Sicily: Italy's Next Big Wine Destination

PALERMO, Italy (TheStreet) -- Tuscany is Italy's main wine destination, but the endless stream of tourists makes it tough to tour the region's vineyards. For equally fine wines and fewer crowds, head to Sicily.

Sicilian wineries are coming into their own, with vintages from the region's nero d'Avola grapes popping up at restaurants everywhere. The island at the southern tip of Italy also offers history, strong culinary traditions and a sunny climate -- all the more reason to forgo the mainland.

Benanti's focus on science makes it the Viagrande region's flagship winery.

Start your trip by flying to Palermo, the island's capital, and renting a car. From there, you can visit several wineries before heading south to the Mediterranean coast and east to Taormina. While in Palermo, stop for a bite at Antica Focacceria San Francesco for some of the best Sicilian snacks, such as stuffed rice balls called arancini.

Just outside of Palermo, you'll find the town of Monreale, which is home to a 12th-century duomo that's notable for its Greek and Byzantine mosaic work.