Cavanera Etnea Resort & Wine Experience

We brought our two elementary school children for an evening tasting and tour with Sergio, and really enjoyed it. The wines are delicious, the tasting in the dining room was exceptional, and the service was great. You can tell the staff love both wine and their work. The property is beautiful, and everyone was welcoming and pleasant.

The room was very small and the mattress was broken. I asked at least five times for it to be replaced during our three-night stay, but it never was. Someone came to inspect it and agreed it was broken and needed replacing. At checkout, I was told face-to-face that I would get some money back. Instead, they only offered a bottle of wine as compensation, and never even sent that. The pool was dirty and hadn't been cleaned.

The vineyard setting is lovely, but we were disappointed by what we got for the very high price. The rooms are small and quite basic, and breakfast was just OK. Other hotels in that price range offer more. Service was fine, though not especially friendly.

We come back to Cavanera whenever we're in Sicily. Firriato has put a lot into the property, and the beautiful accommodation, pool with wine bar, and exceptional restaurant make each visit memorable. Roberto leads delicious wine tastings with real expertise. There’s even a mini bottle of wine waiting in each room at check-in, and the staff go out of their way to make things special, from late checkout and pool towels to nice bathroom products. We were told a dedicated yoga space and probably a spa experience will be available onsite next year. They deserve their success, and I hope it still feels like a hidden jewel in the future.