The island of Sicily has more vineyards than any other region in Italy. It goes without saying that wine is a central part of Sicilian culture and way of life. In Palermo, the fifth largest city in Italy with 1.2 million people, there are many places to taste these famous wines, giving you an idea of the diversity of the island’s landscapes without leaving your urban base. Here are the top 5 places to visit on your Palermo wine tour.
01
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Arre Taste
Direction
Via Alessandro Paternostro, 59, 90133 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 091 616 0703
Web
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There is no doubt that you will find yourself in Piazza San Francesco during your stay in Palermo. It is here that the square’s homonymous church is located, the 13th-century Basilica San Francesco d’Assisi. It is also where the original location (since 1834) of the now widely franchised bakery, Antica Focacceria, resides.
But if you’re ready for a drink, turn around and head to Arre Gusto. Another stone-walled hideaway, filled with bottles and tile accents, Arre is a bit more lively, with a great selection of wines, but also beer and spirits. A popular draw here is the daily aperitif, the Italian tradition of enjoying plenty of snacks alongside your sunset as a warm-up for your late dinner. It can be filled with fresh breads, cold cuts, cheeses, and olives while sampling a glass of local Cataratto or Frappato.
02
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Hic! La Folie du Vin
Direction
Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 46, 90139 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39349269 3038
Web
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With a name like Hic! La Folie du Vin, it’s safe to say it’s fun to have fun in this funky little wine bar. With art, live music, and a small second-level balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle below, Hello! It is a place to feast and celebrate. Plus, the free sandwiches and heavily loaded charcuterie and cheese boards can’t hurt.
03
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Buonivini wine shop
Direction
Via Dante Alighieri, 8, 90141 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 091 784 7054
Enoteca Buonivini is in the heart of Palermo, but a quiet outdoor patio makes your time here feel far from city life. Take in views of old ruined buildings from your repurposed wooden pallet bench or peruse bottle bargains found on crate shelves. This is a lovely place to do your wine homework, with lots of reasonably priced selections and a sturdy dinner menu too.
04
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Picone wine shop
Direction
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 36, 90141 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 091 331300
Web
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Picone Enoteca is old school. This wine shop, the first in Palermo, was established in 1946 and offers extensive wine experience. If you are looking for a place to really immerse yourself in Sicilian wine, this is the place – there is a dedicated Sicilian section, of course, as well as a general Italian and international selection. They also offer olive oil and pasta, both of which are self-evident for the region, along with spirits and craft beer.
The tasting element at Picone is equally complete, with a variety of tasting packages to choose from. For example, for 35 euros you can get the volcanic pack that comes with a brilliant Nerello Mascalese and anchovy croutons, a Zibibbo served with Bufala ricotta and salmon roe and a mix of Nero d’avola, Alicante, Nocera with a sample of cheese and jam.
05
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Vinoveritas
Direction
Via Sammartino, 29, 90141 Palermo PA, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 091 609 0653
Web
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Another upscale wine store that offers extensive tasting opportunities is Vinoveritas. Although not as old as Picone, this store still has a few chops with a huge following from 2001. The modern, lightweight space has floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with bottles, from beer to wine, champagne, and mezcal. A wide variety of foods are also available, in case you want an amber strudel salad or a lemon octopus salad to accompany your glass of Etna Bianco.
