Looking for Mt. Etna winery tour operator recommendations (Sicily)

From where do you want to take this day trip? Taormina?

If you are booked into a hotel in Taormina, or anywhere else near there, I would begin by asking them about the options.

Is hiring a driver out of the question? I think it's the best option here. And price-wise, it may even be cheaper than paying for four tickets on a tour.

We’ll be based in Catania.

Totally agree a private driver is easy to find, but that’s not really what I’m looking for. I’m hoping to book with someone whose actual job is Etna wine tours and who knows the wineries well enough to build a great lineup (2 to 3 wineries, mix of newer and more established), handle tastings and lunch, and ideally has relationships that can sometimes get you a little behind-the-scenes access.

That’s what we did in Tuscany and it made a big difference versus just having transportation. If you know any operators like that around Etna (with Catania pickup), I’d really appreciate the names.

The driver I use in Catania is not a wine expert.

But I do think hiring a driver is the way to go here...why do you think a private driver would not know as much as a driver for a tour company? It's sort of the same thing....

If you have narrowed down the wineries that you want to visit, why not contact one of these and ask which tour company brings guests to them. You could also ask this question of a hotel focused on wine, like the MONACI DELLE TERRE NERE. You've got nothing to lose by calling them, or sending an e-mail. Everyone in the tourist industry at a certain level knows everyone else around there.

https://monacidelleterrenere.it/en/

Here's another idea...since you have a hotel booked in Catania, why not reach out to them--they should certainly know of any well-respected company.

You've not asked about a hotel, but one of my favorite hotels in southern Italy is in Catania:
PALAZZO MARLETTA. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Fair point, that all makes sense.

If you’re willing, could you share the contact info for the driver you use in Catania? Even if they’re not a wine expert, it would be helpful to have a trusted option for transport while we sort out the wineries and reservations.

Happy to do that...his name is Dario Caffiso. He is based in Ragusa but knows that entire area. I'm not so much a wine enthusiast but we did hire Dario to take us to a few olive oil makers in the Ragusa area, and to a few restaurants I'd picked out in towns that requires a car to get to.

https://www.tourbarocco.it/en/about-us/

Also, call the Palazzo Marletta in Catania and ask them for the names of drivers....they speak English and I imagine they will be happy to pass on a name or two... Tell them your friend from NYC stayed there and thought they could help...you know how to do this...

Good news...There are a lot of good wineries and more than a few really great wineries.

Folks might be able to provide better advice if they knew what type of experience you're shooting for. Are you a wine person interested in geeking out, or just learning about the wines of the region, or getting exposure to the big names or up-and-comers for cellaring? Or are you really interested in a great day tasting great wines in a great setting, enjoy a nice meal and make some great memories?

Definitely the second one for us: we’re aiming for a fun, relaxed day tasting great wines in a beautiful setting and making some great memories. A winery lunch (or lunch at/with a winery) is a big plus too.

In April of this year, through the great company Sicily Life, we had a 6-hour tour of the slopes of Etna (and it was bangin' and boomin' that day, with ash rain), then we were driven to the Gambino Winery for a wine tasting and a light dinner of charcuterie, cheeses and vegetables. We were picked up and dropped off at our AirBnB in Taormina. Wonderful day.

This is the second time I’ve heard of Sicily Life. I just reached out to them and am waiting to hear back.