Barone di Villagrande

Perched 700 meters above sea level on the green eastern slopes of Mount Etna, Barone di Villagrande is a hidden gem of Sicilian viticulture — where noble lineage, volcanic terroir, and heartfelt hospitality come together in perfect harmony. The Villagrande family, winemakers since 1727, have been stewards of this unique land for over 10 generations, crafting elegant wines that express the soul of Etna.

Set between ancient lava flows, chestnut forests, and dramatic views toward the Bay of Taormina, this 18th-century manor house welcomes guests into an intimate world of tradition, taste, and timeless beauty.

🏡 Historic Elegance Meets Boutique Hospitality

Following an artful restoration in 2017, the estate now hosts just four exclusive rooms, where Sicilian Baroque charm meets understated modern comfort. Each room is individually styled, featuring:

• Spacious double beds with fine linens

• Original architecture and antique details

• En-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and serene vineyard views

• Options for extra beds or baby cribs for family stays

The intimate scale of the accommodation ensures personalized service and true peace—ideal for couples, wine lovers, and seekers of slow travel.

🍽 A Table Guided by the Vineyard

At Barone di Villagrande, the kitchen doesn’t simply pair dishes with wine—it builds every dish around the wine. Under the creative direction of Chef Vittorio Caruso, the estate restaurant offers daily-changing tasting menus inspired by:

• The estate’s organic garden and orchard

• Foraged herbs and wild ingredients from Etna’s slopes

• A deep respect for Sicilian culinary traditions

• Seasonal and local-only sourcing, zero waste philosophy

Dine indoors or on the panoramic terrace, where vines stretch to the horizon and the scent of citrus lingers in the breeze.

🍇 Wine & Terroir – The Spirit of Etna in Every Bottle

The estate is one of the founding members of the Etna DOC appellation (1968) and a benchmark producer of Etna Bianco Superiore, a rare and celebrated wine style found only in the village of Milo.

Grape varieties grown:

• Etna Bianco: Carricante (main), Catarratto, Minnella

• Etna Rosso: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio

• Others: Pinot Noir (for rosé), and local heritage varieties

Signature wines:

• Etna Bianco Superiore DOC

• Etna Rosso DOC

• Etna Rosato, V.Q.P.R.D., and small-batch experimental wines

All vineyards are farmed organically and sustainably, with minimal intervention and full respect for the biodiversity of the volcanic ecosystem.

🍷 Immersive Wine Experiences

Barone di Villagrande offers guests rare access to the historic wine cellar, still in use after centuries, and deep insights into the family’s craftsmanship and philosophy.

Experiences include:

• Daily wine tastings and guided cellar tours

• Vertical tastings and vintage comparisons with estate sommeliers

• Cooking classes, pairing workshops, and “walk through the vines” tastings

• Private sessions with the winemaker, upon request

🌄 Nature, Culture & Tailored Adventures

Whether you’re seeking quiet or a deeper exploration of Etna’s wild majesty, the estate offers:

• Infinity pool with panoramic views of the vineyards and Ionian Sea

• Vineyard strolls and botanical trails through endemic flora

• Mountain biking and trekking routes on the slopes of Mount Etna

• Private boat tours along the coast of Taormina

• 4x4 off-road excursions to volcanic craters and lava caves

• Visits to neighboring Etna wineries and traditional Sicilian villages

💍 Weddings & Private Events

Barone di Villagrande’s refined yet rustic elegance makes it an unforgettable venue for:

• Intimate destination weddings surrounded by vineyards

• Private celebrations, anniversaries, and elopements

• Corporate retreats, wine masterclasses, or gourmet events

• Custom event planning, catering, floral and music services available

The manor, with its panoramic courtyard, barrel room, and terraced gardens, provides a romantic and cinematic backdrop for any occasion.

📍 Getting There

• Location: Milo, Province of Catania, Sicily

• By car: 40 minutes from Catania Airport | 20 minutes from Zafferana Etnea

• Nearby: Etna Park, Taormina, Acireale, and the Ionian Coast

• Private parking, airport transfers, and guided tours available on request

🌿 A Place to Feel the Volcano, Sip Its Story, and Simply Slow Down

At Barone di Villagrande, wine is more than a drink—it’s a dialogue with Etna, a celebration of family legacy, and an invitation to reconnect with nature and self.

Whether you’re savoring a glass of Carricante under the stars, waking to the call of forest birds, or tracing lava stone paths between vines, this is an unforgettable Sicilian escape—deep, soulful, and beautifully still.