Why ViniMilo matters
Running since the early 1980s, ViniMilo helped put Etna DOC on the world's wine map. It is not a generic street festival: the program is built around serious tastings and masterclasses guided by sommelier associations, comparative verticals of Etna Bianco Superiore, encounters with producers, and themes that change every year — from sustainability to underwater wine aging.
- Cultural heritage: four decades of promoting Etna's winemaking tradition.
- The place itself: Milo is the only village allowed to produce Etna Bianco Superiore — the festival happens where the wine is born.
- Networking: winemakers, sommeliers, journalists and travellers in one small square.
The wines you will meet
Carricante whites with piercing acidity and salinity, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio reds often compared to Burgundy for finesse, sparkling metodo classico from the volcano's slopes — and every year a few experiments that make the news.
The 2025 edition — a recap
The 45th edition (August 29 – September 14, 2025) featured masterclasses on Carricante and the Milo contrade, a tasting of underwater-aged wines, comparative verticals with historic producers, a sparkling-wine evening, Slow Food workshops and the sunset tastings “In alto i calici” on Milo's panoramic terrace. Weekend Vinobus services connected Catania with the village. Expect the same structure — tastings, masterclasses, music, Vinobus — at the next edition.
Combine the festival with the volcano
The festival's rhythm — tastings from late afternoon — leaves the day free for the mountain. The classic pairing: an excursion up high in the morning, Etna DOC in the glass at sunset.
ViniMilo — quick answers
When is the ViniMilo festival?
ViniMilo takes place every year between late August and mid-September in Milo. The 45th edition ran from August 29 to September 14, 2025; dates for the next edition are announced on the official website, vinimilo.it.
Where is ViniMilo held?
In Milo, a village on Mount Etna's eastern slope in the province of Catania — the only place allowed to produce Etna Bianco Superiore DOC.
What wines can I taste at ViniMilo?
Etna DOC wines above all: Carricante-based Etna Bianco and Bianco Superiore, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio reds, plus experimental bottles — sparkling metodo classico, even underwater-aged wines.
How do I attend tastings and masterclasses?
Most tastings and masterclasses require reservation and a ticket, booked through the official ViniMilo program. At weekends the Vinobus connects Catania with Milo, combining transport, tastings and light dinners.
Planning your wine trip? September–October is also the guides' favourite season on the volcano.