vineyard and winery visit. If you prefer to slow down, sit with a drink you liked, and just enjoy the setting, the gardens option is a smart way to end the day without turning it into a forced tour.

Also, because the group is capped at 15 travelers, you are less likely to feel like a number in a long line. Your time after tasting stays more manageable, whether you choose exploring or relaxing.

Price and value for a 75.86 lunch-and-tasting combo

At $75.86 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, you are paying for a packaged experience that includes:

• A multi-course Sicilian lunch (antipasti, primo, secondo)
• A wine tasting featuring four Etna wines (red Vigna Grande, plus sparkling, white, rose)

That value equation matters. You are not buying just “a taste.” You are buying the meal structure plus the tasting session as one ticket. In places where wine tastings are sold separately, the cost can add up fast once you factor in food. Here, the lunch is part of the core product, so you get more for your money and your time.

My practical advice: treat it as a lunch destination, not a quick stop. If you are already planning to eat well in the area, this ticket is likely to feel like a deal because you are getting the food and the wine together.

Who this experience fits best (and who should adjust)

This tour is a good match if you want a true Sicilian meal feel with wine included, and you like a small-group pace. The shared-table format is especially good for solo travelers and couples who enjoy meeting people without it getting awkward.

It is also a strong pick if you have dietary needs on the vegetarian side, because several meal options are suitable for vegetarians. Still, I recommend you clarify your preferences ahead of time if you have strict requirements. Even when something is listed as suitable, the specifics can differ from course to course.

Who might need a rethink:

• If you want a highly scripted, perfectly detailed breakdown of every dish and every wine component before you arrive, this experience is organized by course and by included wines rather than an item-by-item menu.
• If you dislike shared seating, you might find the social energy less comfortable. The setting is friendly, but it is still shared.

Should you book the Sicilian Lunch with Wine Tasting?

I think you should book it if you want one focused, satisfying block of time in Sicily: a real Sicilian lunch with multiple courses, plus a tasting of red Vigna Grande and three additional Etna wines. It is well paced for a day that already has plans, and the small group size helps keep it from feeling rushed or crowded.

You might skip it if you expect a super detailed menu announcement in advance, with exact dish names and total predictability. In that case, ask questions at the start, and set your expectations to match the format: course categories, included wines, and a meal that follows the house flow.

If you want a simple way to experience Sicilian hospitality and an Etna wine tasting in one visit, this is the kind of ticket that makes the day easier, not harder.

FAQ

What is the location of the experience?

The tour starts at Etna Urban Winery, Via Catira, 40, 95027 San Gregorio di Catania CT, Italy.

What time does lunch start?

Lunch will be served at 1pm sharp.

How long does the experience last?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is included in the lunch?

The lunch includes antipasti (starters), primo (pasta or rice main course), and secondo (meat or fish based main course).

What wines are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes red Vigna Grande plus three other Etna wines: sparkling, white, and rose.

Is the meal suitable for vegetarians?

Several of the served meals are suitable for vegetarian guests.

Where is lunch served during good weather?

Lunch is served in the winery’s courtyard.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of adverse weather, the lunch will be served in the tasting room instead of the courtyard.

How many people are in the group?

The experience has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund, and changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. Cut-off times are based on local time.