Below is a selection of my favorite images from a recent shoot ( and tasting !) at Benanti Winery , located near Catania,  in Sicily . The winery has a long history and dates back to the late 1800’s.  Benanti’s vineyard sits on an ancient and volcanic crater  near the slopes of Mt. Etna , one of the oldest vinicultural areas in eastern Sicily.  In fact, some of the oldest D.O.C’s are from this area.   The rich volcanic soil and high temperature variation give these grapes amazing flavor. The primary grapes grown near the base of Mt. Etna are Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino, but Benati is known for it’s production of non-indigenoius grapes.  As a Napa wine photographer, I have tasted many different varieties of wine, but the “vino” I drank in Sicily ranks among the finest!  The wine was so delicious, my wife and I sent a case back home to California!

Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin001 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin002 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin003 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin004 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin005 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin006 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin007 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin008 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin009 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin010 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin011 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin012 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin013 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin014 Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin015  Napa Wine Photography By Rubin Photography in Sicily_0001Napa Wine Photography By Rubin Photography in Sicily_0001-2Benanti's Vineyard on Etna in Sicily Italy by Photographer Alex Rubin016