ⓘ We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure Nerello Mascalese makes Etna’s pale, structured reds; Carricante gives its whites their citrus character and persistent acidity. Together, they explain much of what you will taste on Sicily’s volcano, from rosé to bottle-fermented … Read more
Etna contrade are the named vineyard districts on the slopes of Mount Etna, and they are the closest thing Sicily has to the crus of Burgundy. A contrada name on the label tells you where on the volcano the grapes grew: which slope, roughly what altitude, and which lava flow the vines root into. Learn … Read more
Shipping wine home to the US can cost less than checking another suitcase, or considerably more once freight, taxes and customs handling are added. The right choice depends on how many bottles you buy, where you bought them and whether the winery can legally deliver to your state. For most travelers returning with six bottles, … Read more
Renting a car for a wine trip in Europe makes sense when your hotel and winery appointments are spread across the countryside. It gives you freedom between villages, but it takes some preparation: an acceptable license, the right insurance, a transmission you can drive, and a plan for getting home after tastings. This guide focuses … Read more
Organic vs biodynamic vs natural wine reads like a choice between three competing labels. It is not. Organic regulates farming and, in the United States, how a wine may be made and labeled. Biodynamic certification adds a whole-farm standard on top of organic. Natural describes a low-intervention approach in the cellar, and in the U.S. … Read more
What is orange wine? It is a white wine made more like a red: the juice ferments with the grape skins, and sometimes the seeds and stems, instead of being pressed away from them immediately. That skin contact gives the wine deeper color, tannin and a broader texture. For travelers, the most rewarding place to … Read more
The best time to visit Tuscany wineries is May or June for green vineyards and long days, or late September through mid-October for harvest atmosphere. Spring is easier for unhurried tastings; harvest is more exciting but busier and less predictable. Winter can be rewarding for cellar-focused visits, provided you confirm every appointment before traveling. At … Read more