Erice DOC Wine Route – Sicily: windy hills, stone villages and elegant wines suspended between sky and sea. The Erice DOC Wine Route crosses the western hinterland of Sicily, between the municipalities of Erice, Buseto Palizzolo, Valderice and Paceco, overlooking the sea between Trapani and San Vito Lo Capo. Grapes of great value are grown here, which give life to harmonious wines, the result of a cool and breezy microclimate, rare for the latitude. All in a landscape dominated by ancient farmhouses, Mediterranean woods and reliefs overlooking the Egadi Islands. 🍇 Vineyards at high altitude and sea winds: The vineyards of Erice DOC are located between 200 and 700 meters above sea level, on calcareous and hilly soils. The main grape varieties are Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia and Chardonnay for the whites; Nero d'Avola, Syrah and Merlot for the reds. The wines are distinguished by freshness, minerality and a well-balanced structure. 👉 Tip: Stay in an old renovated farmhouse in the hills: many offer rooms with views of the Egadi islands, winery visits and lunches among the olive trees. 🏰 Historic villages and suspended landscapes: The route touches places full of charm such as Erice, a medieval stone city suspended at 750 meters, with cobbled streets and panoramic views. From here you dominate the entire wine territory, with a view that embraces salt pans, countryside and the open sea. 👉 Tip: Look for a boutique hotel within the walls of Erice: many offer wine-themed experiences, local pastries, and walking routes to scenic vineyards. 🍷 Fine wines and local tables: Erice DOC whites stand out for their elegance and floral aromas, ideal with fish dishes, couscous, fresh cheeses and aromatic herbs. The reds, spicy and harmonious, go well with local meats, rustic pasta and grilled vegetables. 👉 Tip: Book a tasting in the cellar with seasonal pairings: many farms offer light lunches or dinners in the vineyards with zero-kilometer products. 🚶 Paths through vineyards and rural history: The area is full of paths through vineyards, olive groves, woods and rural archaeological sites. Ideal for those who love to discover the landscape on foot, by bike or on horseback, with stops in wineries or in small family-run farmhouses. 👉 Tip: Some facilities offer guided tours of ancient millstones, old mills and centuries-old vineyards with itinerant tastings. 🎉 Taste events and village festivals: During the year there are events related to wine, cuisine and peasant culture: traditional festivals, open cellars, rural markets and taste routes that animate the villages and wine estates of the area. 👉 Tip: Visit in autumn, grape harvest period and farmers' festivals: many establishments organize themed weekends with overnight stays, tastings and craft workshops. Among the rows of Erice DOC, the wind writes light stories and the wine translates them into aromas to be savored one sip at a time.