Our Sicilian Wine Journey…
We visited Planeta’s wine estates in Sicily – from Noto in the east to Sambuca di Sicilia in the west.
We had always wanted to visit wineries in Sicily, and to our great joy, we suddenly realized we had ten free days with no plans. What luck – finally, we could go on a proper wine tour across Sicily! Our choice fell on the estates and accommodations of Planeta in Noto, Menfi, and Sambuca di Sicilia.
Planeta is one of the largest and most respected wine producers on the island, with vineyards spread across several regions. What makes Planeta truly special is that they also offer a variety of beautiful places to stay on and around their estates. This gives you the chance to not only taste their wines but also experience the landscape, culture, and local traditions that shape each one.
Planeta: Wine, Hospitality & Tradition in Sicily
Sicily is one of Italy’s largest wine regions, known for its diversity of landscapes, soils, and climates. Many grape varieties here are unique to the island. The Planeta family has been cultivating olives, almonds, and wine for 17 generations. In the 1990s, Sicilian winemaking shifted its focus from quantity to quality — emphasizing terroir, local grapes, and distinctive character. Planeta played a key role in this transformation.
They have also been pioneers in developing wine tourism on the island, and through Planeta Estates, they offer a holistic experience where wine, food, nature, and culture meet in harmony
Our 10-Day Sicily Wine Road Trip Route
We started in the southeast and worked our way west. Every stop along this route connects to a Planeta estate — tastings, stays, and a lot of slow driving on beautiful roads.
Days 1–3: Noto & Buonivini
About an hour from Catania Airport. We stayed at Case Sparse — country houses sitting right in the vineyards outside Noto. Good base for day trips to Noto town and Marzamemi.
Read our Noto & Case Sparse guide · Book direct at Case Sparse
Day 4: Drive to Menfi (approx. 4 hours)
A long-ish drive along the southern coast. We broke it up with a stop at the Greek temples in Agrigento — worth every minute.
Our recommended route on Google Maps
Days 4–6: Menfi & Planeta Country House
Pool, olive oil, vineyards. This is where the trip slows right down. Day trips to Planeta Ulmo winery and the coastal town of Sciacca.
Read our Menfi Country House guide · Check availability
Days 6–8: Menfi & La Foresteria
Serious cooking, long lunches, and lazy afternoons at Insula Beach Club. Everything around Menfi is close — no long drives needed.
Read our La Foresteria guide · Check availability
Days 8–10: Sambuca di Sicilia
We ended here and used every hour just walking the town. Casa Panitteri puts you a few minutes from Planeta Ulmo — the winery where their whole Sicilian story started in 1985.
Read our Sambuca guide · Book direct at Casa Panitteri