Sicilian Sparkling Wines Are Having a Moment – 7 Wines to Sip Now
Sicilian Sparkling Wines Are Having a Moment – 7 Wines to Sip Now Helen June 7, 2025 Can you hear that? It’s the pop of corks – and not just any bubbles… we’re talking Sicilian Sparkling Wine! While Sicily might not be the first place that comes to mind for bubbly, the island is […]
Nerello Mascalese-Etna Rosso: 3 Boutique Wines to Watch
Whenever I think of the majestic Mt. Etna in Sicily, I remember how its rich volcanic soil creates some of the most exceptional wines. I’m sharing three incredible red wines from boutique wineries that feel like a cozy hug in a glass to brighten up these chilly, gloomy winter days. These vibrant gems […]
𝗚𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘 – 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗕𝗬 𝗔 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗢
Gustinella Wine – a revolutionary project managed by a young oenologist-winemaker Sonia Gambino. Helen September 28, 2022 Meet Sonia Gambino, an authentic young oenologist-winemaker who, thanks to her enthusiasm and tenacity, produces natural wines capable of filling the heart with happiness and beauty. Her tiny reality, called “Gustinella,” consists of less than 1.5 hectares and […]
“What can you expect from a private wine tour in Sicily?”
Helen’s network extends throughout Sicily and whatever your wine interests might be on the island she can deliver an educational, intimate, deep and nuanced experience you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Her recommendations for food and lodging were excellent. I’ve toured many of the world’s wine regions. I’ve not had a better experience.
“I had been searching for distinct volcanic vineyards to make fine wine and I found no better place than Etna!”
In the winery, fermentations are spontaneous, with minimal intervention and meticulous care for a healthy environment. For refinement and aging, experimentation with the various aging containers is used: including fiberglass, Tuscan amphora, concrete, ceramic, and barriques.
” Is Mount Etna Italy’s hottest wine region? “
It has been a while (few weeks) since the last time I visited a winery on Etna, and my joy knew no bounds when the long-awaited visit began with Ayunta wines because if you haven’t tried them, you are missing something special.