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16 Best Wineries to Visit Near Rome in 2024

Learn about visiting several of the best wineries near Rome, plus a range of historical and culinary experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression following your visit to the Eternal City.

Surrounding Rome, the regions of Lazio, Umbria, and Toscana form a captivating landscape rich in viticulture and history. These areas serve as a bridge from the bustling heart of Italy’s capital to its serene outskirts, where the tradition of winemaking extends back to ancient times. The wine region of Lazio, with its predominantly volcanic soil, offers a distinct terroir that has nurtured the growth of both ancient and modern vineyards. Here, traditional wines like the crisp Frascati and the historical Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone share the stage with innovative organic and biodynamic ventures. This blend of old and new makes the region a fascinating destination for Winetravelers.

RELATED: The Best Wineries and Vineyard Resorts in Tuscany (Roughly a 3-hour drive from Rome)

The narrative of wine in these locales is deeply entwined with Rome’s storied past. The Romans were early adopters of viticulture, recognizing the significance of wine in both their social and religious lives. Today, visitors can explore this rich history firsthand. Several wineries sit near age-old ruins, offering a rare opportunity to journey through time. The ancient Appian Way, for example, not only leads adventurers to remarkable Roman archaeological sites but also to vineyards that present an amalgamation of Italy’s past and present through their wines.

Many of the wineries near Rome craft experiences that marry the enjoyment of wine with cultural discovery. Tours frequently include strolls through historic vineyards, visits to age-old cellars, and of course wine tastings in a variety of ancient and modern settings. For those intrigued by the confluence of history and oenology, numerous tours integrate excursions to ancient sites with winery visits. These experiences underscore Italy’s enduring connection to wine, offering a comprehensive view of its heritage—from sipping local wines near remnants of Roman engineering to enjoying local flavors amid the ruins of Etruscan civilizations.

Quick Tips for Wine Tasting in and Near Rome

• Fly into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome. Check for flight deals as they arise using Skyscanner .
• Consider renting a car once you’re in the city (check current rates here) so you can travel at your own pace. Most of the wineries near Rome we mention below are within a 1 to 3 hour drive, so expect to spend a full day out tasting and exploring, also allowing time to visit historical sites.
• If you’re traveling to Rome with wine in mind, you should definitely consider staying at the luxury townhouse Hotel De Ricci . This wine-focused hotel concept is completely structured around Rome’s inherent wine culture and the regions that surround the city. It’s also just a 6 minute walk from Piazza Navona, making it the perfect location to discover many of the city’s main attractions, wine bars and restaurants on foot. What’s even more unique is that the staff are all sommeliers, your room comes with a stocked wine fridge (customizable to your tastes), and tours of their basement cellar are offered to guests. Private tastings can also be arranged.
• If you don’t feel like driving to explore vineyards near Rome, there are several tour companies that offer private half-day and full-day wine tours from Rome. Our current top day pick is a private day trip to Orvieto and Umbria Region from Rome operated by DGS Driver Guide Service . Visit the stunning medieval hill town of Orvieto, where you can wander the historic streets, admire the majestic Duomo, explore its lively squares, and have the option to visit historic underground cellars. Includes hotel pick up and drop off and private local guide. Alternatively, take a day trip to Tuscany from Rome with City Wonders Ltd . Visit the wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and enjoy free time to explore Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine tasting and a 3-course lunch at a farm is included.
• Once you’re done exploring the wine regions surrounding Rome, we highly recommend exploring Rome’s own extraordinary culinary scene . Book a wine and food pairing dinner with a sommelier near the Pantheon , or go on a walking food tour in the eclectic Trastevere neighborhood with unlimited free-flowing fine wine , led by a local guide.

ALSO SEE: Rome Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days Filled With Wine, Food & History

The Best Wineries to Visit Near Rome This Year

Via della Cannella, 2, 06081 Capodacqua PG, Italy

+39 353 403 6652

Located in the Umbria region, near the picturesque hill town of Assisi, Tili Vini stands out for its organic wine production. A visit here promises an engaging exploration of the winemaking process, complemented by tastings of their organic wines and locally produced food. The winery offers a variety of experiences, including wine and cheese tastings and a comprehensive winery tour​ ​.

Principe Pallavicini Estate Winery

Via Marmorelle, 1238, 00030 Laghetto RM, Italy

+39 06 8377 3836

Just 15 miles southeast of Rome, this winery is renowned for its historic ambiance and a focus on white wines, particularly Malvasia and Frascati varieties. The estate contains 80 acres of vineyards and olive groves.

Casale del Marchese (Frascati)

Via di Vermicino, 68, 00044 Frascati RM, Italy

+39 06 940 8932

Right in the heart of the Frascati DOCG area, this winery offers breathtaking views and is steeped in history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The focus here is on Lazio’s hallmark Frascati wine, promising a memorable tasting experience​ ​.

Marchese Estate (Tuscany)

Località Bandita Fraz Bettole, Sinalunga

+39 0577 624795

The Marchese Estate in Tuscany emerges as an exquisite escape for Winetravelers seeking a luxurious villa experience amidst one of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes. Perfectly located to offer easy access to Florence , Siena , and a reasonable distance from Rome, this estate promises a seamless blend of tranquility and exploration. With amenities such as a breakfast buffet and the unique services of a private chef, guests can savor authentic Tuscan cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all within the comfort of their villa or beside a private swimming pool enclosed in vibrant gardens. Each meal promises an unforgettable experience, tailor-made to suit individual preferences, ensuring a vacation marked by relaxation and culinary delight.

RECOMMENDED: Book One of These Fantastic Wine Tours and Day Trips of Tuscany

Beyond its culinary offerings, Marchese Estate is an ideal venue for memorable events and personal celebrations, thanks to its captivating grounds and impeccable planning services. Whether it’s a night of fun and laughter or an intimate gathering, the estate’s majestic gardens and illuminated pool provide a perfect backdrop. Activities are abundant, from cooking classes that reveal the secrets of Tuscan cuisine to exploring the Val d’Orcia hills on bike or in a vintage car, ensuring that every moment spent is a discovery of Tuscany’s rich culture and stunning scenery. For those inclined towards sports, golfing among vineyards or horseback riding through panoramic trails offers an active yet picturesque way to enjoy the Tuscan countryside, making the Marchese Estate a comprehensive experience of luxury, adventure, and the timeless beauty of Italy.

Casale del Giglio

Strada Cisterna – Nettuno, Km 13, 04100 Le Ferriere LT, Italy

+39 06 9290 2530

Casale del Giglio in Aprilia is pioneering in its focus on international varietals, transforming a challenging landscape into a flourishing vineyard. Its innovative approach and discovery of an ancient winemaking tradition on its lands make it a compelling visit for those interested in both the history and future of Italian wine​ ​.

Antiche Cantine Migliaccio

Via Pizzicato, 9, 04027 Ponza LT, Italy

Antiche Cantine Migliaccio on the island of Ponza offers a truly unique wine-tasting experience. Accessible by boat, this winery combines the beauty of Mediterranean views with a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to the early 18th century, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an extraordinary wine journey​ ​.

Cantina Castello di Torre

Via di Torrimpietra, 247, 00054 Torrimpietra RM, Italy

+39 06 6169 7070

Images courtesy Cantina Castello di Torre.

Cantina Castello di Torre in Pietra, located in the medieval hamlet of Torrimpietra, is a blend of historical charm and modern winemaking. The estate, with its ancient palazzos and church, offers a glimpse into the nobility’s winemaking tradition, enriched by a family-run passion that spans over a century​ ​. You can also book a guided 4-hour day trip to the winery through the Roman countryside of Lazio and stop at the medieval village of Borgo.

Casale Cento Corvi

Via del Fosso della Tomba, 18, 00052 Cerveteri RM, Italy

+39 393 926 5306

Casale Cento Corvi in Cerveteri lies amidst the ruins of an ancient Etruscan city, offering a deep dive into the region’s storied past. This winery prides itself on its sustainable practices and rich heritage, set against the backdrop of a landscape that has drawn visitors for centuries​ ​.

Cantina Costantini

Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 27, 00045 Genzano di Roma RM, Italy

+39 06 939 0291

Cantina Costantini in Lazio provides a fantastic experience for those looking to explore local winemaking traditions. With a focus on quality and a dedication to creating memorable wine tastings, this winery is a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of the region​ ​.

Cantina del Tufaio

Via Cancellata di Mezzo, 30, 00039 Zagarolo RM, Italy

+39 328 313 9537

This family-owned winery in Zagarolo specializes in Zagarolo DOC wines, known for their mineral-rich character. A visit includes a tour of the wine cave cellar and a chance to learn about their distinctive winemaking techniques​ ​.

Antiche Cantine Leonardi

Via del Pino, 12, 01027 Montefiascone VT, Italy

+39 0761 826028

Located in Montefiascone, this winery is ideal for exploring the blend of Malvasia Bianca grapes with other varieties to create exquisite white wines. The estate offers several wine-tasting experiences, each paired with local meats and cheeses​ ​.

Fattoria La Maliosa

Fraz. di, Località Podere Monte Cavallo, 58014 Saturnia GR, Italy

+39 327 186 0416

Although a bit further away, in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, this winery is worth the journey for those interested in natural wines and artisanal production techniques. The estate produces natural wines, olive oil, and honey, focusing on the harmony with the surrounding landscape​ ​.

Vigna Barberini

Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

+39 06 6998 4443

An urban vineyard project within the Colosseum archaeological park, Vigna Barberini revives the ancient tradition of viticulture in Rome’s heart, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s winemaking history​ ​.

Via Cori Cisterna, 23, 04010 Cori LT, Italy

+39 06 967 9380

This cooperative winery, located an hour’s drive southeast of Rome in Cori, stands out for its commitment to local varieties like Bellone and Nero Buono di Cori, producing herby whites and intense ruby reds​ ​. They also offer a wine resort and restaurant nearby.

Marco Carpineti

Strada Provinciale Velletri-Anzio, 3, 04010 Cori LT, Italy

+39 06 967 9860

Also in Cori, this winery is innovative with its amphora versions of local varieties and a vine maze for a multi-sensory vineyard experience. The Carpineti family’s dedication to traditional winemaking with a modern twist makes it a must-visit​ ​.

More on the Wine Regions Surrounding Rome

The wine regions encircling the Eternal City offer a mesmerizing backdrop to the rich viticultural heritage of Italy. With the Lazio region as its heart, the areas encompasses a variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills of Castelli Romani to the picturesque shores along the Tyrrhenian Sea. This diverse geography is home to hectares of vines that produce some of this area of Italy’s finest wines. The history of wine in this region is as ancient as Rome itself, providing a history buffs a great way to have both an ideal historical tourism experience as well as a top-tier wine tourism experience. A Rome wine tasting in the surrounding area is not just about sampling excellent wines; it’s about experiencing the legacy of centuries-old wine production that continues to thrive in modern times.

Exploring these wine regions is an adventure off the beaten track, inviting travelers to discover fabulous wines from family-run wineries and spectacular views of the countryside. If centuries-old family estates near Rome are on your radar, another winery worth visiting is the Pallavicini family estate . The largest of the estates is called “Le Marmorelle” and located in the Municipality of Rome near Colonna. This is where most of the hectares used for vineyards and olive groves can be found.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, secret food tours in medieval towns like San Gimignano , or a day tour through the ancient Appia Antica by golf car t , offer a unique blend of history, local produce, and, of course, delicious wines. The Lazio region, with its indigenous varieties and expert sommeliers, promises an unforgettable wine experience, from wine cellars to beautiful vineyards.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

The regions surrounding Rome are celebrated for their diverse grape varieties and wine styles. Predominantly, white wine varieties such as Malvasia del Lazio and Trebbiano Toscano dominate the vineyards, creating the backbone for the refreshing and aromatic wines of Lazio. Red wines, featuring indigenous varieties, including the hearty Cesanese and the versatile Sangiovese, offer wine lovers a taste of the rich Italian winemaking tradition. These delicious wines, ranging from the crisp white wines to the robust reds, encapsulate the essence of the local terroir. A guided tasting in a wine tasting room or at a local favorite restaurant can provide a crash course in the amazing wines of the region, including the best wine pairings with local delicacies such as Pecorino Romano.

The production of extra virgin olive oil alongside wine is a great option for those looking to explore the full spectrum of local agricultural produce. The organic farms dotting the landscape produce some of the best wines and olive oils in Italy, embodying the essence of the surrounding area’s natural bounty. Among the various wine experiences, small group tours through the hills of Castelli Romani or the province of Latina offer intimate and panoramic views of amazing vineyards and the chance to sample fine wines directly from the vino sfuso (bulk wine) tradition. Many modern Italian wine lists found throughout Roman wine bars and restaurants includes fabulous wines such as Petit Verdot, Trebbiano and Bombino Bianco.

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Rome Wine Tasting & Wine Tours: 13 BEST Experiences

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: October 7, 2023

Categories Europe , Italy

Wine lover in Rome? Then you can’t leave the city without checking out these phenomenal Rome Wine Tasting & Wine Tours! I’ve compiled a list of the best experiences for you to choose from.

We all know that wine is much more than just a beverage in Italy, and while Rome is not a city particularly known for this sacred drink, it does it justice. 

Rome’s surrounding regions, such as Lazio and Tuscany, are some of the most celebrated wine-producing areas in the country , and the city boasts countless enotecas and bars showcasing the best national products, from crisp whites to bubbly Prosecco and bold reds. If you’re planning to stay at least 3 days in Rome (or more, or less really) – wine tasting ought to find its spot in it!

After selecting your favorite experience from this comprehensive Rome wine tasting & wine tours list , you’ll get to journey through Italy’s best wine varieties and focus on learning more about its production, treating yourself to a dine and wine evening, or heading out of the city for a vineyard visit. The choice is yours!  

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or curious to try new things, these tours promise an unforgettable and educational adventure . So, grab a glass, and let’s toast to the joys of wine in Rome!

👉 Why trust my suggestions? I was born in Bologna and traveled extensively throughout Italy. Leveraging a decade of experience in the travel industry, I’ve identified the wine tours & wine tasting experiences in Rome that truly capture the spirit and flavor of the region. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about ensuring you experience the ambiance, tradition, and essence of Italy with every glass.

I usually use Viator , Get Your Guide , and Walks to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. 

Table of Contents

The BEST Wine Tasting in Rome

▶️ Discover the essence of Italian wines right in the heart of Rome with this Shades of Italian Terroir – A Tasting of Minimal Intervention Wines . You’ll join a sommelier in a private tasting room to sample six handpicked, organic, and low-intervention wines, each of which has its own terroir and characteristics. 

Learn about the grape varieties and production methods of each from your expert guide, who’ll be delighted to introduce you to sustainable farming and winemaking, teach you about the adequate food pairings for each glass, and discuss all things wine with you. Printed materials will be provided to help you breeze through the tasting session

📝 This Wine tasting in Rome includes : A guided wine tasting session, six wines, food pairings, and printed learning materials. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience with this Rome: Wine & Food Paring Dinner with Sommelier near the Pantheon . Start the evening with a classic Italian aperitivo in a historic private cellar, with a feast of Prosecco paired with cured meats and regional cheeses. 

Once you’ve stimulated your appetite, sit down at an elegant family-run restaurant for a scrumptious 3-course dinner, featuring a pasta dish, a meat or vegetarian main course, and dessert. Each course will be perfectly paired with Italian wines to enhance the flavors – both of the meal and the wines. 

The evening ends with a stroll outside the beautifully-lit Pantheon – quite the romantic experience!

📝 This tour includes : Guided wine tasting, and a 3-course dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Immerse yourself in 17th-century Rome during this 2-Hour Caravaggio Art and Wine Experience . Held in a splendid location near Navona Square, in the area where the artist used to live,  you’ll listen to tales about Carravaggio’s life and art while sipping on a glass of wine and admiring reproduced copies of his artwork. Optionally, you can enjoy private access to witness an original Caravaggio painting in a secret location. 

You’ll then indulge in a delectable tasting of regional wines conducted by a sommelier, who’ll help you hone your wine-tasting skills and not only discover new flavors but learn how to tell them apart. The wines will be paired with delicious appetizers. 

📝 This tour includes : A guided wine tasting, appetizers, a Caravaggio map, and an introduction to his life and work. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The BEST Frascati Wine Tours from Rome

▶️ Escape the Roman hustle for a delightful Roman Countryside Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Winery . Discover the secrets of winemaking as you tour a traditional wine cellar nestled in Borgo village. 

After learning about the production of regional wine and discovering the fascinating history of the cellar, where two mammoth tusks were found in the 1930s, you’ll be treated to a guided wine tasting. An expert sommelier guide will reveal the nuances of three Italian wines, perfectly paired with a delectable Roman-style lunch in a local restaurant. 

Before leaving you’ll have the opportunity to purchase your favorite wines or olive oil to take home. 

📝 This tour includes : Roundtrip transportation, a wine cellar tour, wine tasting, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️Savor the flavors of the Italian Countryside on this exciting Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati . Begin by visiting a charming family-run winery, where you’ll sample exquisite DOCG red and IGT white wines, immersing in the local winemaking heritage. 

Then, put on your apron and become a chef for a day during a hands-on pasta-making session led by a skilled chef. Dive into the secrets of making fresh pasta from scratch, choosing your favorite recipe, and cap off the trip with a scrumptious homemade dinner (your pasta!) and more wine.

📝 This tour includes : Roundtrip transportation, a cellar tour, a pasta-making class, wine tasting, and dinner with wine pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with this Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch . You’ll have to catch the train from Rome to Frascati and meet your guide at the city’s train station, from where you’ll embark on a culinary adventure through the city’s rich food culture, indulging in regional delights along the way. 

You’ll get to sample fresh biscotti and porchetta, and relish a jug of wine from the area’s oldest tavern, before paying a visit to a historic family vineyard. There you’ll tour the different stations and learn about the winemaking process, besides sampling delicious local wines, bread, and olive oil. 

Finish your tour at a local trattoria for a full lunch, and make the most of your free time to explore Frascati at your own pace and do some wine shopping. 

📝 This wine tasting near Rome includes : All food and wine tastings, a vineyard visit, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Rome Wine Tours

▶️ Discover the tranquility of the Roman countryside with this Wine Tasting in Frascati Tour from Rome . Enjoy a comfortable ride to a 300-year-old winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the history and techniques of winemaking, a crucial part of ancient – and modern – Roman culture. 

An expert will guide you through vineyards and cellars as you soak in the picturesque scenery that surrounds you, and then indulge your senses with the finest local wines during a very informative tasting. Choose between a morning or afternoon tour, whatever fits better on your schedule!

📝 This Rome wine tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local guide, a winery visit, water, and wine tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Ready for a wine-filled day? Check out this Frascati Wine Region Tour with Wine Tasting from Rome to immerse yourself in the world of vines and grapes. You’ll visit a 300-year-old winery nestled in the hills that’s been family-owned and run since the 18th century. 

Tour the vineyards and cellars, and learn about the evolution of wine culture and its making process from your knowledgeable guide. You’ll then be treated to a guided wine tasting of carefully selected wines, paired with freshly pressed olive oil, bread, and other delicacies. 

This tour promises a perfect blend of history, scenery, and the finest Italian wines.

📝 This wine tasting tour from Rome includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local guide, wine tastings, water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Hungry? Best Food and Wine Tours in Rome

▶️ Embark on a sensory journey through Rome’s most vibrant neighborhood on this Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour . Also known as a foodie’s paradise, Travestere buzzes with restaurants, bars, and local eateries where you can sample the best of Italian street food, scrumptious main courses, and sweet treats. 

Led by a local expert, experience the authentic aperitivo culture sipping Prosecco with an impressive spread of charcuterie and cheeses. Dive into the world of supplì, a classic Roman street food item, and join locals at a popular bar for a glass of Spritz.

Exquisite Italian wines perfectly paired with savory dishes, and an artisanal gelato are possibly the highlights of the tour, which includes over 10 food samplings and 6 drinks.  

📝 This food and wine tour in Rome includes : A local guide, and all food and drink tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Get ready for a delicious journey around the Vatican City neighborhoods with this Rome: Sunset Food and Wine Tour Near Vatican City . The experience is all about exploring Rome’s local gems, starting with a stop at a gourmet food shop, where you’ll dive into a delightful array of Italian cheeses and cured meats with wine pairings. 

Then, it’s pizza time at Gabriele Bonci’s Pizzeria, where you’ll taste the tastiest slices in the area. You’ll also visit a local restaurant to indulge in handmade pasta paired with DOCG Vermentino wine, and cap off the tour with an artisanal gelato. 

📝 This tour includes : All food and wine tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ On this 4-hour Rome: Food Tour and Wine Tasting in a Traditional Trattoria , you’ll explore the historic heart of Rome…and eat your way through it! Accompanied by a fellow foodie guide, you’ll savor artisanal salamis and cheeses paired with fine wines, indulge in fried salted code and pizza by the slice, and try local rice balls. 

You’ll wander around the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere and work up an appetite (yes, despite having enjoyed sumptuous tastings!) to have a delicious Roman antipasto and 2-course meal at a restaurant, paired with wines. Cap off the tour with a gelato!

📝 This tour includes : A guide, a walking tour, and all food and drink tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Best Wine Tours from Rome to Tuscany

▶️ Embark on a captivating adventure with this Tuscany Guided Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine Tasting . You’ll head into the Val d’Orcia region, marveling at the scenic hills that surround you, and visit the charming town of Montepulciano, which is famous for its fine wines and Renaissance charm. 

Learn about Vino Nobile and Brunello di Montepulciano wines on a walking tour, then enjoy a tasting with a 3-course lunch on a local farm. Next up is a trip to explore Pienza’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Pope Pius II. There you’ll have free time to shop for pecorino cheese or wander at your leisure before returning to Rome. 

If you’re looking for memorable Tuscan wine tours from Rome, you can’t go wrong with this one!

📝 This Tuscan wine tour from Rome includes : Roundtrip transportation, a guide, headsets, a visit to Pienza and Montepulciano, lunch, and wine tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch offers a fun-filled day in the countryside with comfortable transfers and delicious wine. Immerse yourself in the history of Tuscany and its legendary vineyards with the tales and tidbits offered by your knowledgeable guide, and tour a renowned winery to learn the ins and outs of winemaking. 

You’ll get to sip the prestigious Vino di Nobile and Brunello di Montepulciano paired with a Tuscan lunch, and explore the enchanting towns of Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Montepulciano. This is one of the most spectacular Tuscany wine tours from Rome, and it accommodates up to seven people. 

📝 This private wine tour from Rome to Tuscany tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a driver/tour escort, wine tasting, and a Tuscan lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Rome Wine Tasting & Wine Tours FAQ

Yes! While Rome is not widely known as a producer of wine, it offers memorable wine-tasting experiences, both in the surrounding countryside or in trendy enotecas in town.

The best time to visit wineries and vineyards in Italy is during the fall, in the months of September and October, as this is the time of year when the harvest takes place, and there are usually many festivities around it.

In my opinion, the best vineyard tours from Rome for private groups are these:  • Wine Tasting in Frascati Tour from Rome • Frascati Wine Region Tour with Wine Tasting from Rome

The Lazio wine region is the closest wine region to Rome, which is why many wine tours from the Eternal City visit wineries in this area.

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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10 Best Wine Tastings In Rome

Ah, wine tastings in Rome—a delightful experience that combines the city’s rich history with the exquisite flavors of Italian wines. The cool part? The variety! From bold reds that practically embody Tuscany to sparkling Proseccos… 

What makes wine tastings in Rome truly special is the opportunity to explore the diverse Italian wine regions. And let’s not forget the delectable pairing options. Oh boy, don’t get me started.

Rome boasts a variety of wine bars and cellars, each offering a unique selection of local and international wines. So, if you ever find yourself in the region, do yourself a favor and dive into a wine tasting adventure. We’ve listed the 10 best wine tastings in Rome to help you with that!

Map Of Wine Tours In Rome

1. local wine tasting in rome.

Location: Via dei Frassini, 42, 00172 Roma RM, Italy

A glass of wine is for everyone to drink, but only some have a good palate. Make a reservation at this local wine tasting in Rome if you want to learn the techniques used by sommeliers how to pick a good wine! 

The staff will lead you through the wine tasting, which consists of tasting multiple wine samples matched with delicious home-cooked fare.

Why we love this tour: It was a wonderful experience to learn about wine and its history. Plus, we loved the local meat and cheese selection paired with wine!

From $55.71

2. Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome

Location: Rome (You can provide pickup details. If you are staying at a B&B, the driver will meet you at the address you provided or in your hotel’s lobby.)

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome for a delightful half-day wine tasting in Frascati . Discover the history and art of winemaking while taking a luxurious drive to a 300-year-old winery. 

Roman winemaking had a significant role in ancient Roman society, and this tour offers the chance to discover more about it. The highlight of this tour for many visitors is the wine tasting that is served with small bites at the end.

Why we love this tour: It’s very convenient that the driver can pick you up right in front of where you’re staying. And the snacks during the wine tasting are made from local products.

From $264.08

Discover hidden-gem wineries, learn how to get around, explore Tuscany’s food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes, and much more .

3. Wine Tasting Tour in Rome around Rione Monti

Location: Via Urbana, 72, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

On this Rione Monti wine tasting and walking tour , you will stroll through Rome’s oldest neighborhood. Situated at a short distance from the Colosseum, this neighborhood is well known for remaining virtually entirely Roman and for being devoid of the regular hordes of tourists. See the charming neighborhood’s artistic and historical landmarks, stopping at various wine bars along the way. 

This guided tour is more than just a wine tasting—rather, it’s an enjoyable indulgence. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the wine tasting at each location, explaining the terroir of each wine region and suggesting potential meal pairings. Snacks and small bites will be served with the wines.

Why we love this tour: You will see the well-known Borgia stairs, the churches of Santa Maria ai Monti, San Pietro in Vincoli, and many more! 

From $99.17

4. Food & Wine Tasting Tour in Rome

Location: Vicolo dell’Aquila, 4, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

With this food and wine tour in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome—known for its quaint cobblestone streets and top-notch trattorias—you can eat and drink across the city. Aside from pasta, antipasti, pizza , gelato, and some excellent Lazio wines, you’ll sample everything from pancetta to salami.

Why we love this tour: There are five stops in total from Campo de Fiori to Trastevere. You will sample cold cuts, cheeses, suppli’, wine, two varieties of typical Roman pasta for supper at a restaurant, and a delicious gelato to round it all off.

From $128.14

5. Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting – Private Tour

For a worry-free wine tasting in a 17th-century winery , head to the slopes of the Castelli Romani region. Your driver will pick you up from your Rome lodging for your private trip and deliver you to one of the oldest wineries in the area after a lovely drive through the rural areas of Frascati. Take in the flavors of locally produced wines and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings while learning about the history of winemaking in the area.

Why we love this tour: You will enjoy a guided tasting coupled with locally baked bread and fresh olive oil, following a brief introduction to the region’s history and wine-making customs.

From $187.20

6. Pasta Making, Local Lunch & Wine Tasting On The Hills Of Rome

Location: Via Cavour, 7, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

This pasta-making and wine tasting experience is a genuine dive into wine tasting in the heart of Rome’s wine district, Castelli Romani. In between a fun pasta-making lesson, you’ll sip on well-chosen local wines before sitting down to the most delicious meal you’ve ever had! You will be served three distinct wines from three of the most intriguing local vineyards.

Why we love this tour: You’ll get to walk around Frascati Centro Storico like a local. Experience the narrow streets and small monumental squares. The pasta-making lessons are held in a traditional restaurant.

From $245.14

7. Private Siena and San Gimignano Tour with Wine Tasting From Rome

Take this private tour of Siena and San Gimignano to get away from the congestion of Rome. Drive into the gorgeous Tuscan countryside following an early-morning pickup from where you’re staying. 

Before traveling to San Gimignano, home to numerous medieval towers, see the charming and historic city of Siena. Visit a nearby winery for a small lunch and wine tasting to cap off the day.

Why we love this tour: This full-day tour can accommodate up to 8 travelers. You’ll get to experience the lovely towns and countryside of Tuscany.

From $495.85

8. Amalfi Coast with Wine Tasting – Private Driving Tour from Rome

Take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast and forget about the hustle and bustle in the city of Rome. With this private tour, you can take your time, stopping frequently to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Italian countryside and coastline. After exploring Positano, make your way to the foot of Mount Vesuvius for a memorable lunch and wine sampling. 

Why we love this tour: We definitely love the flexibility in the itinerary. Your group can go to Sorrento and have lunch and wine tasting at the foot of Vesuvius. Or you may choose to explore Positano and the entire Amalfi Coast, stopping there for lunch.

From $167.14

9. Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night with Wine Tasting and Guided Sightseeing

Location: Chiesa di San Benedetto in Piscinula – Piazza in Piscinula, 40, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

On this small-group night tour in Trastevere , get off the beaten path and explore one of Rome’s most atmospheric and lovely neighborhoods. Prepare to become fully immersed in the local way of life by visiting the family-run businesses in this neighborhood, where Roma families share Sunday dinners. 

Starting at 5:30 p.m., the trip offers a delectable sampling of appetizers and the region’s most well-known street cuisine, all while strolling through the area’s tiny cobblestone lanes and streets and ending with a sumptuous supper. When you dine at restaurants owned and operated by long-term residents and their families, you will experience authentic regional cuisine and gain cultural knowledge!

There will be more than five stops, ranging from savory to sweet, where you can sample authentic local cuisine and learn about this treasure of a place. You will experience the true ambiance of traditional Italy with a knowledgeable and local guide, and you will discover how Italians retain their heritage, particularly in food.

Why we love this tour: The tour includes stops at some beautiful locations, such as Piazza Trilussa, Tiberine Island, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi at Ripa, and Sistine Bridge.

10. Rome Food Tour by Night in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo Marzio with Wine Tasting

Location: Piazza Mattei, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

During this food and wine walking tour through the Jewish Ghetto and Campo dè Fiori district , you’ll be taken off the typical tourist path. Explore the Theater of Pompeo, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Largo di Torre Argentina, and other attractions starting in Campo de Fiori. Savor Italian delicacies like gelato, espresso, cured meats, pizza, and fried artichokes prepared the Jewish way while traveling.

Why we love this tour: This tour combines sightseeing and cuisine to experience Rome through your senses. It’s worth exploring traditional Jewish food while learning about their culture and Italy’s history.

The Best Wine Tastings That Rome Can Offer

Imagine wandering through the cobbled streets, soaking in the history, and then stumbling upon these charming little wine spots that are basically like liquid time machines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

Aside from being guided by expert sommeliers during wine tasting, you’ll experience Rome intricately with the help of knowledgeable guides from the tours listed above. Tip: Make sure to pick a tour with a local tour guide so you can make sure that they really know their way around the history and culture of Rome.

Whether you join a guided wine tour or explore the enotecas independently, the experience of wine tastings in Rome is definitely worth it!

Wine Tasting In Rome FAQs

What is the best winery to visit in rome.

Well, Rome itself isn’t known for its vineyards, but there are incredible wineries in the surrounding regions. If you’re up for a short trip, check out Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany. It’s a stunning winery with a long history and, of course, some fantastic wines.

What is the most popular wine in Rome?

When in Rome, you’ll find that the locals deeply love their red wines. A classic choice is Chianti, a robust red from Tuscany. It pairs perfectly with the hearty Roman cuisine.

How does wine tasting work in Italy?

In Italy, wine tasting is often a relaxed and social affair. You’ll be guided through a selection of wines, typically starting with whites and progressing to reds. Expect to learn about the different varieties, the regions they come from, and the characteristics that make each wine unique. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about savoring the experience.

What is the number 1 must-see in Rome?

Ah, that’s a tough one with so much history around! But if I had to pick, the Colosseum steals the show. It’s an iconic symbol of Rome’s grandeur and a jaw-dropping testament to ancient engineering.

What is the most famous wine in Italy?

Italy has a treasure trove of famous wines, but if we’re talking about the absolute classic, it has to be Chianti. The distinctive squat bottle and the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) symbol make it easily recognizable.

What do you wear to a winery in Italy?

Keep it classy and comfortable. Italians appreciate a touch of elegance, so smart-casual attire works well. Ladies, a sundress or nice blouse with pants, and guys think slacks or khakis with a button-down shirt. You might want to wander through those vineyards, and comfortable shoes are a must!

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7 best wine tours to take in Rome

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2022

Categories Italy

Home » 7 best wine tours to take in Rome

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Planning a visit to the Eternal City and looking for something different to do that includes some of the best wine Italy has to offer?

After you spend all day exploring the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’re probably going to need a break from the crowds – Why not venture out of Rome for a day and visit some of the region’s best wineries?

Then look no further than a day trip from Rome to a picturesque winery in the Tuscan countryside!

Just a short drive from Rome, you can find some of the best vineyards in Italy . Whether you’re a red wine lover or prefer white, there are dozens of wonderful wineries waiting to be explored.

In this post, you'll find...

Wine tours in Italy are the way to go

From Frascati to Montepulciano, there are plenty of options for wine lovers looking to get out of the city. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a day trip from Rome to visit some of the best wineries in Lazio? Just make sure you have a designated driver!

Whether you’re hoping to sip wine in front of the Trevi fountain or explore the vineyards of Tuscany while sampling local cheeses and delicious food, you’ve come to the right place.

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I’ve put together a list of the best wineries near Rome, complete with directions and info on what to expect. So read on, sip away, and enjoy your wine-filled adventure!

Here are my picks for the best wine-tasting tours and winery day trips from Rome .

Take a winery day trip from Rome and spend the day in a nearby wine region

Where’s the best place to taste a local Italian wine? In the vineyards where it’s made, of course! Just a short drive from Rome, you’ll find several world-famous wine regions like Frascati, Orvieto, and Montepulciano.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, consider spending the day in one of these beautiful areas exploring the vineyards, learning about wine production, and, of course, doing some tasting.

Here are four of the best wine regions to visit on a day trip from Rome:

Montepulciano

Each of these wine regions offers something unique and special, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the picturesque lakes of Veneto. No matter which region you choose to visit, you’re sure to enjoy some delicious wines and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Top 4 Italian wine regions near Rome for a winery day trip

Just 30 minutes from Rome, the town of Frascati is home to several family-run wineries with centuries of experience in producing some of Italy’s best white wines.

A visit to one of these wineries is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for a few hours. Learn about the history of the winery and how the wine is made, then enjoy a guided tasting of their most popular wines.

If you’re looking to explore more of central Italy, Orvieto is a great option. This picturesque town is located in the Umbria region, about 1.5 hours from Rome.

The wineries here produce some of the best white wines in the country, made from a local grape variety called Grechetto. Most wineries offer guided tours and tastings, so you can learn all about the wine-making process while sampling some of the delicious Orvietan wines.

If you’re craving a red wine, head to the town of Montepulciano, located in the beautiful Tuscany region. Just over 2 hours from Rome, this is one of Italy’s most popular wine regions.

The area is best known for its red wines, made from a grape variety called Sangiovese. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to tour the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and taste some of the delicious Montepulciano wines.

Make sure to save some time to explore the town of Montepulciano as well. With its medieval streets and Renaissance architecture, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.

No list of Italian wine regions would be complete without Tuscany. This world-famous region is home to some of the most popular wines in the world, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tuscany is also one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, with its rolling hills, cypress trees, and picturesque villages. A visit to this region is a must for any wine lover.

During your stay, make sure to tour some of the famous wineries, stroll through the vineyards, and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the charming towns.

Taste local wines on a wine tasting tour in Rome

Wine lovers rejoice – there are plenty of ways to enjoy Italy’s finest wines without even leaving Rome! From wine tours to cheese and wine tastings, small personalized tours to large group wine tastings – there’s something for all wine lovers in Rome!

If you’re short on time or not interested in driving out of Rome, there are plenty of companies that offer wine-tasting tours from the city. You’ll get a taste of some of the best wines Italy has to offer, without having to leave Rome.

These tours typically last 4-5 hours and include transportation to and from the winery, a guided tour of the vineyards, and a wine tasting. Most tours also include a light lunch or snacks, so you can enjoy some local food while you sip on your wine.

3 popular wine tours in Rome

Some of the most popular wine tours in Rome include:

The Colosseum cheese and wine tour

Enjoy Italian cheese and local wines on this wine tasting tour in Rome ! You’ll visit a wine bar near the Colosseum, in one of the most historic corners of Rome. Sip red and white wine and snack on cheese as you enjoy the views of Rome.

This tour includes a 1-hour cheese and wine tasting experience at a family-owned bar in the city center. Learn interesting facts about Italian wine from a local guide and munch on cheese and cured meats while you sample 6 different types of wine.

This short wine tasting experience is great for those who want to enjoy a glass or two of wine without having to commit to a full-day tour.

Half-day food and wine tasting tour

Rome is a food lover’s paradise, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s incredible cuisine than on a guided food tour.

On this four-hour walking food tour , you’ll explore Rome’s historic center and the lively neighborhood of Trastevere, sampling delicious dishes at some of the city’s best eateries along the way. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit some of Rome’s most iconic food markets, sample delicious local delicacies, and wash it all down with some of the best wine the region has to offer. And what’s more, you’ll finish your tour with some refreshing gelato – the perfect way to end a perfect evening.

From succulent salami and artisan cheese to fresh pizza and gelato, this tour is sure to satisfy your appetite!

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll around Rome’s beautiful streets, this wine-tasting tour is the ideal way to experience the city.

Private dinner and wine pairing near The Pantheon

Wine and dine in a private wine cellar near the famous Pantheon monument on this exclusive dinner experience . Enjoy an aperitivo in the cellar of a family-owned wine bar, followed by an indulgent Italian dinner, dessert, and wine pairings.

This small-group tour is limited to 10 people at a time, so you can ensure an intimate and personalized experience. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with the sommelier about the wines you’re tasting and learn all about Italian wine culture. The knowledgeable staff can also recommend the perfect wine to pair with your dinner, and give you tips on how to choose which wines to pair with which foods.

After dinner, you’ll have the option to purchase any of the wines you’ve tried during the evening. Then you’ll walk through the historic streets of Rome back to your hotel, feeling satisfied and full from an evening of good food and wine!

Get outside of the city on a winery day trip from Rome

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to taste some local wines produced in the Italian wine regions just a short train ride from Rome, there are a few wine tours in the nearby cities that offer both a half-day or a full-day wine tour.

Here are my top 4 picks for winery tours near Rome.

Tuscany countryside winery day trip from Rome

See the captivating Val d’Orcia wine region on this full-day wine tasting tour of the Tuscany countryside . On this tour, you’ll spend the day visiting the wine towns of Montefollonico and Montepulciano, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Tuscan landscape.

You’ll also get to tour a winery, learn about the wine-making process, and taste some of the local wines. This tour also includes a traditional Italian three-course lunch on a Tuscan farm, complete with some of the region’s finest wines.

This tour is a great option for those who want to experience the best of Tuscany without having to drive. Tickets for this tour start at $139 and include round-trip transportation from Rome in an air-conditioned van, a professional and knowledgable guide, a three-course lunch and wine pairings, and dedicated audio headsets during the tour.

Food & wine tasting in a medieval winery

This 4-hour wine tour of the Italian countryside town of Lazio will take you back in time as you explore a historic wine estate that dates back to the 14th century.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of the winery and how the wines are produced. You’ll visit a traditional wine cellar in the medieval town of Borgo, and get to sample some of the local wines, as well as a selection of traditional Italian cured meats, cheeses, and bread.

This tour is a great option for those who are looking for a shorter tour and want to learn about the history of Italian wine-making and taste some of the local flavors. Tickets for this tour start at $75 and include round-trip transportation from Rome, an expert guide, wine tastings, and traditional Italian snacks.

You’ll also have the opportunity to buy some locally-made wines and olive oil to take home with you, so be sure to bring some extra cash.

This winery day trip from Rome to Lazio is the perfect mini getaway!

Frascati Vineyard Winery day trip from Rome

This half-day winery tour from Rome to Frascati is the perfect way to escape the city and explore the beautiful Roman countryside.

On this tour, you’ll visit a local vineyard and 300-year-old winery, where you’ll learn about the art and history of wine-making. You’ll also get to sample some of the local wines, learn about ancient Roman culture and modern Italy, as well as enjoy a traditional Italian lunch.

This tour is a great option for those who want a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours to learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the local flavors in the Italian countryside.

Note: This 3-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Rome. You will have the option to choose between a morning excursion or an afternoon excursion when booking!

Siena and San Gimignano: Tuscany wine tour from Rome

This full-day wine tour of Tuscany from Rome will take you to the picturesque towns of Siena and San Gimignano, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.

Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of the city while on a walking tour of the medieval town of Siena, then enjoy a traditional Italian lunch. After lunch, visit a local winery in the famous Chianti region for a tour and wine tasting, followed by a stop in the hilltop town of San Gimignano to explore its medieval streets and towers.

This tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Tuscany without having to drive! Those looking to really immerse themselves in the local culture and learn about the wine-making process will enjoy this tour.

Note : This 8-hour tour includes pick-up and drop-off from select hotels in Rome. Please choose your hotel when booking.

Whether you decide to take a winery day trip from Rome to one of the nearby wine regions or spend a day drinking wine around the city, Rome has something for everyone. With its rich history and abundance of culture, there is no shortage of things to do – or wine to drink – in Rome!

If you’re planning a wine tour from Rome, be sure to book your tickets in advance and pack your comfiest shoes – you’ll want to be able to walk around and explore the vineyards to your heart’s content!

And, of course, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all of the beautiful sights.

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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13 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Rome for Exploring Italian Vineyards

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Central Italy’s volcanic terrain is perfect for growing wine grapes. Not far outside Rome are hillsides festooned with vineyards.

The best wine tasting tours in Rome introduce you to the diverse flavors of Italian wines, either in the city or on a scenic day trip. Of all the things to do in Rome , wine tours pair sightseeing and tasting in a lovely way.

Check out my top 3 picks for wine tasting tours in Rome, or keep reading for more information on what’s available.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• wine tasting tours in Rome

1 – Tuscany Guided Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 1246 reviews )

“A great way to see and experience Tuscany. Enrika was fantastic and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the entire experience. I would highly recommend City Wonders.” Kristine, Getyourguide

Tuscany’s hilltop villages and slopes striped in grape vines have become some of the country’s most emblematic images. Despite its distance from Rome, you can tack on a day trip to this storied region during your stay in Italy’s capital.

City Wonders ‘ Tuscany guided day trip with lunch and wine tasting is one of our top choices for Montepulciano tours from Rome . The combination of sightseeing and tasty treats make this tour an alluring addition to any Roman itinerary.

Summary of tour:

• Montepulciano tour
• 3-course lunch and wine tasting
• Free time in Pienza

This tour earns our highest praise for its convenience and inclusions. Ideal for a short stay in Italy, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Tuscany in two of the region’s most appealing towns. The addition of a multi-course meal with wines at a vineyard is the icing on the cake.

Read more: Things to do in Tuscany

2 – Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 157 reviews )

“It was a fantastic experience to visit the winery and not least to have the town’s history told by a very competent and sweet guide.” Christina, Getyourguide

Discover Frascati, one of the best wine regions to visit in Italy , only 45 minutes outside of Rome. ItaliaTours ‘s Frascati Wine Road from Rome tour with tasting and lunch gifts you with time at a renowned wine cellar, bites at Frascati artisan shops and a sumptuous lunch at a local trattoria. Feast on porchetta, pasta, biscotti and more, washed down with DOCG vintages.

• Tour wine cellar and Roman caves
• Sample 3 local wines
• Lunch at trattoria

This break from Rome tops our list on quick getaways that add depth to your Eternal City sojourn. With wine tasting at a historic site, lunch and an afternoon absorbing small-town marvels, this tour packs a lot into a short period of time.

3 – Wine & Food Paring Dinner with Sommelier near the Pantheon

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 262 reviews )

“Great experience – excellent food, wine & knowledgeable friendly host! Beautiful restaurant, well worth a visit!” Julie, Viator

Turn your nightly repast into something special with Gourmetaly ‘s Rome gourmet dinner with wine parings! Servers will ply you with wine, eats, and stories in a landmark restaurant atop age-old wine cellars. These food tours in Rome add an element of luxury to your day while saving your feet from the typical walking food tour.

• 3-course dinner
• 4 wines paired with food
• Limited to 10 people

So much more than a meal, Gourmetaly’s dinner with wine pairing combines personalized service with delicious eats in a historic setting. Great flavors and a memorable locale make this booking a crowd pleaser.

4 – Food and Wine Tour with Market Visit

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 164 reviews )

“Our food and wine tour in Rome was simply the best experience and the highlight of our trip.” Grace, Getyourguide

Food, wine and Rome as a backdrop: it’s hard to imagine a more tempting way to spend a morning. The Roman Food Tour has curated a half-day trip spanning two meals and crammed with 25 different tastings . Nibble and sip choice offerings at cafes, bakeries and the city’s largest market on one of the best food tours in Rome .

The Roman Food Tour has scoured the city for prime examples of Italy’s culinary masterpieces. We love this tour for not only its generous offerings, but also that it is accessible for people with mobility issues and can be modified for special diets.

Read more: Best food tours in Rome

5 – Rome by Night-Ebike tour with Food and Wine Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 876 reviews )

“This is a must to have experience while in Rome.” Banipreet, GetYourGuide

Ancient Rome was not designed for cars. The twisting warren of lanes are perfect for a bike ride . Make it an e bike , and your jaunt up and down the city’s famed Seven Hills will be a breeze. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll kick off the soiree with wine and antipasto .

EsBike Tours waits until after sunset to show you Rome. Wheel past the Trevi Fountain , Castel Sant’Angelo and the Colosseum with a small group as a seasoned guide gives you the low-down on all that you see.

It’s hard to beat a tour that takes you to the best of Rome in a novel way. Add a light meal, a low price, great guides and the city lit after dark, and you have a five-star excursion.

Read more: Best bike tours in Rome

6 – Trastevere at Sunset: Food & Wine Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 94 reviews )

“If there were more stars I would give them. The tour was incredible and our guide Silvia was amazing and made it so much fun and comfortable.” Sam, Viator

Trastevere at dusk is sure to enchant you. This trendy quarter hugging the Tiber River is laced with meandering lanes hung with greenery and drying laundry. Picturesque Trastevere is also a culinary hotspot, and Devour Tours has assembled a delightful walking excursion filled with pauses for wine and snacks that will leave you happily sated.

Devour Tours’s guides earn our rave reviews for their engaging presentation, knowledge and passion for food and the neighborhood. Don’t eat beforehand! You will partake in enough food to equal dinner.

7 – Tuscany in One Day with 3-Course Lunch and Wine Pairing

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1532 reviews )

“The landscape and our tour guide were exceptional. Tuscany is breathtaking.” Ian, Viator

How to fit all your desires into a short vacation is a conundrum. If you only have a handful of days in Rome and are itching for the beauty of Tuscany , you can make it happen with a best of Tuscany in one day tour. With round-trip transportation , guided explorations, wine tastings and lunch , this wine tour ticks off lots of must-dos with one reasonable purchase.

We praise this tour for its affordability, quality and its range of inclusions. It’s the ideal way to get a feel for Tuscany if you’re only in Rome for a limited time.

8 – Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 209 reviews )

” The food was delicious, the wine was amazing, especially the white wine.” Angela, GetYourGuide

While wine tastings and pasta cooking classes in Rome are wonderful way to spend an afternoon, they are a dime a dozen. Combine the two with a daytrip to a town in the Italian countryside and you have something that stands out.

From Scratch – Authentic Experiences  invites you to Frascati for a cultural journey that mingles food, wine, history and ambiance in just a few hours.

We give this tour high acclaim for many reasons. Participants rave about the beauty of Frascati, the skills they picked up in the class and personable instructors and guides. The low cost and delectable meal make this opportunity a winner.

Read more: Best cooking classes in Rome

9 – Roman countryside Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Winery

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 198 reviews )

“Beautiful unique winery. The guide was very interesting and knowledgeable. The wine and food were great. It was refreshing to take a trip out of the city of Rome for an afternoon.” Pamela, Viator

Treat yourself to a day of sensory delights on a VineblissTrip . Less than an hour outside of Rome, medieval villages nestle in the curving Lazio countryside. The stunning hamlet of Borgo is made even more appealing by surrounding vineyards that produce award-winning wines . Touring, tasting and a memorable lunch await you on this food and wine tasting adventure.

We love this tour for all that it includes in a reasonable price: plentiful and varied tastings, a tasty meal and lovely scenery perfected by entertaining guides.

10 – Private Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 65 reviews )

“What a lovely way to spend the morning in the green hills outside Rome and this beautiful ancient vineyard (…) We had generous tasting of their white, rose and red wines and the sumptuous snacks accompanying the tasting were delicious and well paired.” Monika, Getyourguide

Luxuriate in a private wine tasting event just for you and your chosen few in picture-perfect Frascati . The area’s wine production dates back millennia, and Eternal City Tours will induct you to the aspects from growing to sipping on one of the best private tours in Rome .

This private tour earns our high praise for value, quality and service. It’s hard to beat Eternal City Tours’s combination of inclusions and affordability for a private wine tasting.

11 – Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food Pairing and Gelato

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 72 reviews )

“We tasted 3 incredible wines paired with many different cheeses, cured meats, truffles, and more, followed by a visit to a nearby Gelateria for some amazing gelato.” Michelle, Viator

Schedule yourself a deluxe snack break complemented with Italian wines, all set in the postcard neighborhood of Trastevere . Join a guide from Rome Like a Local for an amble through one of Rome’s top foodie destinations. Partake in more than you would on other cheese tastings in Rome , with buffalo mozzarella, asiago and more along with liberal pours.

The Wine Tasting Tour in Trastevere with food pairing and gelato earns a solid five stars. The mix of background info, plentiful tastings and reasonable price are all reasons to book this tour right away!

12 – Siena & San Gimignano Tuscan Wine Day Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 83 reviews )

“Everything was so special about the whole day. Would do it again in a minute I highly recommend it.” Robin, Viator

Get a real taste of Tuscany on this Siena day trip that includes a stop in San Gimignano . You’ll have the opportunity to explore both of these breathtaking cities in the company of a knowledgeable guide from Welcome Italy . Cap it off with an excursion to a historic vineyard with a delectable wine tasting.

The guides are the stars of this tour, with the attractions coming in at a close second. We love the pace, inclusions and stops on this Tuscan outing.

Read more: Things to do in Siena

13 – Private 3.5-Hour Castelli Romani Wine Tasting Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 30 reviews )

“Really awesome experience. Tour guide had a background in food science and did an incredible job differentiating the wines and explaining the fermentation process as a whole.” Jeremy, Getyourguide

Magical Castelli Romani is a collection of wine making villages tucked into the hilly outskirts of Rome. Eternal City Tours is ready to escort you on one of the most enjoyable private tours in Rome . Grab your favorite person or people, and head out of the noisy capital for a memorable sojourn at a family vineyard.

Idyllic and close to Rome, a sortie to Castelli Romani is a stress-free glimpse at Italian winemaking in a pastoral setting. Eternal City Tours has assembled a lovely venture out of the city for a leisurely tasting with stellar guides and memorable flavors.

How to book wine tasting tours in Rome?

Depending on what you’re looking for in a wine tasting tour in Rome, you have ample variety to choose from. Many tour companies offer the same tours for different prices, so shopping around on Tourscanner.com or our mobile app is a smart way to ID your ideal outing.

• compare wine tasting tours in Rome

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Wine Tasting in Rome – 10 Selections to Explore

While the Eternal City holds so many treasures, wine tasting in Rome might be among the most special. You might have thought you’ve tasted Italian wines before, but the regional, locally-produced vino here is unlike anything you’ve ever savored.

Wine tasting in Rome means sampling some of the most delectable sparkling and white wines in the world, with varieties like Trebbiano, Malvasia, Greco, Bombino Bianco, and Bellone. Roman red DOC wines like Sangiovese and Montepulciano are also unique to the area. Try these wines with fresh-baked, crusty bread or cured meats.

That’s merely scratching the surface of what to expect on a wine tasting tour in Rome, Italy. Buckle up, sit back, and have a palette cleanser, as you’ll want your taste buds to be fresh as a daisy to touch upon every flavor note Roman wine has to offer!

Roman Wines: A Tasting Journey

Roma’s cuisine is some of the most distinct across all of Italy. Whether you like the full-bodied flavor of red wine or the light, refreshing sparkle of white wine, the delights that await you are unlike anything else.

Here are some examples so you can see what we mean, along with excellent food pairing suggestions.

Roman Red Wines

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• Cesanese del Piglio : As a DOCG wine produced in Frosinone (near Rome), Cesanese is high-quality, even above DOC. Unsurprisingly, it’s got a strong flavor profile, with some acidity that produces a bitter flavor on the tongue the more you drink. You can bring out its fruitier flavor notes by enjoying it with chestnuts, truffles, lentils, or meats.
• Sangiovese : With a name from a Latin term that means “the blood of Jupiter,” Sangiovese is lighter than Cesanese. It’s dry, highly acidic, sweet, and fruity, with tastes of berries and cherries. It goes great with any Italian cuisine, from pasta to mushrooms and pizza.
• Cabernet Sauvignon :A good Cabernet Sauvignon is not to be missed! It mixes peppercorns, mint, chocolate, and black cherry, a true treat for the senses. Strong, hearty dishes like smoked tofu, lamb, and eggplant parmesan go best.

Roman White Wines

• Trebbiano Giallo : Acidic, rich, and light, although Trebbiano wine doesn’t often smell like much, it has a delicate taste of lemon. Try it with a hard or smoked cheese, or bring out the lemony flavor with chicken in lemon sauce.
• Greco : Named Greco di Tufo in full, this white wine contains more alcohol than usual. It’s often a heavier wine with a full-bodied flavor profile that varies based on region. Sometimes, it has more tropical fruity notes, and other times, more like orchard fruits. Either way, it’s a dream with seafood, especially sea bass.
• Bombino Bianco : Mild in taste and citrusy in aroma, Bombino Bianco is to be sipped with cured meats, light and non-fatty fish, and fresh cheese.
• Bellone : You may be miles away from the tropics in Roma, but Bellone wine puts you right on a sandy beach. Notes of papaya and mango ring through loud and clear, while its high acidity also builds a unique flavor profile. Try it with white meat, light pasta sauces, and seafood.

Read more: Romantic Rome – 15  Memorable Things To Do With Your Partner

10 Wine-Tasting Experiences in Rome

So many wine varieties, so little time! That’s where wine-tasting tours in Rome, Italy come in. You can knock out two tasks at once: touring the cobblestone streets and sampling amazing wine in the region.

Here are the best wine-tasting tours in Rome to book ASAP!

1. Frascati Wine Tasting Tour: The Flavors of the Roman Countryside

Immerse yourself in the inimitable beauty of the Roman countryside on this unique half-day tour for small groups. The open-air meal you’ll enjoy (lunch or dinner) promises vineyard views of Frascasi, plus a tour of its history.

The tour wraps with a walk to a farmhouse from the 16 th century, where a sommelier will help you enjoy the finest wine tasting in Rome. You’ll even receive a behind-the-scenes wine production tour with a winemaker.

Ready to go?

Book your spot now.

2. Rome by Night E-Bike Tour with Food and Wine Tasting

Between the yummy gelato and enchanting food, the Eternal City has its fair share of tasty but calorie-heavy meals. Balance out what you’re eating by hopping on an E-bike and seeing a whole new side of Rome after dark .

No E-bike? No problem! You’ll receive one on this tour, where a local guide will show you the beauty of Rome illuminated by stars. The tour also includes samples of local wine, cured meats, and cheeses.

Secure your spot here.

3. Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl in Rome with Local Guide

Have a little fun on a tipsy tour. This private bar-hopping tour is led by a guide, who will tell you all sorts of captivating stories about Rome’s history that you don’t hear all that often. Drink more than wine, but liqueur, cocktails, and beer as you stroll along the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument and the Colosseum.

Make your night electric and schedule a tour.

4. Classic Half-Day Wine Tour in Frascati

Get away to Frascati, a part of Roma renowned for its wines and mouthwatering eats, including slow-roasted pork. After arriving at the train station, your half-day tour will take you through the old town, the Castelli Romani, and an antique winery.

It’s there where you’ll try a variety of Roman wines, including white and red, with sweet and mild flavor notes. Combined with the regional treats available, your taste buds will be wholly satisfied.

Schedule your day here.

5. Roman Countryside Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Winery

Set aside four hours for wine tasting in Rome, as this experience is one you won’t forget. Retreat to a Borgo wine cellar, experiencing medieval antiquities as you learn about the ins and outs of winemaking.

After that part of your day concludes, venture to a local restaurant and eat like the Romans do. Your lunch will be made from local, authentic ingredients and include three Italian wine varieties to savor, with access to a sommelier for recommendations.

Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of medieval Rome.

6. Local Wine Tasting

The best wine tasting in the Eternal City is sommelier-led. After all, there’s a difference between tasting and truly savoring wine, and you’ll learn how it’s done. Bring your appetite, as you’ll have cheese and cold cuts to sample with various wines.

This tour has a badge of excellence, so you can rest assured it’s a wonderful way to spend part of your Roman holiday.

Book your exclusive slot now.

7. Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati

Rome is so beautiful, it’s no wonder everyone wants to go. However, crowded environments are hard to appreciate properly.

This tour through Frascati only allows small groups, so you can rest assured there will be plenty of space to enjoy the scenery. Prepare for more than beautiful views, but also a tour through an ancient cave where local spumante and anfora are made.

Eager to claim your spot and enjoy wine tasting in Rome?

Book here before it’s gone.

8. Rome’s Vineyard Symphony: Countryside Wine Tasting Experience

The Vineyard Symphony tour is one of the finest for wine-tasting in Rome. You’ll have access to a 1700s winery, sampling snacks and facility-produced wines while you walk the vineyards. Truly, this tour is what dreams are made of, so don’t miss it!

Reserve your spot here.

9. Rome Trastevere Food Tour with Dinner and Wine

Across three hours, you’ll fully immerse your senses in the wonders of Trastevere , bypassing the commonly-known areas and going straight to the heart. Eat lightly that day, as you’ll sample more than 10 authentic Italian meals, including gelato, cheese, pasta, and pizza.

This tour only allows groups of 10 at a time, so each guest receives a personalized sampling tour worth experiencing.

Don’t miss your chance to go – book here.

10. Wine & Food Pairing Dinner with Sommelier Near the Pantheon

Dining near the Pantheon doesn’t have to be a dream. Make it a reality on this tour, where you’ll enjoy a dinner at a locally-operated restaurant. The food expert on hand will ensure you enjoy only the finest meats, pasta, dessert, and Roman wine.

Save some room, as you will next venture to a private cellar for an aperitivo with cheese, cured meats, and prosecco.

Only groups of 10 can book, so secure your spot.

Wine and Food Pairing: Roman Culinary Delights

The wine tasting tours in Rome, Italy don’t stop there! Experience the best of the best culinary delights with this curated selection of tours.

Wine and Cheese Tasting in Rome

Roman wine may go best with cheese, which you should agree with after this two-hour tour of artisanal Italian cheeses and fine wines. Drink three wine varieties and savor nine types of countrywide cheeses with a sommelier who will suggest the best pairings.

All this takes place in Trastevere’s historic district, an alluring backdrop.

Don’t wait to sample wine tasting in Rome – book your spot now.

Pasta-Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Make it a hands-on experience by learning to make authentic Italian pasta in Frascati during this exciting, immersive tour. In between your cooking lessons, you’ll visit a family-operated winery to drink IGT white and DOCG red wines.

The experience wraps up with a meal served to you with the pasta you made and a perfect wine pairing. It’s an excellent day for two.

Book your culinary adventure here.

Rome Food Tour by Sunset with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

This award-winning tour in Barolo promises a nonstop supply of food and wine. What could be better?

Well, perhaps a local guide who knows everything about Roma offering food and wine pairing suggestions. They’ll take you through the best parts of the Prati district while you walk and eat everything from pizza to cured meat.

With only 13 spots available per group, you won’t want to wait to book – do it here.

Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City

Venture through Trionfale and Prati, stopping by four venues to sample balsamic vinegar aged for more than two decades, rich truffles, and the best pizza in Rome. Along the way, DOCG wines like Vermentino are free-flowing all day.

Gear up your taste buds and book here.

Wine-Tasting Etiquette in Rome

Wine tasting in Rome is about having fun and tantalizing your taste buds, but this region of Italy has cultural nuances and expectations like any other.

Here are some tips for making your tour the best part of your trip:

• Choose the right footwear : Athletic shoes, flip-flops, wedges, platforms, and heels are not advisable. Instead, wear shoes like sandals, loafers, flats, or boat shoes.
• Tips are allowed : You’re not expected to tip, but the tour guides and sommeliers are always grateful if you do.
• Wear bright hues : Dressing this way isn’t about grabbing attention, but saving your outfit if you spill wine on it. Avoid anything white or light gray.
• You can ask questions : In fact, tour guides appreciate curious guests. You’re paying for the experience, so squeeze the most out of it.
• Use smudge – free makeup : This goes double for lipstick. You don’t want to smear it on every wine glass or get it on your face.
• Grab the wineglass by the stem : Although it feels more natural to hold the wineglass around the bowl, your fingers should daintily wrap around the stem instead. You can see the wine better and keep the glass fingerprint-free (for the most part).
• Follow the three S’s : Wine isn’t meant to be gulped down in one swallow. When you receive a glass for sampling, swirl it around to oxygenate it, smell it, then sip. Move the wine in your mouth before swallowing to get the full depth of flavor.

FAQs About Wine Tasting in Rome

Have you got your flight ticket booked, but you still have a few more questions about touring Roma for its wines, sights, and fine cuisine? Check out these helpful FAQs.

How to Choose the Right Wine-Tasting Tour?

The optimal wine-tasting tour should gel with your schedule and budget . Look for tours that offer the experiences you seek, whether you want to visit exclusive locales, see how wine is made, or tour in small groups.

Are Reservations Required for Wine Tastings in Rome?

This depends on the tour, as some offer access to places not generally open to the public or control tour group size for a better experience. They often require a reservation.

What Are the Best Wine Bars in Rome?

Wine tasting in Rome doesn’t always require a tour guide. Il Goccetto has shelves and racks of wine, so there’s a flavor for everyone. Rimessa Roscioli near the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori has some of the best chefs and sommeliers in Roma.

Cantina Belsiana , another five-star wine bar , allows dogs and offers outdoor seating so you can enjoy your glass of wine after sunset or at night.

What Did Wine Taste Like in Ancient Rome?

Certainly nothing like how it tastes today! Since the ancient Romans imbued their wine with seawater, spices, and honey, it had a unique and somehow sweet taste.

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Best Wine Tasting Tours in Rome

LAST UPDATED BY Nicole Arriaga August 6, 2012

If you can't make it out to Tuscany, don't fret. There are plenty of places where you can taste good wine in Rome . From going on a wine tour to attending a wine tasting at an enoteca or gourmet food shop in Rome; there are plenty of options for those who want to stay in or near the city.

In Italian, a wine tasting is called a degustazione . Degustazioni or wine tastings are typically held in enotecas, which are specialty wine shops. Usually the wine you're tasting is accompanies by a light snack or spuntino which can be anything from olives, crostini or even formaggi (cheese). Some of the enotecas not only serve and sell wine by the bottle or glass but they also have a full-fledged restaurant as well. A popular enoteca in the Prati area that often features wine tastings is Enoteca Costantini . Here you can drink, eat and even inquire about tours at their nearby local vineyard in the Castelli Romani. Another place where you can go is Eataly . A newcomer on the scene in Rome, this mega gourmet food shop in Ostiense features all sorts of tastings from mozzarella and other cheeses to beer and wine. 

Perhaps, you might decide you want to latch on to a tour company that leads you out to the local vineyards in the Castelli Romani or takes you on a wine walk to some of the best enoteche in Rome to teach you what to look for in a glass of wine. Context Travel is a leader in sustainable travel tours in various topics including food and wine. Check out 10Best's list for more recommendations.

Eating Italy Food Tours

Not exactly a 'wine tour' but the founder of Eating Italy Food Tours, Kenny Dunn does touch a little bit about wine during his 3-hour food tour. What's nice about this tour is that Kenny take you away from your comfort zone, out of the center of Rome and invites you to this typical working-class neighborhood called Testaccio. Here, tourists get the chance to go on a tour and learn about the history of the open air-market in Testaccio, taste food from the famous gourmet specialty food shop Volpetti, and sample other dishes and desserts from various pizza shops, restaurants and gelaterie.

Local Expert tip : Kenny likes to keep his tour groups small (8-10 people). Therefore, it's wise to book before your trip to Rome.

Read more about Eating Italy Food Tours →

Get ready because Eataly has touched down in Rome. The giant gourmet food chain opened up its romana location in the former air terminal at Ostiense station right along side with Italy's newest and fastest (and private) railway Italo. The new Italian culinary complex is the biggest store to date. It covers over 17,000 meters of space and is spread out over 4 floors. At the food market, one can shop from over 14,000 different 'Made in Italy' products to choose from. Eataly also features more than 23 restaurants and snack bars. There are also tasting stands where one can sample some of the finest Roman and Italian delicacies while crossing off all of your items on your shopping list. Eataly also organizes degustazioni (wine tastings) of wines from various regions from Lazio, Sicily and Calabria to Tuscany and Trentino. At Eataly, one can embark on a cooking class by getting their hands dirty in the cucina and learn from some of the Italia's finest top chefs.

Local Expert tip : Service can sometimes be iffy here especially in the restaurant sections of the food complex. Make sure to ask all of your questions and get information on where to go first from the information booth located on the ground floor. Otherwise, you may run into some not so pleasant servers and cashiers who don't always enjoy answering questions. Sadly.

Read more about Eataly →

Enoteca Costantini

Whether you're looking for that unique bottle of wine to bring back home or a nice quiet place to sit and indulge in glass of Brunello, Enoteca Costantini is your place. Located in the prominent Piazza Cavour, Costantini was born in 1972. It was one the first enoteca to open in up in Rome. Today, the shop features more than 800 labels of wines and over a thousand different types of spirits. BUS:492, 30, 49.

Local Expert tip : The enoteca also organizes wine tastings, courses and tours at the family's owned vineyard in the Castelli Romani. Make sure to inquire about all of them.

Read more about Enoteca Costantini →

Città del Gusto

Citt? del Gusto is a culinary institution specializing in what else? Food. Well, they also specialize in wine as well. The gastronomical complex is spread out over six stories which includes a wine car, a caf? and restaurant, a book shop, an exhibition and conference hall where special events are organized. They also hold cooking classes for both amateurs and those seeking to be a professional chef. Citt? del Gusto also features monthly wine-tasting events showcasing wines from Sicily and Sardegna to Tuscany and the Veneto regions. METRO: Marconi

Local Expert tip : Every year, Citt? del Gusto sponsors the Roma Wine Festival, a two day event featuring workshops, presentations and tastings hosted by some of the leading experts, wine enthusiasts and sommeliers.

Read more about Città del Gusto →

Context Travel Tours Rome

Context Travel is an American tour comany operating in cities all over Italy and Europe. What makes their 'tours' so special is that they're not actually tours but rather small walking seminars. Rather than using tour guides, Context uses professors, docents and experts in the field to lead the walks. Their walks are catered to the 'intellectually curious' or people who are interested in taking a class while on vacation rather than just following a typical tour guide with an umbrella. Context firmly believes in sustainable travel. Therefore, their walking seminars never exceed more than 8 people per group. Their seminars cover everything from Ancient and Religious Rome, Renaissance and Baroque Art, Architecture, Food seminars and even wine tastings. Context has a specialized wine walk lead in Rome by a professional sommelier. During the course, the sommelier takes the group to two typical enoteche where he/she teaches you about the history of wine making, seasonal wines and how to pair your wine with certain foods.

Local Expert tip : Context Travel also leads walking seminars in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and also in Beijing.

Read more about Context Travel Tours Rome →

Katie Parla Tours

Katie Parla is a food and travel writer based in Rome who does small, private specialized tours on food, wine, art and archeaology. Around Italy, she is considered to be a food guru and has a pretty extensive blog to show for it www.parlafood.com. Per request, she can take you on tours teaching you about traditional Roman Cuisine, Rome's Open Air Markets, Craft Beer, and Local Regional Wines. Her specialty wine tour takes a look at the bureacracy behind the wine industry in Italy, history of wine making and also teaches you how to pair your wine with the appropriate foods. Katie has written for various travel publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Insight Guides, TimeOut, Fodors and the New York Times. She is also a trainer sommelier.

Local Expert tip : Katie has a smart phone dining app out now called 'Rome for Foodies.'

Read more about Katie Parla Tours →

Dark Rome Tours

Dark Rome is one of the top tour groups in Rome specializing in everything from historical and religious sights to culinary tours and wine tastings in the local vineyards. Dark Rome does an exceptional wine tour near Rome in the local nearby vineyards of Frascati. The tour is roughly 3.5 hours long where travelers get to visit one of the oldest vineyards belonging to the Pallavincini estate in the Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) region. On the tour, visitors will get to visit over 200 acres of the estate's vines, learn about the process of making wine and sample three different types of red and white wines explained by a professionally-trained sommelier.

Local Expert tip : Frascati is only about a 30-40 minute drive from Rome, which makes taking a tour of the vineyards much easier than making a day trip from Rome to Montalcino in Tuscany.

Read more about Dark Rome Tours →

Walks of Italy Tours

Walks of Italy is an American company that specializes in small English-language led tours of major historical sights in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Milan, Umbria, Pompei and the Amalfi coast. They feature tours on the Vatican Museums and the Roman Forum to the leaning tower of Pisa and the Uffizi museum in Florence. They also organize culinary tours and cooking classes. If you wish to visit the vineyards of Tuscany, they arrange for a full day on a private farmhouse. The tour includes a full home cooked meal, wine tastings and lessons on truffles and how to make cheese.

Local Expert tip : Walks of Italy Tours have been featured in Rick Steves' guidebooks, USA Today and the company even earned some exporsure in Showtime's docu-film, The Borgias.

Read more about Walks of Italy Tours →

When in Rome Tours

When in Rome Tours takes wine enthusiasts on a tour of three different towns in the Castelli Romani. The tour takes you to three family-run vineyards in Tenimento di Casamara, Velletri e Montecompatri. The tour starts off in a family run vineyard and wine cellar that dates back to the 1700s. Visitors will get to taste various different white and red wines from the Frascati region including Frascati Doc. Tourists will also get the chance to sample extra-virgin olive oil and visit the historical city center of Frascati.

Local Expert tip : Frascati is a great option for touring the vineyards as it's only 30 minutes from Rome.

Read more about When in Rome Tours →

A 1999 trip to the Bel Paese and a kiss from an Italian boy made Nicole fall in love with Rome. Not being able to stop thinking about cappuccinos and her Italian amore, Nicole Arriaga packed...   More About Nicole

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Nicole says, Don't leave Rome without exploring the city’s street markets. You'll get great bargains on food and clothes, and see Roman culture come alive.

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15 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Rome and Wine Bars in 2023

In this post, you will find a local guide to the best wine tastings in Rome , Italy.

Contemporary Romans appreciate wrapping up a day of work or leisure over a glass of wine.

Although beer culture has become very popular in recent years, red and white wine remains the first choice when it comes to accompanying the delicacies of the local cuisine.

Sparkling wine, on the other hand, is a must when it comes to toasting a happy event, be it a birthday, a declaration of love, the achievement of a goal, or in the summer.

Wine is also an important component of the Roman aperitivo , or antipasti , when it goes with cheese, street food, and finger foods.

In the wine bars of the Eternal City, it is customary to combine wine tasting with cheese tasting, but not only. 

By reading the post you will find out what are the most popular pairings in contemporary Rome.

Tuscan wines always remain the most beloved, along with those from Veneto and Puglia. 

However, locals also know and appreciate wines produced in the vineyards near Rome , such as Frascati , Cerveteri , and Montefiascone .

Thanks to the slow food movement and new food awareness, organic wines or “ natural wines ,” as they call them in town, have become very popular. 

I will dedicate part of the post to the places that offer them.

Where to have the best wine tastings in Rome, Italy

Wine tours in rome.

If you are only in town for a few days, taking part in a wine tour with a local guide might be the wisest choice.

The best wine tours are designed to offer only the best wine and food in town and are continually checked for quality, so it’s hard to go wrong. 

The guide will also provide you with crucial information about food and wine culture in Rome and introduce you to the most popular neighborhoods for foodies. 

So you will also know how to go back there on your own! 

The group will offer moments for conviviality and sharing.

Here are the best wine tours in Rome right now:

1. Sunset wine-tasting tour in Trastevere

What better place to start your tasting trip than the most popular neighborhood in Rome for foodies , Trastevere ?

For decades a symbol of authentic Romanity, it is now a destination for culinary wanderings for tourists and locals alike.

On the tour, which lasts about 4 hours, there are 20 tastings in 4 different venues and you start with the trapizzino , the trendiest street food in Rome .

How could it be more delicious, a corner of pizza bread stuffed with typical Roman (or Italian) dishes, even vegetarian, accompanied by wine, but that’s just the beginning. 

It continues with cheese and charcuterie tasting and ends with homemade pasta and genuine gelato.

2. Morning wine tasting with a visit to the food market

If the time of day when you are most craving tantalizing food is in the morning, then lean toward an early morning wine-tasting tour.

There is a tour that will take you to discover the food market in the upscale Prati district , adjacent to the Vatican but almost unknown to tourists.

The tour begins with a sweet surprise, the best Sicilian cannoli in Rome, so I recommend you have a very light breakfast at your hotel.

The highlight of the tour is the world’s most famous Roman pizza al taglio , that of chef Gabriele Bonci. 

You will taste many types of pizza by the slice (you know Romans are crazy about a soft, crispy pizza topped with many different foods) accompanied by excellent DOCG wine .

There is also cheese and cold cuts tasting, and they will continually refill your glass.

The morning ends with a tasting of the most popular dessert in Rome : tiramisu.

3. Evening wine-tasting tour in the Prati neighborhood

4. gluten-free wine-tasting in rome.

Travelers with food intolerances might think they will suffer all the time looking at the food they cannot eat, but they are wrong. 

Rome is full of restaurants that have an eye out for those who need to eat gluten-free, you just have to know how to find them!

There is by the way a gluten-free food tour with dinner and a tasting of local wines (it includes an excellent pizza). 

Even those without food intolerances will love every taste provided on the tour.

During the 5 stops, you will discover Rome’s Jewish ghetto , famous for osterias and good food, Campo dei Fiori, and Piazza Navona. 

The dinner based on traditional Roman dishes (all gluten-free) is served in front of the ruins that saw the end of Julius Caesar.

5. Wine tasting in Rome city center

If you have little time to get to know Rome and its delicacies, it will be best to combine a visit to the city’s most beautiful monuments with tasting the best food.

You can do this with a guided tour that will take you on a discovery of the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Rome’s most beautiful piazza while you tantalize your taste buds.

You start at the historic Campo dei Fiori food market , where you’ll enjoy a platter of genuine cheeses and hams made in the Abruzzo town of Norcia, accompanied by red wine.

You will also sample Roman pizza al taglio and admire one of the most beautiful squares in the world while enjoying the world’s most delicious dessert, Tiramisu.

The tasting tour ends on a high note with gelato made with 100% natural ingredients.

Wineries near Rome

With a full day to devote to your taste explorations, you may consider a day trip . 

This way you can get up close and personal with the wines of the Roman countryside. If you’re familiar with this blog, you might have read about the Lucciano Farm , which you can reach only independently.

There are several tours that organize day trips to wineries near Rome .

6. Wine tasting in a medieval winery

The setting for this tour is unique. We are located east of Rome, a few miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Here is the Castello di Torre in Pietra , of medieval origin. The tour takes place in the ancient cellars carved into the rock. 

An expert will accompany you to discover how wine is made.

Lunch is based on local food and includes an appetizer with cold cuts, cheese, and bruschetta.

The first course is a typical Roman pasta.  

The meal is accompanied by the tasting of 3 bottles, the characteristics of which a sommelier will explain.

Wine-tasting tours in Frascati

The Castelli Romani area in the countryside southeast of Rome has become famous for “fraschette.” 

In the middle of the last century, fraschette were cool, damp cellars where diners would sit and drink the new wine, with tables between the barrels. 

Today, fraschette are modern venues somewhere between restaurants and delis where local foods can also be purchased. 

Local wine takes center stage, along with porchetta , a typical Roman street food.

The best-known town near Rome for tasting local wines and food is Frascati. 

Here is how you can join a tour in Frascati.

7. Wine Tasting in Frascati with a pasta-making class

This tour of about 3 hours allows you to visit the vineyards and cellars of a family-run winery in the Frascati countryside.

In addition to tasting 2 types of wine accompanied by sliced meats and cheeses, you will find ready-made ingredients for making pasta with your hands.

You will cook and dress the same pasta with your favorite Roman sauce. This is the most fun tour for sure!

8. Visit a vineyard in Frascati

Probably the best wine-tasting tour in Frascati is this one here. 

This tour lasts half a day and is divided into three stops. First, you reach Frascati by a half-hour train ride from Rome. 

With your guide, you visit the historic center of Frascati with its gourmet stores .

From the town, you will come to a vineyard where a family has been producing high-quality wine for 7 generations. 

After this visit, you will learn all about local wine production. 

There will be 3 wine tastings accompanied by homemade delicacies, including EVO oil farmed there.

The tour ends with dinner at a typical restaurant, so you will be full but happy at the end of the day.

9. Private tour to a vineyard in Frascati

10. You can do a Tuscany wine tour from Rome

In case you want to visit the Italian region most famous for wine and EVO oil production then what you need is a wine-tasting tour in Tuscany from Rome .

This tour that will take you to Val d’Orcia , the Unesco World Heritage region in southern Tuscany, lasts a full day.

The places you will visit have the typical postcard beauty.

First, you will see the village of Montepulciano, where a local wine famous throughout Italy is produced. There are very old cellars here, dating back to pre-Roman times.

Afterward, your guide will take you to discover a Renaissance church that is a real hidden gem in Tuscany , the church of San Biagio.

At this point, you will be very hungry. It is time to head to a farmhouse for lunch. Here you will taste the wines produced by your host winery and have a hearty 3-course meal. 

Have you ever heard of Brunello di Montalcino wine? You will taste it here in many varieties!

The tour ends with a free tour of Pienza, one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany .

Best wine bars in Rome

In case you want to explore the wine bars in Rome and plan your own wine and cheese tasting in Rome , here are some of the best places to do so.

Sit down and take a look at the menu. Order a glass of wine and have it accompanied by a cheese and/or charcuterie board, and some bruschetta, and you’re all set!

11. Cul de Sac

Here is one of the first wine bars to open in Rome. Cul de Sac is located a few steps away from the stunning Piazza Navona , so you will definitely pass by it.

Here you can find wines from Italy and all over the world, including natural wines . 

Among the highlights of the dishes are the meat pâtés.

12. Rimessa Roscioli

The Roscioli family’s premises are a landmark for foodies in Rome’s historic center. The bakery led the way, then came the patisserie, and after that came the wine bar.

It is run by an international team. The location is Rome’s Jewish ghetto.

Pairings with some of their wines are suggested on the menu. 

There are also first and second courses which are sophisticated with even some seafood crudes and risottos.

Rimessa Roscioli organizes wine-themed evenings and also hosts a wine club . 

If you want to get bottles to send home, they can arrange that.

13. Il Goccetto

One of the most popular wine bars in Rome is Il Goccetto , a tiny place where it is difficult to find a seat, even at the bar.

Il Goccetto is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Rome, halfway between Piazza della Chiesa Nuova and the Lungotevere.

The sign on the door of the restaurant says “Vino Olio,” and indeed you can taste both wine and oil here. The specialty, however, is the wines.

Here you will find some very expensive wines next to some semi-unknown ones and also natural wines.

The menu is all about wine tasting, so there’s plenty of room for small, medium, or large cured meats and cheeses , crostini, bruschetta, and many other appetizers.

If you can only choose one wine bar to visit in Rome, come here without hesitation. 

The only downside is that you may have to wait a bit before sitting down, but it’s worth it.

14. La Barrique

The venue is located in the quaint Rione Monti , an evening hangout for Romans in their 30s and 50s, one of the hipster neighborhoods in Rome.

The place is warm and welcoming, with wines to suit all budgets. 

It features popular local cuisine, in fact here you will find not only appetizers but also the actual dishes of the Roman tradition.

The cost of the dishes is between €6 and €14. The highlight is the polpette di bollito (meatballs).

15. L’antidoto

This wine bar is located in the heart of Trastevere. The Antidote is run by 3 friends with a passion for natural wines. So know that if you sit here, it will be to drink organic wine .

Go ahead and ask about the bottles-the staff really knows everything about both the production and the producers.

And, for once, put the Roman dishes on hold and have the wine tasting accompanied by refined and unusual food combinations.

This has been a real journey through the wine culture in my city. 

Now you have a lot of knowledge to take with you while you are wine-tasting in Rome.

Further readings

• Where to find the best gelato in Rome
• Rome for foodies: a local’s guide
• The best neighborhoods in Rome
• The most beautiful views in Rome
• Most famous landmarks in Rome
• The best food to try in Lazio

I’m Lisa, an Italian from Rome who one day discovered she finds incredible joy in traveling to new places. With this blog, I help you discover Italy (especially Rome and its surroundings) as a local would. Find out more about me here .

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• Food & Drink

Top 6 Best Places for Wine Tasting in Rome

If you’re in Rome and want to explore the wonderful and complex world that is Italian wines , you don’t have to take a trip to Tuscany to go wine tasting. (Though you should! It’s beautiful!) Throughout the Eternal City, there are wine and food tours that can help your taste buds become a little more familiar with the deep red goodness swirling in your glass.

Italian Food & Wine Journey

Want to take an entire journey through pairing Italian wines with food from the comfort of a local trattoria ? Then join Master Sommelier Marco for an evening in which you’ll taste 6 top-quality wines next to 6 classic Italian dishes. What makes this wine tasting dinner unique from the rest is that you’ll not only learn which wines enhance which food – you’ll experience which pairings can have drastic consequences, too! Dinners take place at a Roman trattoria just outside of Trastevere, and last around 3 hours.

The small tour company, Enjoy Rome, takes wine tasters on one tour that seems to cover the best Rome has to offer : art, food and wine. The “Caravaggio and Wine Tasting Walking Tour” is a 3-hour wine tasting and walking tour of Rome’s historic center. It starts in Piazza del Popolo and the church of St. Maria del Popolo where two famous paintings by Caravaggio hang, and it finishes at a wine bar where the wine tasting is hosted. It’s a perfect way to get to know the Eternal City just a little bit better.

Rome Tasting

This short wine and food tasting happens in a local wine bar with history, specializing in the wines and foods of the Lazio region. Be guided as you try a glass of Bellone, Frascati Superiore, and Nero Buona paired with regional cheeses and dried meats. In addition to knowing more about the taste and colors of the wines of Lazio, you’ll walk away with a sense of the history of the countryside they come from. When in Rome, why not drink and eat what’s from the region?

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Join us for a Wine and Food Stroll where you’ll taste beautiful wines and foods from six of Italy’s top wine-producing regions – without setting foot outside Rome!

Katie Parla

Katie Parla sometimes seems to be the one-woman food-and-beverage Rome show . And that’s great when she puts her wine knowledge (certified by AIS) to work for you. In addition to her food tours, Katie Parla gives wine tastings to small groups of people. The 2 standard wine tastings that Katie offers are “Introduction to Italian Wines” and “Natural Wines.” Each of these takes place in a local wine bar and will give you the knowledge to bravely venture alone into the large world of Italian and natural wines.

Roscioli isn’t a wine tour company or an individual or only a restaurant. Walk inside the main shop and the walls of wine, the counter with fresh cheeses and meats, will stun you. Wine tastings are held in another location 300m from them at Via del Conservatorio 58 at Rimessa Roscioli . Eight wines, picked by the sommelier, are paired with cheeses, meats, and even dessert from the Roscioli kitchen. Contact them for an evening in Rome to remember (or perhaps, to forget, depending on how much wine you drink!).

Vino Roma might just be the wine tasting place in Rome that you’re looking for. Based in Monti, Vino Roma’s wine studio is where the sipping takes place. The studio and cellar were designed with only wine, drinking, storing, enjoying, in mind. Vino Roma has 3 different wine tasting packages to please everyone. “My Italians” covers the basics of Italian wines; “Sparkling Saturdays” takes you through the varied and surprising world of sparkling Italian wines; and “Wine & Cheese Lunch” pairs great Italian wines with great Italian meats, cheeses and breads—and it’s sometimes surprising why certain pairs work and others don’t.

Oh and if you need to test your knowledge post tour, Rome is full of enotecas (wine bars) for you to sample!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * When in Rome Avoid the tourist traps and taste the best of the Vatican area!

Join us on our Vatican Area Private Tour for Foodies:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This post was originally published on October 10, 2016.

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Eternal Rome: Jewish Ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere

Explore the historic Campo de' Fiori market, tasting unique dishes in the Jewish Ghetto and enjoying VIP access to top restaurants in Trastevere, including a Slow Food Presidium.

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Taste of Testaccio: Food & Market Tour

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Eating Rome: Trastevere Pasta Making Class

About Kenny Dunn

Kenny’s love for European cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009. He fell in love with the city’s backstreet eateries, and even more with the people and stories behind each dish. Now he's turned his passion into food tours, so  Eating Europe  guests can also share a taste of local life.

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Where to go wine tasting in Rome in 2024

Jul 1, 2023 | Winery Tours in Italy | 0 comments

Embracing Italy’s aperitivo culture is one of the best parts about any trip to the boot. And given most travelers will fly into Rome or visit the eternal city at some stage, it goes without saying that you’ll want to get in a few wine tastings in Rome.

Table of Contents

We are lucky enough to live in Rome and you best believe we sip our way around some of the best wine bars in Rome (for strict research purposes of course!) Keep reading to discover the best wine tasting in Rome whether you just want to enjoy a fun aperitivo during your travels or are a serious wine connossieur. 

We’ll also highlight some wine tasting from Rome experiences to try with a tour or self-guided, and how you can enjoy a Tuscany wine tour from Rome all in one day. 

10 Best Places to go W ine Tasting in Rome Italy

Here’s our top tips for R ome wine tasting in the historical center and in some of our favorite neighbourhoods like Testaccio (ours!) and Trastevere. 

1. Da Corrado – Testaccio

This is a little market stall in the Testaccio Market and one of our favorites! That said, it’s only open during market hours (until 2.30pm or thereabouts). Corrado the owner offers wine tasting events every Saturday morning and stocks a fantastic range of mostly organic wines from all over Italy. You can also visit during the week and pop in for a glass of wine – he has a particular passion for Piemontese wines so this is a great place to try them if Piedmont isn’t in your travel plans. 

2. Roscioli Rimessa – Jewish Ghetto

Roscioli are a Roman institute popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Rimessa is their best location to get an education on Italian wine. You can opt for either a Flight Tasting or a Wine and Food Tasting dinner depending on your budget and the kind of experience you’d like.

The Flight Tasting can be booked privately and runs from 11am-7pm everyday. You can try 5 wines for 25 euros and from 5pm onwards there will also be a sommelier on hand to explain each of the wines in detail.

Instead the Wine and Food Dinner is a group experience between everyone who books and a dedicated sommelier. You get to try 8 different wines from all over Italy and enjoy them paired with 12 small bites of food. There is a dedicated sommelier on hand who explains each wine and dish and a chance to interact with the sommelier, ask questions and then enjoy your food and wine. It’s a really fun experience that we would recommend for wine connoisseurs as well as complete novices!

3. Vino Roma – Monti

This wonderful social club in central Monti is a great place to start your wine education when it comes to Italian wines. They offer fun group wine tastings and you can choose from a few different options including one with dinner. This is probably for anyone with an interest in wine in general as they’ll teach you how to properly taste wine and give you an understanding of which wine is made where across all the regions of Italy.

4. Bar Bozzo – Garbatella

Firmly off the tourist path, Garbatella is a real local southern Roman suburb not too far from the centre. If you love natural and organic wines, and want to rub shoulders with locals then this cool wine bar is for you! Be sure to book a table because there is very limited seating inside! 

5.  Enotecca L’Antidoto – Trastevere

If you’re traveling to Rome, Trastevere will undoubtedly be on your hit list of destinations to explore. Perhaps you’re even staying in this pretty ivy-draped part of town! Whatever the case, you’ll want to add this trendy wine bar to your list. Also a great location for those interested in tasting organic or natural wines and if you’re looking for a bar that can offer great food! Again be sure to book a table as there are only a few inside.

6. Latteria Trastevere – Trastevere

Another great option for a wine tasting or aperitivo in Trastevere is Latteria Trastevere! Here you can try wine from all over the boot and pair it with delicious cheese (in fact latteria in Italian means cheese shop). We like to grab a table outside so we can people watch and enjoy all the comings and goings in the neighborhood at the same time.

7. Il Goccetto – historical centre

Il Goccetto is a long-standing bar down a pretty cobblestone street in the city center that we first discovered in 2019. It’s a lovely wine bar that’s best for aperitivo with some little nibbles rather than a full-on wine tasting. You can also buy bottles to bring home from this enoteca (wine shop).

8. L’Angolo Di Vino – city centre

Just around the corner from Campo de Fiori, this is a great wine bar to add to your list if you’re staying in the historical center! It stocks an impressive collection of wines from all around the country piled high throughout the shop. Again, it’s better for an aperitivo rather than a traditional wine tasting. 

9. Circoletto – Circus Maximus

From the creators of Roman restaurant Trecca, we knew this wine bar was going to be great. Located just across from Circus Maximus, you might expect this place to be touristy. But it definitely delivers a great wine tasting experience! It’s ideal for trying natural wines from all around the country and pairs them with tasty, modern dishes.

10. Piano C – San Giovanni

Totally off the tourist radar, we love the San Giovanni neighborhood! It’s a place where regular Romans live and you won’t see many tourists unless they’re off to nearby Santo Palato. Piano C is a gorgeous little wine bar with delicious natural wines from all over the country and they serve tasty modern plates alongside your glass.

Inspired to join a wine tasting or try some wine tours from Rome ? Let us know in the comments your favorite place to drink wine in Rome!

The Best Venice Wine Tours to Try in 2024

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The 5 Best Winery Tours From Rome [2022 Reviews]

While you can always enjoy a glass of wine at your favorite restaurant or pour a glass from a bottle you have at home, there’s nothing quite like tasting the wines made in the various regions of Italy.

Made with the same ancient methods used during the Roman Empire, these wines just might take you back to another place and time. Also see: Wineries and Vineyards From Rome – Travel Guide .

Best Winery Tours From Rome

Quick answer:the 5 best winery & vineyard tours from rome.

• San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour
• Frascati Food & Wine: Full Day Countryside Tour
• Tuscany Taster Tour with Lunch and Wine
• Tuscany Wine Tour from Rome with Private Driver
• Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting Tour

Winery & Vineyard Tours From Rome Reviews

#1 san gimignano & siena: small group wine tour.

• Departure Point : Pick-up and Drop Off Service
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM
• Duration : 1 Day (approx.)
• Includes : van transportation, expert escort, wine tasting, light lunch

First up is San Gimignano, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its colorful history as well as its impact on the region’s wine culture. In fact, this area is known for it’s popular Vernaccia white wine, which you will be able to taste along with many others in the wine cellar.

Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the medieval charm that San Gimignano is famous for before heading to the winery to learn more about the process of making wine. Next up is a light lunch at a local restaurant.

Before heading back to Rome through that same beautiful countryside, you’ll stop at Siena. Their public square at the center of the city holds historical significance and is another UNESCO-listed site.

The Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio del Siena horse races are held. Enjoy Mangia Tower and the imposing beauty of the Duomo.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:

#2 frascati food & wine: full day countryside tour.

• Departure Point : Hotel Pick-up
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Duration : 6 Hours (approx.)
• Includes : expert guide, car/van transportation, several wine tastings, light lunch, guided tour of Castel Gandolfo

On your way to the area of Castello Romani, your expert guide will share fascinating information about the area, from its history and traditions to the wines that are popular there.

At your first stop, you’ll taste two to three wines, depending on what the producer has available. Learn even more about the ancient techniques they still use today.

Then you’ll head to the second stop where you will enjoy several more wines along with a light lunch. Your guide will take you to Abbazi of San Nilo and tell you the tales, and legends, of the location.

With a guided tour and skip-the-line access to Castel Gandolfo, you’ll see for yourself just how far back the history of this region goes.

The last stop will give you a bird’s eye view of a beautiful volcanic lake as well as the city of Nemi. You won’t want to miss the views, or the photo ops either!

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

#3 tuscany taster tour with lunch and wine.

• Departure Point : Piazza del Popolo, Rome
• Departure Time : 7:30 AM
• Duration : 13 hours (approx.)
• Includes : round-trip transportation, guided tour of Montepulciano, headset if needed, gourmet lunch, wine tasting, expert English-speaking guide

Your expert guide will take you on a walking tour of Montepulciano. Here, you can even see ruins that pre-date the Roman Empire. Set in the hills, the views all around you are breathtaking.

Sant’Antimo Abbey features beautiful and ornate Medieval architecture, seemingly out of place in a quiet valley. Next up is lunch and you will enjoy 3 traditional courses as well as appropriate wines all inside the wine cellar of a vineyard farmhouse.

The last stop will be Pienza where you will be given ample time for independent exploration. Duck into a few shops to snag some souvenirs for those back home, or even yourself.

Don’t miss out on the Pecorino cheeses made here as well as the bold, smooth balsamic vinegars.

#4 Tuscany Wine Tour from Rome with Private Driver

• Departure Point : Variety available
• Departure Time : 8:30 AM
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Private transportation and tours of the vineyards in Montepulciano, Pienza, and Orvieto

Here you will sip wines from their world famous vineyards and have time to shop and explore the towns.

Your expert guide will take you on a tour through the vineyards first, to tell you about the history of growing grapes here and how it has changed over millennia.

In fact, there have been artifacts unearthed that show grapes were being grown in this area specifically to make wine as far back as the 5 th -century BCE.

You’ll then head into the wine cellar where your guide will tell you about the ancient winemaking techniques still used to today, and how they use them to make the wonderful wines the region is famous for.

Enjoy a taste of several wines, paired with local products such as cheeses and breads.

The Renaissance popes, many of the elite of the Roman Empire, and poets and artists throughout the centuries have enjoyed the wines made here. Shouldn’t you try them too?

#5 Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting Tour

• Departure Point : Hotel Pick-Up and Drop Off
• Departure Time : Varies
• Duration : 3 hours (approx.)
• Includes : round trip transportation, Wi-Fi, water, wine tasting, guided tour

The 3 rd -century caverns beneath the vineyard are lined with French oak barrels that are used in the winemaking process. The architecture above ground dates back to the 17 th -century.

Today, the traditional winemaking methods that can be dated to as far back as early Roman days are still in use.

After a guided tour of the vineyards where you will learn more about the grapes used to make wine and what makes them special.

You’ll then head into the wine cellar to taste several wines that have been selected by the master winemaker for your visit.

Not only will you be able to taste the richness of these wines, but you’ll also be offered freshly pressed olive oil to taste. Both the wines and the oils are accompanied by oven-baked bread baked just for your arrival.

Wineries and Vineyards From Rome – Travel Guide

Visitors to Rome can enjoy more than just ancient buildings and history. It is also a great place to dine on fine Italian cuisine and sample world-renowned wines from Frascati and Tuscany. You’ll also want to be aware of accommodations, the expected weather, and even other attractions you may want to visit while visiting Rome.

As you learn more about vacationing in Rome, you may want to plan for a few extra days to truly get the most out of your time in this ancient city. What attractions are you looking forward to the most when you visit Rome? Where do you plan on staying? We’d love to hear about your plans! If you’ve already visited Rome, let us know what you enjoyed the most.

Airports & Entry

When headed to Rome, you’ll most likely land at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport . This airport is the largest in Italy. Most foreign tourists, no matter their final destination in Italy, land in Rome. This means the airport is usually very crowded. However, this airport is also fairly easy to navigate.

To visit Italy, you must have a valid passport that has at least six months remaining before expiration. You can stay up to 90 days in the country for business or tourist reasons without a visa so long as your passport is valid.

Planning Tips

Before you start packing your bags, you’ll want to know how to make your trip easier and how to get the most out of your time in Rome. These top 5 planning tips can help you do just that.

Tip #1: Dress Appropriately for Your Wine And Countryside Tour

Touring vineyards isn’t the same as visiting a museum or church, so you’ll want to dress appropriately. A comfortable pair of sandals or shoes is essential. You may need to walk on grass or uneven surfaces, so leave your heels behind. A sunhat and sunglasses will prove invaluable during the heat of summer, and light clothes, like a summer dress, will help you stay cool. And don’t forget your sunscreen.

Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance

There are millions of visitors to Rome and the vineyards of Frascati and Tuscany every year. This means that some of the attractions or tours you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive. Some of the more personal and exclusive vineyard tours only take 6 people at a time.

If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, some attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours. While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.

Tip #3: Choose A Wine Tour

If you plan on enjoying a visit to Tuscany or a tour of the vineyards, purchasing a guided tour is a good idea. Tours of Tuscany are very popular and may be sold out in advance. With a guided tour, like the ones we’ve reviewed above, you are guaranteed a place. Plus, you will be able to skip the lines at many of the vineyards you visit on your tour.

Tip #4: Only Carry What You Need

Walking around the historical caverns of Santa Benedetta or watching the fascinating process of wine production in a winery, you don’t want to be weighed down by heavy purses, bags, etc. Organize yourself so you can carry your essentials and leave bulky items behind.

You’ll most certainly want a good camera if you visit the unique village of San Gimignano, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient architecture you will remember for a lifetime. In Rome itself, note that large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other large items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.

Tip #5: If Possible, Visit During May, June Or September

You can enjoy a tour of Tuscany and the vineyards any time of the year. However, the countryside is at its most colorful in May and the start of June, when temperatures hover around 77 o F. On the other hand, the vineyards look especially impressive in September, when the wine villages are preparing for the harvest.

Restaurants & Eating Out

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Right? There is no better time to follow this rule than when it comes to wining and dining. The world-renowned wines of Frascati and Tuscany served at the better restaurants were produced using the same time-tested techniques used during the time of the Roman Empire.

Eating out in Rome is probably much more affordable than you would’ve thought. Of course, you’ll want to savor a true Italian pizza. The best place for this is La Gatta Mangiona. This casual restaurant is well known for its thin crust pizzas and may very well have been the start of the pizza craze in Rome.

If you’re looking for lighter fare, stop by Il Forno Campo de’ Fiori . The restaurant serves up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and light snacks. The bakery next door produces delicious biscuits, pastries, and more. Both the restaurant and the bakery offer take out so you can avoid the long lines.

While there are many places to get your fill of gelato in Rome, the Gelateria del Teatro is one of the most popular. You’ll find all the traditional flavors and occasionally come across an experiment or two. Have you ever tried raspberry and sage gelato?

NOTE : When it comes to leaving a tip at a restaurant, it’s important not to be too generous. Tipping more than 10% is often frowned upon. Also, you’ll rarely have an opportunity to leave a tip when using a debit or credit card. You’ll want to have a few euros on hand for tips as well as small purchases.

Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in Rome is just as mixed as the combination of both ancient and modern seen all over the city. The Antica Enoteca has one of the most extensive wine lists in Rome and offers a rustic and casual atmosphere. This is a great place to try a broad variety of wines from Frascati and Tuscany. If you’re looking for a traditional bar, you’ll want to stop by the American Bar at the Hotel Forum.

When it comes to cocktails, Rome offers ingenuity and imagination. Take the Carbonara Sour at Co.So Cocktail & Social, for example. This delicious cocktail might be a little different, containing black pepper and egg whites along with other ingredients, but is one of their most popular drinks.

If cocktails aren’t your thing and you’d rather sit down with a craft beer, stop by Brasserie 4:20. This small pub is warm and welcoming, and so is their list of craft beers on tap, plus a selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and other fine drinks.

Getting Around

While there is a great public transportation system in place, it’s often easier to get around in Rome by walking. You can get nearly everywhere you need to go by lacing up your tennis shoes and going for a stroll. If you’re going a longer distance, you might want to take a bus. A 100-minute bus ticket is quite affordable, as is the day pass.

Renting a car in Rome isn’t a good idea. Those unfamiliar with the city can have a difficult time maneuvering. If car travel is best, you’ll want to take a taxi. You can only grab a taxi in designated areas. Hailing for a cab outside of these areas is frowned upon. Taxis can be on the expensive side but if you’re going a fair distance and you’d rather not take a bus, a taxi can be quite effective.

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations in Rome, you’ll see inexpensive hotels and luxury resorts. The cheaper places to stay are often farther away, very small, or offer very few amenities. Most of these hotels aren’t recommended for tourists. There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Rome, however. The G-Rough is located inside a 16 th -century palazzo and epitomizes the history and art that Rome is famous for.

While staying at a luxury resort is ideal, it may not always be feasible. A great mid-range hotel that offers many of the benefits of a luxury resort without the price tag, is the Nerva Boutique Hotel . With just 19 rooms, guests can enjoy modern design, great food, as well as a great location.

July and August are the hottest months in Rome and Tuscany. The average temperature is somewhere around 78°F. For many, the 48°F average temperature in Rome in January is very mild. However, if you want to enjoy Rome or Tuscany with better chances of great weather, you’ll want to visit in the spring or the fall.

Attractions

Rome is full of attractions you can visit around your visits to vineyards and tour of Tuscany. Vatican City is a must for anybody interested in history or religion. The National Roman Museum is family-friendly and houses many interesting artifacts. The Basilica of San Clemente is not just a church, but also an archaeological site. The newer building at the entry level dates back to the 12 th -century while you can head downstairs to the original basilica built in the 4 th -century AD.

If you’d like to see some of the more ancient attractions around Rome, you have several options. The Roman Forum is the location where Romulus made the founding of the city of Rome official. It was once the epicenter of Roman life. Ostia Antica is just 25-minutes away by train. This location was once a thriving center of commerce. Today, you can explore over 100 acres of ancient shops, baths, temples, and even apartment buildings and houses.

The Vineyards of Italy: Both Seen & Felt

A visit to the local vineyards and a tour of Tuscany are musts if you’re planning a vacation to Rome. The colorful countryside, well-preserved ancient villages, and fascinating wineries simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. Whether you choose a short, 3-hour visit to the Frascati region or you opt to spend all day touring Tuscany, it’s guaranteed this is a trip you’ll never forget.

Wine Selection & Quality

Diversity of sights.

We chose the San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour as our Editor's Choice for the best winery or vineyard tour from Rome.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Email [email protected]

Old Frascati Food & Wine Tours

Discover Italy’s best kept secret near Rome

Take a break from sightseeing in Rome to discover the Roman Countryside!

Discover the region’s most unique vineyards and family-run wineries. Explore our charming city center and eat at traditional family-run bakeries and osterias. Learn how to make pizza, pasta and traditional Frascati specialties from scratch. Spend an amazing day in Frascati which is just a short train-ride from Rome. Relax in breathtaking wine country overlooking Rome. Old Frascati Food & Wine is a cultural association which promotes and protects the heritage, nature and family run businesses of Frascati.

Imagine yourself immersed in beautiful nature just a quick train ride from Rome.

Classic Half-Day Wine Tour

Discover all the best Frascati has to offer from its charming city center, beautiful views and vineyards, and fresh local cuisine. This half-day tour from Rome will stimulate your senses and rejuvenate your spirit.

Frascati Sunset Wine Tour

Rome can get quite hot in the summer, but the weather is always a bit cooler and breezier in Frascati which is at an elevation of 1100 feet! Take the train from Rome and find the ‘real’ Italy you’ve been looking for.

Frascati Cooking Class

Our farm to table cooking class introduces you to the traditions and secrets of Frascati cuisine. Learn how to make ‘pasta amatriciana’ and ‘ciambelline al vino’ and taste seasonal ingredients directly from the vineyard.

Pizza Making and Wine Tasting

Come and learn how to make delicious pizza in Frascati. We will teach you the secrets of real traditional Roman pizza paired with local wine at a historic location.

Backpacker’s Wine Tasting Tour

Spend a few hours tasting local wines at our tasting room in Roman wine country while also learning about the region and the secrets of wine pairing.

Big Groups, Retreats & More

Make Frascati the backdrop for your event! From team-building activities in the vineyard, to private winery tours for your group, let us help you plan your dream day!

AN ANCIENT TRADITION

Old Frascati Food & Wine brings you authentic Frascati culinary traditions and the wines of a small family-run wineries in the heart of Frascati DOCG country. These wineries' mission is to elevate Frascati Superiore DOCG for the modern pallet while remembering the wine’s ancient origins. Frascati wine was the wine of the Ancient Romans! Our vineyards are located in a gorgeous valley where winemaking artifacts dating back to 1000 B.C. have been discovered, all with spectacular views of Rome in the distance. These wineries are run by the 6th and 7th generation of winemakers who can’t wait to share their winemaking tradition with you!

FARM TO TABLE

Things move at a slower pace in Frascati. Nowhere is this fact better represented than in the the way food is produced and prepared. Porchetta is cooked in a wood burning oven for over 8 hours. The olive oil is extra virgin and cold pressed. The pasta is all hand-made. Our wine is still made with ancient techniques first used by the Romans. Here, the local baker, winemaker, tavern owner, and restaurant owner all value organic and locally sourced products. Not because its trendy, but because it’s tradition!

OLD WORLD CHARM

The Ancient Town of Frascati sits on the rim of a dormant volcano. Its rich volcanic soil was much sought after by the Etruscans, Ancient Romans, the Vatican State and most recently by Romans on weekend get-aways. Wine has been produced in Frascati for thousands of years. Frascati wine is known as the ‘Golden Wine of the Romans’, the ‘Pope’s Wine’ and the white wine of Rome. Each stone building, cobblestone street, and ancient church tells the story of the centuries of people who have called Frascati home.

Old Frascati Food & Wine is a cultural association based in Frascati, we work with local vintners, artisans, chefs, historians and sommeliers to show you the best that Frascati has to offer! We have several food and wine tours that we have created with our collaborators to give the perfect experience for visitors. We are all very passionate about our town’s heritage and love to share it with the world! Frascati is a unique town that has a rich tradition of farm to table cooking and winemaking. We bring you to the oldest family-run wineries in the region, a generations old family operated bakery, wonderful local restaurants, and a charming historic town in the Roman Countryside.

OUR PARTNERS

We work with the very best. We are proud of our partners, who work with us to deliver the best local Frascati wine and food

Please send us a message with the name of the TOUR you would like to join, the DATE and the number of participants.

We keep our groups to a 15 person maximum so book in advance and let us know if your dates are flexible.

Book directly with us for the best price online.

5 of the Best Wine Tours from Rome to Tuscany

Ah, Tuscany! It’s beloved by people the world over and has been for generations. Discover what all the fuss is about for yourself on one of these fantastic wine tours from Rome.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Italy’s Tuscany region is one of the world’s most revered wine producing areas, with Montalcino, Chianti and Montepulciano all capitalising on the region’s gentle, vine-lined slopes. With Rome being located anywhere between two and three hours from these major wine districts of Italy by road, a day trip from the Italian capital city is a great way to experience these wines right at their source, without having to worry about the logistics of transportation, hotels or paying tasting fees. Here are five of the best wine tour options.

Tuscany Taster Tour from Rome with Lunch & Wine

Many of the great Tuscany wine tours from Rome pair a wine tasting experience with a little sightseeing. After all, the historic hill towns and stunning scenery of Tuscany are an unmissable part of the experience. Take a walking tour of Montepulciano, see ancient wine cellars and visit a farmhouse for a three-course meal overlooking the vineyards, complete with pairings of local wines. Please note this tour normally runs daily but might have a reduced schedule during the winter months. From €129 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Siena, Chianti, Wine Tasting and Lunch

One of Europe’s great medieval cities is Siena (it even made it onto our list of the 20 most charming cities ). Take an early fast train from Rome to Florence. From here you will board a minibus and head for Siena, with a short, guided tour and some free time to explore. Another highlight of this Tuscan day trip is San Gimignano, which is also a medieval town with UNESCO credentials. Between these towns and Florence lies the Chianti wine region, where you’ll stop to try a wine and olive oil tasting. Departs Sat-Mon and Thu. From €198 per person.

San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour from Rome

For a more wine-centric Tuscany tour, while still being able to enjoy Siena and San Gimignano along the way, try this popular tour. You will get to taste your first wine, a revered Vernaccia white, amid the medieval walls of the first stop San Gimignano. Next, you will be able to sample up to ten different regional wines and olive oils at a wine cellar, before touring the wine estate. This day trip includes lunch and a stop in Siena. Departs Sun, Mon, Wed and Fri. From €228 per person.

Siena & San Gimignano Full–Day Wine Tour

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Siena and San Gimignano certainly make for a popular itinerary when taking a day tour from Rome. In addition to visiting these two Tuscan highlights, you’ll stop in San Gimignano for a typical Tuscan lunch using local produce and a wine tasting, which includes La Vernaccia, a local wine with a history dating back to at least the 13 th century. In Siena you will also have an opportunity to try Italian coffee with a local type of sweet. This tour is available on Mon and Fri. From €278 per person.

Private Day-Tour of Tuscany from Rome

Have you read through all of the above and felt as though you’d enjoy the trip if it had fewer people and the freedom to move between sights only when you’re ready? This private day tour gives you the freedom to take your own, private Tuscan holiday over 12 hours, focusing on the vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano, sampling pecorino cheese in Pienza and tasting plenty of wines along the way. Another benefit of taking a private tour is the freedom to choose departure dates, as this tour is available on any day of the year. From €398 per person or €792 for up to 4 people.

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15 Best Wineries Near Rome in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: December 5, 2023

Categories Europe

As you probably already know, Italy takes its wine pretty seriously. And Rome is no exception.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise to anyone that some of the best wineries near Rome are HELLA awesome.

Okay, the fact that there was a good wine tasting in Rome (and in the surrounding area) kind of surprised me since I always associated Tuscany with wine.

But, once I started visiting some of the best vineyards in Rome (yeah, sadly I waited until like my third time in the city), I quickly realized that you don’t need to go all the way to Tuscany to find stellar wine.

I mean, one of the oldest wineries in the country is located in the closest wine region to Rome . So, clearly, Rome knows a thing or two about making delish wine.

So, if you want to find out where the locals go and get your drank on at some of the best wine vineyards in Rome, Italy then give this post a read ASAP.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Wineries Near Rome

1. cantina castello di torre in pietra.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (198 Reviews) Price: $109.52 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza del Popolo, 8 Operator: Vine Bliss Trip Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Cantina Castello di Torre in Pietra is located 17 miles west of Rome in the medieval hamlet of Torrimpietra.

This winery near Rome occupies an old castle – a fact which only adds to the appeal of taking a wine tour in Rome out here.

So, this is one of the best wineries near Rome for non-drivers. Because this food and wine-tasting experience includes travel to and from the Eternal City.

“The presentation provided by the guild showed his knowledge and passion for the product. His provision of how the wine is stored, paired with food, and amount of time to let it breathe allowing greater enjoyment when consumed, really enhanced my ability to properly taste the wine as it was meant to be enjoyed. I would absolutely recommend this tour for others to enjoy.” Eugene ( read more reviews now )

Once there, you’ll wander through the gardens and see the ancient cellar before getting your mitts on the finest organic wines.

If you’re a red devotee, look for the Roma Riserva made from a blend of Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Syrah and grapes.

Otherwise, white enthusiasts should sample the Malvasia Puntinata wines. These carry slightly salty notes – suggestive of the Lazio coastal environment.

2. Poggio Cagnano

⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10.0 (7 Reviews) Price: $166.87 per night 📍 Location: podere cagnano II, 58014 Manciano, Italy Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Never mind a day trip, Poggio Cagnano is one of the best wineries near Rome, Italy for a sleepover.

See, this youthful wine estate also has a hotel nestled amid the Tuscan vines.

Now, this place is all about the natural touch when it comes to wine-making. In fact, their coveted organic Maremma Toscana DOC wines basically fly off the shelves.

However, these are pretty potent wines since the grapes have a thicker skin (ergo, tannins galore) that boosts the intensity of these wines.

“I can’t say enough about Poggio Cagnano. Not only is the guesthouse inviting and absolutely beautiful, but our hosts Alessandro and Eleanora made our stay even much more enjoyable. The room was both modern and rustic, while being comfortable and clean. We felt right at home. You can tell how much thought and care goes into every detail of Poggio Cagnano from the decorations, foods, wine, and the inviting atmosphere. We were lucky enough to get to partake in an evening meal, which exceeded all expectations. Each dish was thoughtfully and artfully prepared. Each wine was introduced with an explanation by the winemaker himself…” Allison ( read more reviews now )

But, Powerful wines = extra time to savor an uber-fancy degustation menu before tumbling into bed with a happy tummy.

As a general rule, though, you’ll be swigging Ciliegiolo, Sangiovese, Ansonica, and Vermentino-originated wines.

Pro Tip: The best rooms have a view of the Argentario Sea. I mean, after a two-hour drive from Rome, WINE not (get it?)?

3. Tili Vini

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (19 Reviews) Price: $27.21 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍 Meeting Point: Pick up from Assisi or Spello city center Operator: Tili Vini Winery Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Tili Vini is one of the best organic wineries near Rome in the Umbria region. It’s located in the picturesque hill town of Assisi in the province of Perugia.

Now, driving time is around 2.5 hours. As it’s a long way, you’ll want to pre-book a wine tasting .

In fact, you have a healthy choice of options. The organic wine and cheese tasting is a simple , one-hour shared tour with multiple time slots.

Otherwise, the organic winery tour with tastings and typical food is more comprehensive.

After all, you’ll explore more of the estate and enjoy extra nibbles during your visit to one of the best wine regions near Rome.

“We received a very warm welcome from everyone and enjoyed an amazing and very personal tour of all the processes at the winery. We were given lots of information and the opportunity to ask questions which made it all the more interesting. The food and wine that followed were perfectly paired and explanations of why each wine complemented the food were informative. The setting was lovely, the company lively and there was also laughter. The whole experience was delightful and very enjoyable.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Last but not least, the organic balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and wine tour is a private activity over two hours . It’s more vigorous and educational plus it includes pick-up from Assisi town.

Ultimately, these are the best wine tours from Rome that spotlight Assisi DOC-designated wines.

Do enquire about the Sacreterre Umbria Rosso IGT, a deep red charged with vanilla, chocolate, and honey notes.

4. Principe Pallavicini Estate Winery

An easy breezy 15 miles southeast of Rome, the prestigious Principe Pallavicini Estate Winery is spread out across 80 acres of vineyards and olive groves.

Note, the estate is divided across Colonna, Pasolina, and Marmorelle. So, for the wine shop, you’ll need to go to Colonna and for summer tours, it’s Marmorelle – just a few miles down the road.

This is one of the best wineries near Rome for historic vibes. In fact, this family-owned estate was once the preferred supplier of Vatican City.

Although reds are produced, white wine is king at Principe Pallavicini. They’re applauded for their superior, volcanically-charged Malvasia and Frascati varieties.

English-language tours operate on Fridays and Saturdays, with advance booking mandatory . But, during winter, all visits are restricted to the tasting room in Colonna.

Address: Cantina, via Roma, 121 (Ex via Casilina km 25,500), 00030 Colonna (RM)

Hours: Varies by season

Price: €20.00 for a two-hour tour

How to Get There: Just a 30-minute train ride from Rome Termini.

5. Casale del Marchese

Fifty minutes from Rome and right in the heart of the Frascati DOCG area, Casale del Marchese has been a family business for well over two centuries.

Meanwhile, the estate dates back to the Middle Ages and was the residence of Marquis Emilio de’ Cavalieri (Feel free to be MEGA impressed. I know I was).

Now, this is one of the best wineries near Rome for magical views and a drop-dead-gorgeous pastoral setting.

Yeah, my jaw was practically on the floor when I saw that terracotta buildings flanked with stone balusters and lush foliage give way to picture-perfect vineries.

Yeah, it’s easy to see why this is a popular wedding venue for Romans.

But, the estate is rivaled by the lingering terroir of the wines. In fact, Lazio’s hallmark Frascati wine is the focus; ask for the emblematic Cannellino di Frascati specifically.

Plus, tours, tastings, and dining events are available with advance notice via email or phone.

Address: Via di Vermicino, 68, 00044 Frascati (Rome), IT

6. Cantina del Tufaio

Around an hour’s drive from Rome in Zagarolo, Cantina del Tufaio is another family-owned winery near Rome.

Now in its sixth generation, the estate specializes in Zagarolo DOC wines.

See, the name refers to the tuff banks on which this variety of mineral-loaded wine thrives.

Furthermore, little has changed in the way the wines are produced. In other words, they try to do things by hand as much as possible.

Tours and tasting experiences are hosted by Nicoletta Loreti, a pro sommelier who is devoted to upholding her ancestors’ prestigious reputation.

These include a visit to the wine cave cellar dug into the tuff in 1881. At 17 meters underground, this is where the Spumante Metodo Classico is left to ferment naturally.

All in all, this is one of the best wineries near Rome for learning about unique wine-making techniques. So, if you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Rome then give this place a visit.

Address: Via Cancellata di Mezzo, 30, Zagarolo (RM) – 00039

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:45 and from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Price: €47.00

7. Antiche Cantine Leonardi

Now, Antiche Cantine Leonardi is located 70 miles north of Rome in Montefiascone. It takes around two hours to drive there.

Therefore, this is one of the best wineries near Rome as part of a bigger day trip from Rome.

But, it has to be said that visiting this winery is worth the effort.

Here, Malvasia Bianca grapes are blended with the likes of Procanico and Roscetto to create floral, fruity whites such as Poggio del Cardinale.

Note, that there are three wine-tasting experiences available, all of which are bookable online .

So, “Family Wines” is all about the white, “Discover the Territory” introduces a red, and “From Bubbles to Dessert” includes a spumante.

Furthermore, all experiences include a side of tasty meats and cheeses.

Psst, ask about the wine jelly. Made on the premises, this matches to perfection with fresh cheeses and meats such as turkey and chicken.

Address: Via del Pino, 12 – 01027 Montefiascone (VT) | Italia

Hours: Tours are available at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:00 pm from Monday through Saturday.

Price: Tours are €20.00, €27.00, or €32.00 each.

8. Fattoria La Maliosa

If you’re feeling extra ambitious then visit Fattoria La Maliosa. This is a wine tasting near Rome, Itraly that requires hopping the border into the province of Grosseto. FYI, that’s Tuscan soil.

As such, you’re looking at a drive time of 2 hours 15 minutes. But, it would make sense to visit in tandem with Antiche Cantine Leonardi.

Now, Fattoria La Maliosa was inspired by the verb “ammaliare”. In a nutshell, the winery was a tribute to the spellbinding charm of the surrounding landscapes.

Therefore, natural wines, extra virgin olive oil, and honey are produced as naturally as possible using artisanal techniques.

Divided by the Fiora River, Saturnia and Pitigliano form the crux of the wine-growing regions. The former produces whites and reds, the latter is predominantly whites.

A wide range of experiences are also available from one of the best wineries near Rome. These include bring-your-own picnics on the grounds and guided tours.

You can even book other, uber-cool things yoga classes, horseback riding trips, and e-bike tours.

Address: fraz. di, Località Podere Monte Cavallo, 58014 Saturnia GR, Italy

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Sundays when they are open until 4:00 pm.

Price: A tasting is €33.00 and lasts 1.5 hours.

9. Casale Cento Corvi

Thirty miles northwest of Rome, Casale Cento Corvi is located near the town of Cerveteri. Getting there takes 50 minutes by rental car or private taxi.

Now, this is a small-scale, boutique winery owned by an uber-passionate family.

As such, the wines are pretty unique and unlike any others in the region, making this a top pick for the best wine tasting near Rome. In fact, the specialties are Rosso wines and dessert tipples.

It has to be said that the quality here is second to none, and even wine-drinking newbies will taste a velvety terroir.

The one snag? This winery is pretty off the beaten track and you’re not likely to encounter an English-speaking wine host. Still, the experience is as authentic as you’ll find.

At the very least, stop off to pick up a bottle to take back to your hotel in Rome .

Address: Via del Fosso della Tomba, 18, 00052 Cerveteri RM, Italy

Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm, except on Sundays when they are only open from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

10. Cantina La Veneranda

Yet another winery slightly further afield, Cantina La Veneranda is a two-hour drive north of Rome in Montefalco – within the beautiful region of Umbria.

This historical estate focuses on indigenous vines such as Sagrantino, Sangiovese, and Grechetto. And, their olive oil and truffle sauces aren’t half bad, either.

Now, this is one of the few wineries near Rome where you could probably wrangle a tasting as a walk-in.

However, it’s a little risky so it’s just wiser to pre-book . Plus, tastings are awesome since you get the choice of a cheap and cheerful three-wine tasting of an ICT, DOC, and DOCG wine.

Otherwise, you can choose a dedicated red or white/rosé tasting. Best of all, the San Francesco tour is a mix of eight wines plus food.

Pro Tip: If you buy one bottle as a souvenir, make it the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. Wild Morello cherries mingle with sweet tobacco leaf, vanilla, and coffee at one of the best wineries near Rome.

Address: Localita’ Montepennino, snc, 06036 Montefalco PG, Italy

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Tastings can be €12.00, €20.00, €30.00, or €40.00 each.

11. Cantine Briziarelli

Five minutes down the road from La Veneranda, Cantine Briziarelli is another of the best wineries near Rome in Umbria.

Winemaking is kept simple at this elegant estate where old and new techniques are mingled.

So, this is one of the best wineries near Rome for getting acquainted with regional reds.

Here, Sagrantino and Sangiovese grapes alongside white Grechetto grapes again form the backbone of the vineyards.

Sommeliers are also on hand to guide you through the vineyards, cellars, and barrel room. After this, it’s time for one of the best wine tastings near Rome.

In fact, one tour is dedicated to Sangiovese wines while the Connoisseur Tour is a mix of Sagrantino and Sangiovese as well as a white wine to start.

Just be aware that advance booking is required for all tours.

Address: Via Colle Allodola, 06031 Bevagna PG, Italy

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Price: Tastings are €20.00, €35.00, and €49.00. However, you will get a discount on one of the best wine tastings near Rome if you prebook and pay online, in advance.

12. Cantina Chiorri

A hilltop winery and vineyard estate, Cantina Chiorri sits in the dreamy valleys of Perugia.

As with the previous listings, this one is a two-hour drive from Rome.

But, you can visit this winery on a one-day road trip from Rome provided you have a car (and a designated driver).

Established in the 19th century, this is one of the best wineries near Rome if you want to learn about traditional wine-making culture.

Tours take you down to the cellars where the esteemed DOC Colli Perugini, DOP Colli, and IGP Umbria wines are stored in oak barrels.

Beyond the classics, it’s worth asking about the Antonio Chiorri portfolio of DOC wines.

See, these are the best wines over the years and are aged in barrels. They include a Sangiovese-forward Rosso the color of rubies with a full-bodied fruity taste.

Walk-ins may be accommodated but advance booking is preferred. So, if you extra time after your 2 day Rome itinerary , give one of the best vineyards near Rome, Italy a vist.

Address: Via Todi, Strada Sant’Enea, 100, 06132 PG, Italy

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Price: Varies by tasting.

13. Cantina Costantini

A scenic 40-minute drive southeast of Rome brings you to Cantina Costantini, the best winery near Rome for old-school tastes.

See, Cantina Costantini is one of the oldest wineries in Italy. It’s been in operation since 172. That being said, the Costantini family have been more than willing to accept new trends and methods.

Although, the grapes planted remain rooted in the Trebbiano, Montepulciano, and Cacchione grapes indigenous to this region.

Now, the coolest thing about this winery is probably their public harvest events. You can also book summertime vineyard tastings and year-round cellar tastings.

Just be sure to visit the experiences menu online and make an advance reservation either before or after enjoying some of the best food tours in Rome .

Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 27, 00045 Genzano di Roma RM, Italy

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:15 pm to 7:45 pm, Saturday from 8:45 am to 1:10 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Price: Tastings start at €10.00 each and go all the way up to €70.00 each.

14. Casale Del Giglio Società Agricola

Close to Lavina and the coast, Casale Del Giglio Società Agricola is a one-hour drive south of Rome.

In fact, the route passes by Cantina Costantini if you’re eager to hit two of the best wineries near Rome in one fell swoop.

Ninety-minute tours are also bookable via their website and introduce you to a rich, silky red called Mater Matuta.

See, this signature wine is a blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot that produces hints of coffee beans and forest fruits.

In fact, it pairs with pretty much any variety of cheese or meat dish you can think of.

What also makes this winery stand out is that the owners play a major role in local archaeology. In fact, a temple dedicated to the goddess Mater Matuta was discovered just nearby.

And it was this deity – the Latin goddess of grain ripening and dawn – that their most important wine was named after.

Address: Strada Cisterna – Nettuno, Km 13, 04100 Le Ferriere LT, Italy

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Also open Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: €24.00 each.

15. Antiche Cantine Migliaccio

Now, Antiche Cantine Migliaccio is one of the best wineries near Rome – if you have your sea legs. See, the winery is located on the island of Ponza in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It’s the largest of the Pontine Islands in the archipelago and has several wineries. At the Antiche Cantine Migliaccio, it’s the Hay of Ponza signature wines that are worth prioritizing.

These vary from mineral-rich citrusy whites to floral rosé wines and mildly spiced red. Tastings are available but require advance communication via email.

Now, you’ll need to take a train from Rome Termini to Formia-Gaeta (1.5 hours).

From there, it’s a boat – the fastest of which takes 1 hour 40 minutes. Yeah, it’s a bit of a commitment for a day trip.

Therefore, it’s far more sensible to stay for at least one night if you have extra time after visiting the Colosseum .

Note, it’s much better to visit Ponza during the summer season since most places close throughout the winter.

Address: Via Pizzicato, 9 – 04027 Ponza (LT)

Map of the Best Wineries Near Rome

Best Wineries Near Rome FAQs

Which is the best wine region in italy.

Some of the best wine regions in Italy include Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto since they are areas that produce super high-quality wines.

What Wine is Grown near Rome?

Dry, light, and punchy white wines are grown near Rome in the Lazio wine region. This is because this area is famous for growing Malvasia di Candia, Trebbiano, and Malvasia Puntinata grapes.

What is the Most Popular Wine in Rome?

The most popular wine in Rome is Frascati since it comes from one of the best wine regions near Rome.

Can you Do a Day trip from Rome to Tuscany?

You can do a day trip from Rome to Tuscany but just be prepared for a long day. Most day tours to the region last between 12 and 14 hours.

Alternatively, you could visit by high-speed train which takes around 1.5 hours each way. Just don’t forget to do one of the best ghost tours in Rome before you leave the city.

That concludes this mega guide to the best wineries near Rome.

Tell me, did your picks for the best wine tastings around rome make the list if not then let me know., if you found this post helpful, be sure to join our email list and facebook group for even more epic travel tips..

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Wineries Near Rome

Explore the best wineries near rome.

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Fattoria La Maliosa

Wines that have the charms of their lands

La Veneranda

A winery that is owned and run by females of the winemaking family.

Antonelli San Marco

Historic winery producing Montefalco wines that are certified organic since 2012

Azienda Biologica De Sanctis

Cemeteries of Winemaking in Your Wine Glass

Cantina Costantini

Cantina Costantini- One of the Oldest Wineries of Italy

Cantina Fratelli Pardi

Where the intercultural blend of the family influences their wines in the best possible ways.

Casale Del Giglio Società Agricola

Producers of top-quality Italian wines from unexplored terroirs at favorable prices

Discover the Kind Hospitality of the Winery and Tasting with Prepared Snacks

Tradition and Innovation Fusion in the Most Beautiful Way

Poggio Cagnano

Producers of limited, high-quality, organic Maremma Toscana DOC wines

Tenuta Vitalonga

Visit Tenuta Vitalonga for a unique wine tourism experience

Meet the Tili family, whose producing 100,000 bottles of wines per year.

Discover Wine Tours from Rome Offered by Local Guides

Take a Wine Tour from Rome with Knowledgeable Local Wine Tour Guides

6 Italian Fine Wines, Cured Meats & Cheeses Tasting

Romeing in Rome! Embark on a flavorful journey with a 2-hour wine tasting at a charming enoteca in Lazio, Rome

Learn Wine Tasting in Rome at Glu Glu Winebar

Elevate your wine tasting skills at Glu Glu: Wine and food pairing experience in Lazio

Secret Food Tours Rome

On our Secret Food Tour: Rome Historic center, you'll enjoy a variety of local Italian dishes in...

Secret Food Tours Rome Trastevere

Wine Tasting and Opera Concert in Rome

Experience Italian opera, fine wines, and baroque music in the heart of Rome's historic palazzo in Lazio

Shades of Italian Terroir - A Tasting of Minimal Intervention wines

Tour and taste minimal intervention wines from the Italian terroir with a certified sommelier in Lazio

Guided Private Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch to Tuscany from Rome

Into the World of Wines

Umbria Wine Lovers Tour l Montefalco & Bevagna l Small Group experience

Explore Umbria Like Never Before with this Guided Wine Tour

Known as an eternal city, Rome has always played a key role in the history of wine. The earliest influences on the viticulture of the Italian peninsula can be traced to the ancient Greeks and the Etruscans. Since then, Rome and Italy , in general, have been offering a premier quality, diversified array of wines, stunning landscapes, and singular architecture. Rome is a cradle of culture to the entire European continent, having numerous monuments, museums, squares and gardens, art is veritably revered in this place. So is the wine. And the area is also blessed with an excellent climate and terroir. 

The best wine regions to visit near Rome

The city of Rome belongs to the region of Lazio , which is one of the most important wine-producing regions in Italy. Apart from Roma itself, a few prominent wine appellations are absolutely worth visiting in the region, like Atina , Tarquina , Colli Etruschi Viterbesi , Frascati and Nettuno .

• Atina : Atina, a picturesque wine appellation in Lazio, is known for producing high-quality red and white wines. Wineries in Atina , like Cantina Sant'Andrea and Cantina di Casalaposta, offer visitors the opportunity to taste the local Cesanese and Trebbiano grapes, immersing them in the flavours of this historic wine region.
• Tarquinia : Tarquinia is celebrated for its winemaking traditions and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties. Wineries in Tarquinia, including Cantina di Montebamboli and Tenuta della Fonte, provide a chance to sample wines made from local grapes like Trebbiano and Sangiovese, offering a glimpse into the region's rich viticultural heritage.
• Frascati : Frascati is renowned for its white wines, particularly the crisp and refreshing Frascati DOC. Wineries in Frascati , like Cantina Santa Maria, invite visitors to experience the unique character of Frascati wines and enjoy the pleasant ambience of this historic wine-producing area.
• Nettuno : While not as widely recognized as some other appellations, Nettuno is a rising star in Lazio's wine scene. Wineries in Nettuno , such as Podere Marella and Monte Cifalco, showcase a blend of tradition and innovation, offering a chance to explore the emerging wine culture of this coastal region.

What can you do near Rome on a wine tour?

Food and gastronomy in Italy, and especially in its capital, is on another level. No surprise that you will be amazed by Roman cuisine and its characteristics, but so is the wine. It does not matter if you are a wine connoisseur or only a wine amateur; there is always something new to discover. This is why you should check our wineries near Rome, which we have chosen with great care and attention to enable you to plan an amusing wine tour according to your preferences!

Enjoy the ultimate wine tour in Rome while looking at spectacular views in all areas!

Discover Other Cities near Rome

Map of Wineries Near Rome

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How to reach wineries near Rome

Wineries, local wine guides and experiences near Rome are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

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Rome wine country: Great wineries to visit

• Magazine: December 2021 Issue

Central-western Italy’s Lazio region has proved a late starter, but the current trend for small wineries bringing out the best in indigenous varieties is delivering impressive results, especially in the hills just south and east of the country’s capital.

Punchy and bold or elegant and smooth, the wines are perfect partners for the strong-flavoured local cuisine – dishes such as carbonara pasta, artichokes, porchetta and offal that feature regularly on menus throughout the capital from Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori to the village-like Trastevere neighbourhood.

Lazio: wine facts

• Area planted 19,880ha – of which 11% is organic
• Annual production volume 1,290,000hl – of which 75% is white

Source: ISTAT 2018/I NUMERI DEL VINO 

When in Rome: Nearby vineyards and wineries to visit

Credit: Decanter / Maggie Nelson

Nine vineyards and wineries to know:

• Vigna Barberini (urban vineyard project)
• Marco Carpineti
• Villa Simone
• Tenuta di Fiorano
• Damiano Ciolli
• Gabriele Magno

Urban wine: The Vigna Barberini project

Wine was a fundamental part of life in ancient Rome and the empire contributed greatly to the spread of viticulture throughout Europe. Centuries later, vines were even grown at the city’s most ancient heart on the Palatine Hill, in gardens owned by Renaissance aristocrats. At Vigna Barberini, the only one to survive, nine rows of vines have once again been planted, joining the many olive trees and figs already here in the Colosseum archaeological park .

The variety chosen for the rejuvenated city vineyard is Bellone, a white enjoyed by Romans according to historian of the day Pliny the Elder, who mentioned it in his encyclopaedic writings. Giovanna Trisorio, of Cincinnato, the winery that’s part of the project, says, ‘We’re curious to see how the wine will turn out, as the terrain on the Palatine Hill is very different to our own volcanic soils.’

Head out to Cori

Established in 1947, Cincinnato is a wine cooperative that’s drastically different to those of yesteryear. Membership has been closed for two decades, grapes are paid for not by weight but according to 20 quality parameters, and considerable investments are made in equipment, experimentation and training for members. It’s located an hour’s drive southeast of Rome in Cori, a charming village built on terraces with cobbled lanes weaving up through pretty piazzas to the majestic columns of the Tempio di Ercole (late 2nd-century BC). The celebrated Gardens of Ninfa are 10km away, and the coast 35km.

‘We strongly believe in our local varieties, Bellone and Nero Buono di Cori,’ says Trisorio. Despite simplistic names, there’s nothing naive about the wines, Bellone making enticingly herby whites and Nero Buono intense ruby reds with chocolate and balsamic notes. At neighbouring winery Marco Carpineti , amphora versions are made from old vines of both varieties, served in artistic clay carafes. Full of ideas, the Carpineti family has also planted a vine maze, opening next spring along with other multi-sensory vineyard experiences.

Well-trodden path

Between Cori and the capital, the hills of Castelli Romani have drawn city dwellers in search of fresh air and genuine flavours since ancient times. It’s a fascinating area of Renaissance villas, lovely lakes and 16 characterful towns each with its own tasty speciality, including porchetta from Ariccia, and countless places to enjoy them, from roadside shacks to smart restaurants. For centuries, Romans have come here for supplies of the local wine that’s celebrated each October in Marino with the historic Sagra dell’Uva wine festival .

White wines have always dominated here, and the recent leap in quality of the traditional Malvasia-based blends is impressive, particularly for the two DOCGs: Frascati Superiore and late-harvest Cannellino di Frascati. As winemaker Lorenzo Costantini explains, ‘It’s partly thanks to a shift from neutral Malvasia di Candia to less productive but more structured and aromatic Malvasia del Lazio.’ Likewise, Trebbiano Toscano is being replaced by local Trebbiano Giallo and high-acid Ottonese (Bombino Bianco). ‘In the past, with the vast consumer market of Rome so near, such fertile land and regular sea breezes together with an old-fashioned cooperative culture, there was no impetus to improve quality,’ adds Constantini. Thankfully that’s changed.

Consultant winemaker for 22 producers while running his own Villa Simone winery, Costantini interprets diverse terroirs through producers’ individual visions, creating wines that vary greatly – but all displaying an elegance once rare in this area. ‘This whole territory was occupied by an enormous volcano; ancient lava flows and explosions have given us an incredible variety of soils,’ he explains. While work is underway to obtain MGAs (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive, comparable to a lieu-dit-type vineyard location in France), a few historical Frascati Superiore crus already exist, including Villa Simone’s Vigneto Filonardi, and Vigneto La Torretta by Gabriele Magno from 50-year-old vines with three months’ ageing on lees. Magno, an airline pilot, is one of today’s many part-time producers, pouring energy and enthusiasm into his family estate in Grottaferrata, a town famous for its 11th-century Byzantine abbey.

Marco Carpineti.

Two wineries, both organic, that opt for Ottonese in their Frascati blends for a fresh, citrussy vibe are Merumalia and neighbour De Sanctis . Merumalia also offers accommodation just outside the town of Frascati itself, and is where the Fusco family makes a single-variety Ottonese, too. De Sanctis is the fruit of a passion for Cabernet Franc developed during Francesco De Sanctis’ winemaking studies in Friuli. The range here includes an excellent rosé and red. Near to Ciampino, just off the old Appian Way – which is pedestrianised on Sundays and lined with the remains of ancient monuments on the way into the city – the Tenuta di Fiorano estate, owned by the Boncompagni Ludovisi family, grows other international varieties. Its prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot wine, Fiorano, was first made with input from Tancredi Biondi Santi in the 1950s.

When it comes to reds, the local hero is the Cesanese variety, protagonist of Lazio’s third DOCG, Cesanese del Piglio. The grape finds its ideal home in the clay and volcanic soils of the hills a little further to the east of Rome around three centres located on different sides of the same hill: Piglio, Affile (DOC) and Olevano Romano (DOC). The latter, an appealing medieval village much-loved by landscape artists, holds an annual Cesanese festival in late August.

Here, since taking over the family estate in 2001, Damiano Ciolli , with winemaker partner Letizia Rocchi, has honed his Cesanese to bring out the purest qualities that had sometimes been masked by power. Ciolli is a regular at meet-the-producer events in Rome, such as the early-December Festa del Cesanese at the Trapizzino Trastevere wine bar, which only ever serves Lazio labels – what better way to start exploring the local wine scene?

My perfect day in Rome: Where to eat and drink

Waking up under giant reproduction wine labels and finding eight of your favourite wines chilling in place of the minibar, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re still dreaming, but no, this is par for the course at Hotel de’ Ricci .

Drag yourself away from such a paradise, stock up with pizza bianca, the local speciality focaccia, at Forno Campo de’ Fiori , and say arrivederci to Roma to hit the road, heading south for the Castelli Romani wine area just half an hour away.

Make your first stop at the Villa Simone winery near Monte Porzio Catone – in town there is an interesting wine museum that reopens in 2022 – to tap into the wisdom of local winemaker guru Lorenzo Costantini and try his wines.

Lunch & afternoon

From here it’s just five minutes to the hilltop town of Frascati, the main centre. Park in front of grand 16th-century Villa Aldobrandini and stroll through the historic centre to Osteria dell’Olmo for an informal lunch of porchetta and cheese served by colourful character Remigio.

In Castelli Romani you’re spoilt for choice with so many villas, villages and wineries to visit, so plan a return trip, but make time for the friendly Gabriele Magno winery at Grottaferrata.

Try the small range at the idyllic cellar ocation among the vines or at La Torretta villa surrounded by lush gardens.

Back on the road, pass scenic lake Albano to reach the charming hillside village of Cori, 45 minutes out to the southeast, the perfect place to stretch your legs and work up an appetite.

Wander under arches, up steps and past frescoed churches to reach the site of the ancient Roman Tempio di Ercole , with its striking columns and wide-open views.

Back down the hill, check in at the Cincinnato Wine Resort for a delicious dinner with the winery’s own olive oil and local-variety Bellone and Nero Buono wines before stretching out under the sheets against a bedhead made from wine barrels, with postcard-pretty views of Cori through the window.

You Rome address book

City: accommodation, hotel de’ ricci.

This wine-themed hotel is handily located near Campo de’ Fiori and is an easy walk from the central sights, the Trastevere district and the Vatican. Each of the eight rooms has a personalised supply of wine and access to a list served via Coravin, with regular producer events, all-day meals and a prestigious cellar shared with top seafood restaurant Pierluigi.

City: restaurants & bars

Ai tre scalini.

An informal wine bar founded in 1895 in the animated Monti neighbourhood near the Colosseum. The decor is warm yellow and wood and daily wines are served by the glass with simple dishes like spicy coppiette salami, oxtail and gnocchi.

Armando al Pantheon

A traditional family-run trattoria with an all-Italian wine list – an ideal spot to try Roman classics including pajata (calf intestines) or rigaglie (chicken giblets) with pasta or the house speciality, duck in plum sauce.

Forno Campo de’ Fiori

This historic bakery on the corner of the busy marketplace piazza is good for simple and crispy pizza bianca, Rome’s favourite anytime snack; try the rossa version with tomato, too, and buy some moreish biscotti al vino.

Matricianella

A cosy place near the Spanish steps serving genuine versions of typical dishes such as abbacchio lamb in various ways. On the wine front, there is quality glassware and an extensive and informative list of labels at accessible prices.

Rimessa Roscioli

This wine lover’s wonderland offers a variety of formulas from tasting flights to tasting dinners, cookery classes, blind tastings and out-of-town wine tours. The Roscioli family also runs a popular deli-eatery, bakery and bar, all nearby.

Trapizzino Trastevere

Only wines from Lazio are served here, with two pages of the region’s top red, Cesanese, and a dedicated early-December festival. Come for a drink and a hearty bite – think pizza slabs with meatballs.

Southeast of the city

Cincinnato wine resort, cori.

A relaxing haven run by the Cincinnato winery in a beautifully converted farmhouse with simple, stylish bedrooms and lovely views of the hillside village of Cori. The restaurant (weekends only) serves fresh, imaginative dishes using local ingredients.

Osteria dell’Olmo, Frascati

Remigio serves his wine from the micro-cellar where it’s made, then crosses the tiny, picturesque piazza to prepare tasty bites such as porchetta, buffalo mozzarella or ricotta and olives presented in vintage kitchenware.

Taverna Mari, Grottaferrata

A welcoming restaurant with a terracotta colour-scheme, open fire and beamed ceiling plus two spacious terraces. Come for traditional dishes including home-made bucatini all’amatriciana and a good choice of wines, many local.

Getting there

Fiumicino airport, to the southwest of Rome, has direct trains to Termini station (30 mins), while Ciampino airport is 15km southeast of the city. Frascati town lies about 20km to the southeast, and Cori 30km further in the same direction.

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Food and Wine Tours in Rome

The food in Rome is the best in the world, and I promise I’m not saying this just because I’m Roman. According to TimeOut Magazine , the capital of Italy is renowned for having the finest cuisine on the planet.

And what better way to acquaint yourself with and uncover the wonders of this magnificent city than through a food and wine tour?

What are Food and Wine Tours?

If you’re not familiar with the concept, let me explain. A food and wine tour is an incredible experience where you have the opportunity to explore the local gastronomy and indulge in delicious dishes and wines, all while being expertly guided by knowledgeable professionals.

It’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in Rome’s culinary delights and create unforgettable memories. So, come join us on this incredible adventure and let your taste buds relish the very best of Rome.

Types of Food and Wine Tours

Finding a Food and Wine Tour to do in Rome won’t be difficult because plenty of options are available, catering to all tastes and preferences.

Guided Food and Wine Tours

These tours offer a structured and informative experience. They are led by knowledgeable local guides, ensuring an authentic and enjoyable time. The fascinating aspect of these tours is that, accompanied by a local. You’ll discover many exciting anecdotes about both the food and the city.

Typically, guided food tours include the cost of all tastings in the tour price. And since the guides are well acquainted with the establishments they work with, you can expect special treatment during your tour, including interactions with owners and chefs.

Self-Guided Food and Wine Tours

If you’re up for an adventure and love planning things yourself, organise your own food and wine tour of Rome.

To plan for the perfect self-guided food and wine tour of Rome, you should consult reliable and up-to-date websites that recommend interesting spots to visit. Alternatively, you could follow food-themed influencers – that’s how I still discover some hidden gems in town. 

Jot down the most intriguing addresses, save them on Google Maps, and then categorise them based on the theme or the day you plan to visit. 

Tip: When organising a self-guided food tour, remember that Rome is a very large and sometimes chaotic city. Spread the tour over multiple days or visit restaurants and bars in the same area. You’ll avoid spending the whole day walking or using public transport .

Themed Food and Wine Tours

If you’re looking for a unique food and wine tour or prefer an actual food experience, you’ll love a themed food and wine tour. Among the options that you’ll find there are:

• Food and wine tasting in the countryside: take a break from the chaos and enjoy the amazing culinary traditions of the Roman countryside
• Aperitivo tours : the perfect tour if you enjoy a nice Aperol Spritz or a glass of prosecco before dinner
• Bicycle food and wine tours : cycle through the city and stop at various food and wine spots along the way.
• Terrace restaurant tours : if you love panoramic views, these tours will make you happy
• Tiramisu tours : if you have a sweet tooth, you should go on a tasting of the best tiramisu in the city.
• Gelato-themed tours : probably the best food tour during the scorchy summer months. Visit renowned gelaterias to sample a variety of exquisite gelato flavours.
• Pasta tours : discover pasta-making and taste all the traditional Roman pasta dishes.
• Pizza-focused tours : discover the secrets of authentic Roman pizza – by the slice or round, thin, and crispy.
• Cooking classes : engage in a hands-on cooking experience, learning from Italian grandmothers or professional chefs who will teach you traditional recipes and techniques.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Food Tours 

If you follow a plant-based or gluten-free diet, fear not. You’ll find several tours entirely dedicated to those following a specific dietary style.

Rome is a city deeply rooted in its traditions, but luckily, there are more and more venues and restaurants catering to customers’ needs who choose to eat plant-based or gluten-free. Because of this, you’ll quickly come across guided food and wine tours in Rome that fully respect your dietary choices.

Florence, Naples, and Surroundings

Rome has a strategic location for visiting other marvellous tourist cities. Naples and Florence are just a few hours away by train from Rome. That’s why you’ll find several day-trip food tours from Rome, allowing you to discover the food and wines of these amazing cities.

Food and Wine Tour in Naples

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and to this day, Neapolitan pizza is honestly the best in Italy. If you truly love pizza and want to try some amazing street food, I highly recommend taking a tour in Naples, perhaps with a guide, to avoid wasting time or falling into tourist traps.

Food and Wine Tour in Florence

Florence is easily reachable from Rome, and you’ll find so much more than just the Uffizi Gallery. During a food and wine tour of Florence, you’ll get to taste traditional dishes such as Florentine steak, ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), lampredotto (a tripe sandwich), and cantucci (almond biscotti). It’s even better when paired with a sweet dessert wine called Vin Santo. 

How to Pick the Best Food and Wine Tour

When choosing a food tour, it’s best to play it safe. The most reliable option, albeit possibly more expensive, is to select one of the food and wine tours offered by tour operators.

This way, you can guarantee that you’ll be accompanied by a professional. Additionally, professional tour operators provide better guarantees when it comes to cancellations, refunds, and customer service.

If you prefer a more down-to-earth and authentic experience, you can try websites like Viator, TripAdvisor Experiences, or the Experiences section of Airbnb. You’ll find various food and wine tours organised by regular people or small cultural organisations. And rest assured, these experiences will be just as memorable.

Food and Wine Tastings in Rome

As you’ll soon discover, in a city brimming with culinary culture like Rome, the line between a tour and a tasting is quite thin. Many food and wine tours involve tastings at multiple venues, while others are dedicated tastings at a single location.

Either way, rest assured that choosing a gastronomic experience in Rome is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in local culture and learn about the history, customs, and traditions of ancient and modern Rome.

Etiquette and Tips

Insider tips.

• Many of the food and wine tours will involve a lot of eating: make sure you come hungry so you can have a taste of everything that is offered
• Group tours are sociable events: be prepared to chat a lot.
• Go on a food tour early on your visit to Rome so you can appreciate the city’s culinary traditions during your whole stay.
• If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, ensure the tour caters to this before you book.

How to Book

Booking online is the best and most convenient way to secure your place on a food and wine tour. If you’re already in Rome, you might also ask for a food and wine tour at your hotel desk, a travel agency, or a specialised tour operator.

What Costs to Anticipate

You should expect to pay around €90 roughly for a guided food and wine tour in Rome. The prices may differ a bit, especially if there is something besides the tour, like an added experience. Obviously, if you decide to go for a self-guided tour, the price will be limited to the cost of food tastings.

What to Expect

Most food and wine tours generally visit more than a few restaurants and bars. A guided tour will also include learning about the history of the area and information about food and wine. If you pay for a small group tour, it can be quite sociable. But if you’re dreaming of an exclusive experience, upgrade to a private tour.

Tips for Getting the Best Deals and Experiences

There are many online sites that offer bookings for food and wine tours in Rome . The prices are competitive but roughly the same: shop around to find the best deal.  

If you’re staying at a hotel, try asking your receptionist if they can suggest any tours within your budget. Often they are in contact with tour operators and can offer last-minute deals on tours and experiences.

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19 Best Tours in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Erica Firpo

Vacation tours can be a divisive topic, particularly for people who feel passionately about exploring a city independently. But the truth of the matter is that exploring it with a local by your side will bring you to parts of it you might never find on your own. And no locals have as many stories to tell their city as the Romans. You'll find the most intellectual and personable tour guides to take you around vineyards, through olive groves, on vespa rides, through film studios, food markets, cemeteries, medieval churches, and the most iconic ancient sites. Without further delay, these are our picks for the very best Rome tours.

Click the link to read our complete Rome travel guide.

City Wonders: Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Arrow

Ostia Antica is a historic seaside village an hour from Rome and these half-day tours of the coastal archaeological site are well-planned. Groups visit Ostia’s amphitheater, temples, historic baths, and ancient market. Guides seem to have real passion for the subject, talking visitors through the entire tour, peppering their commentary with anecdotes and fun facts. This is a slam-dunk for true history buffs who want to get deeper into the greater Rome area.

Elizabeth Lev: Rome's Historical Center, An All-You-Can-See Smorgasbord of Art Arrow

Elizabeth Lev is something else. Rome is her city, and this tour is her work of art. She has an incredible way of engaging with the history, the art, the monuments, and the stories. You'll find yourself wanting to spend all your time with her. The tour explores the ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art periods; and it visits sites like 13th century frescos above the church of Santa Cecilia and art collections behind the facades of the Spada palace. You'll be wowed by all of the layers of the city and how it feels like Rome has been hitting a string of never-ending home runs since antiquity.

Elizabeth Lev: Borrowed but Never Baroque, Bernini & 17th Century Rome Arrow

This tour of Elizabeth Lev's meets up outside the beautiful Piazza della Repubblica . Our group was tiny, but Liz will accommodate larger private groups. She is both an incredible academic brain and a witty storyteller. And her tour shows of the dramatic  range of Baroque art and architecture within Rome. This tour is great for anyone who wants a deep dive into the city's Baroque history, and anyone who wants to appreciate Rome in an experience that's not quite in the guide books.

LivItaly Tours: Vespa Sidecar Tour Arrow

The Vespa Sidecar tour is entirely private and can be customized for return visitors who may have already seen the highlights. It is not, though, a show-up-when-you-want activity. It can be organized for up to six participants, but you'll only be in a group if you choose to be. My tour was perfect because it was just me and the driver/guide Luca.  As a licensed guide, he knows his history, is easy to understand, and is very friendly. He always has a plan, but is quick to change it at the first request. We talked Rome and food and went to all the right places, from big names to more under the radar finds. 

Emily Saladino

Mark Ellwood

Rome 500 Experience: The 7 Hidden Gems of Rome Tour in an Antique FIAT 500 Arrow

There's a lot of reasons to sign up for this tour through greater Rome, not least is that you get to drive yourself with the top down in a vintage Fiat 500. Another nice perk: Rome's traffic is seriously easier to deal with when traveling in convoy (the group can have up to 50 cars in it). And, as you will get your own car to drive, it can feel like a private tour, although groups are also organized by language, so communication shouldn't be a problem for anyone.  But most importantly, you just look so much better behind the wheel of a classic Italian car.

Top Bike Rental & Tours: Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs, and Aqueducts Park Tour Arrow

This tour will take the better part of your day (it's six hours start to finish). But going by bike to these outer city sites —the old Appian Way via the ancient aqueduct—is the easiest and most entertaining way to see them. Plus you won't want to cut out early: it ends with wine and some nibbles in Caffarella Park, which is so expansive it feels like you're in the countryside even though it's smack in the middle of the greater city. Bikes feel brand new and the confidence of the tour guides will put any nervous riders at ease.

Rome Tram Tracks Tour Arrow

This tour is a rocking dance  party on a vintage tram that rumbles through Rome. It lasts two hours, during which you'll cut up the dance floor, drink, and cheer as you roll past some of Rome's most iconic sites . This is really an evening activity for those who don't just want to go get dinner somewhere in town. The greatest part, however, may have been how the senior citizens on our ride managed to upstage all the thirty- and forty-year olds on the dance floor.

Casa Mia Tours: Rome Cinema & Food Arrow

Rome has a rich history of cinema, and while you could take any tour with any guide, there is nothing quite like seeing its cinematic history with Eleonora Baldwin, Cinecittà Studios veteran and granddaughter of famed director Vittorio de Sica, four-time Academy Award winner and father of Italian cinema. This tour is both Rome's history and Eleonora's story, and she is so passionate that it will make you want to spend all day with her, and all night watching films. There are only three requirements—a pair of comfy shoes, an empty stomach, and a reservation.

Non-Catholic Cemetery Tour Arrow

You should always visit the truly Roman neighborhood of Testaccio when in Rome, but this tour of its historic non-Catholic Cemetery gives you reason to stay in the area after you've hit its prime trattorias. It's a beautiful, unusually tranquil space, filled with bougainvillea and museum-worthy sculptures in the middle of the city. The informative guides will school you on the cemetery's 400-year history as you amble past the tombstones of Keats, Percy Shelly, and other famous expats.

Context Travel: Fall and Rise of Rome Arrow

This historical tour starts at a medieval church in San Clemente and ends at the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo. Its chronology spans from the Roman Empire's fall to the Renaissance's beginnings. The guide Philip was total pro. He's an archaeologist with a great sense of humor and passion for every site. He knew exactly what to show me and could even point out where to stand so I had the best understanding of the sights. People who enjoy Roman, religious, and art histories will  love this tour. It's also a great opportunity for people who have already seen the main tourist attractions to see some gems off the beaten path.

The Roman Guy: Cocktail Bars in Rome, Evening Walking Tour Arrow

This English-speaking tour will take you to some of Rome's most popular bars, including Trastevere's Freni e Frizioni , with stop offs to major attractions along the way. Plus, company founders Sean and Brandon are always quick to offer tips on the best spots for gelato or pizza in the city as you pass by for that next negroni. It’s actually a fantastic way to experience life in Rome with locals—far more relaxing that spending time trying to avoid tourist traps. 

Katie Parla: Vineyard Visit to Cantina Ribelà Arrow

Sommelier Maurizio di Franco meets you at your hotel and accompanies you via hired car to Cantina Ribelà while enchanting you with a bit of Lazio history and winemaking background on Ribelà. Maurizio is a certificated sommelier, and it doesn't hurt that he's also super charming. His love of wine is contagious, he tells great stories, and his patience is wonderful. At the winery you'll be struck be the natural beauty of the landscape, close as it is to a city as big as Rome. 

LivItaly Tours: Virtual Reality Tour of the Colosseum and Domus Aurea Arrow

Imagine if you could physically see the sites, monuments, and reference points that tour guides bring up when ushering you around a city as ancient as Rome. This virtual reality tour lets you, by creating enhanced versions of the way the Eternal City appeared during the days of the empire, all visible through the glasses you'll wear as you make your way through the Roman Forum and Colosseum .

Vatican Museums: “Out of Hours” Guided Tour, Good Morning Vatican Museums Arrow

There is nothing like opening the doors to an empty Sistine Chapel . The exclusive private Out of Hours Good Morning Vatican tour must be booked months in advance and is subject to permission of the Vatican. You will be greeted by Vatican personnel and escorted through the complex by the Clavigero, holder of the 300 keys of the Vatican Museums. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it does begin quite early in the morning. At 6 a.m. you and no more than 19 others will accompany the Clavigero to open the doors of the Vatican Museums.  

Johnny Madge: Olive Oil Tours Arrow

You'll have to trek well outside the city (close to an hour) to reach the olive groves in the Sabina country, but it's well worth the trip. Johnny Madge is an olive oil authority , judging competitions all over the world and this is his backyard. He clearly loves it, and that love is contagious. Tourees will learn to distinguish extra virgin olive oil from everything else and importantly that you do not drizzle oil on your food. You pour it. This  is best for foodies who want to get out of the city and deep dive in Roman food. 

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini: Multimedia Tour Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures, abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. On this tour, in situ multimedia renderings recreate an Imperial Rome domus, as well as some aspects of Roman life. The guides are actual archaeologists, and the fact-checked audio is delivered cleanly. These language-specific multimedia tours are popular though, and must be booked in advance.

Tavole Romane Food Tours: The Rome Food Walking Tour Arrow

Think of Tavole Romane, the food-and-wine-focused walking tour of Rome, as getting access to the little black book of those who know the city's food scene best. Owners Gabriele and Silvia customize the tours based on the interests of each intimate group, which could mean wine bars in Trastevere or an aperitivo-heavy hop through the centro storico, led by somms, chefs, or another tapped in member of Rome's food scene.

Latteria Studio: Market to Table Arrow

This market tour and cooking class began with a wonderful walk through the market to Latteria Studios, a functional cooking studio and photo set. Alice, Rachel, and Carla, who head up the activities, are real professionals. They know everyone at the market, and they know all about food. Sitting at the table at the end of day fosters a real sense of community with what may have been a group of strangers from different countries and continents. You'll immerse yourself in Rome and make new friends at the same time. 

Cinecittà Studios: VIP Tour Arrow

This is your chance to see the studio that was once home to Fellini and Leone. It's still a working studio though, so you'll need to follow the guide's itinerary to the letter. She will know about Cinecittà though: its history, and its film productions, and its famous alumni. Also, Cinecittà owns every set that was built on the lot. Master artisans created them all—ancient Rome, a 1940s submarine, and fantastical, imagined worlds. They perfectly accurate to their settings, as well as pristinely preserved.

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Srn member links, what did ancient roman wine taste like.

A new study has unearthed the complexities of ancient winemaking and its surprising similarities with modern-day viticulture

• Olivia Nolan

The inhabitants of Ancient Rome were known for their love of wine—growing, shipping and drinking it throughout their empire. But what exactly did their wine taste like? Would we find it palatable today?

New research on the winemaking practices of Ancient Rome has found that not only was Roman winemaking far more advanced than previous studies have found, but also that Roman wine had complex flavors and colors, with many similarities to modern wine—as well as some notable differences.

Published in Cambridge University Press ’ journal Antiquity , “ Making Wine in Earthenware Vessels: A Comparative Approach to Roman Vinification ” provides evidence that ancient Roman vintners used familiar practices like controlled maceration , oxidation and pigéage , or punchdowns, to craft wines with various colors, tastes and aromas that were far more sophisticated than past research has suggested.

Lead researcher Dr. Dimitri Van Limbergen, an archaeologist and specialist in ancient viticulture at the University of Verona, explains that based on his findings, ancient Roman wines would have been most similar to today’s pétillant naturels , orange wines and red Saperavis of Georgia , where qvevri , or earthenware clay vessels, are still used for fermentation and aging. Qvevri are similar to the ancient Roman dolia investigated in the study.

“Winemaking in qvevri and dolia is both extremely straightforward and an ingenious way of producing wine,” Van Limbergen told Wine Spectator . He believes that to understand the sensory profile of Roman wines, we need to look at wines fermented in similar vessels and with similar techniques.

“Modern wine classification ideas are unhelpful to capture the nature of Roman wine,” said Van Limbergen. “Wine colors, for example, were not subdivided between white and red, as is done today. Roman wines belonged to a wide spectrum of colors ranging from white, yellow, amber, brown and then red and black.”

Archaeology Unearths Ancient Winemaking Techniques and Tastes

For their research, Van Limbergen and his team carefully analyzed dolia that had been discovered at various archaeological excavations of Roman villas in population-dense parts of the empire, such as Rome itself, as well as Ravenna and Pompeii. Each of these sites had a plethora of what are known as dolia defossa cellars—intricately designed storage and aging facilities used by the Romans to keep the dolia and the wine they contained in a temperature-controlled environment, just as winemakers the world over still do today.

The researchers found that ancient Roman vintners used many techniques akin to those of the modern day, including lees stirring, skin contact , pressings and extended aging . They also had an understanding of how complex variables such as temperature control and oxidation levels would affect the flavor profile of each wine.

For example, the study describes how archaeologists found that many dolia were coated with different amounts of substances such as pitch to control the intake of oxygen through the earthenware’s pores. That’s a reductive procedure still practiced today through vessels like stainless steel tanks. Controlling exposure to oxygen during the fermentation and aging processes would have allowed Roman wines to undergo malolactic conversion , a key aspect of the flavor profiles of some of today’s most popular wines.

Another example of ancient vintner expertise is the use of surface yeasts, such as the flor employed to make Sherry. “These surface yeasts produce several chemical compounds, including acetaldehyde and acetoin, but most notably sotolon, which is responsible for the slightly spicy taste of flor wines and imparts aromas of toasted bread, apples, roasted walnuts and curry,” writes Van Limbergen and his team in the published paper.

An Empire of Wine: Ancient Industry Insights

The intricacies and widespread nature of the dolia defossa cellars led Van Limbergen and his colleagues to posit that these discoveries show “the development of a wine industry on a scale never attained before. Their presence attests to economic prosperity in the Roman world in Late Republican and Early Imperial times.”

“At the same time,” said Van Limbergen, there is also archeological proof that “many households could afford a dolium , and winemaking was probably part of daily life in many families.” In Georgia, this is still common practice today, he points out. “Many households in Georgia today make their own wine and keep it next to the kitchen or in a cellar inside a qvevri . This must have been quite similar in the Roman world.”

Van Limbergen is excited to continue his research by conducting further analyses on dolia to discover even more details on the chemical makeup of Roman wine. He is involved with the ArchaeoAdWine project in Italy, which aims to study ancient vine-growing practices in the northern Adriatic region through the reconstruction and replication of archaeobotanical data.

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The 7 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

W hen you think about the food you might eat on a visit to Italy, most people think about gelato and pizza . I wasn’t any different.

What I learned from a food tour in Rome is that Italy has so much more than just pasta, pizza, and strong espresso. There is so much history behind the food, with long-standing traditions that go back for centuries.

Food isn’t just a necessity in Italy, it’s a way of life, and feeds into the culture in such a big way.

If you’re looking to take one of the top Rome food tours , then this guide is for you. Each food tour offers something different and unique, so keep reading to find one that’s right for you.

What to Expect from Rome Food Tours

Before visiting Italy, I essentially planned a two-week trip around the country to search for the best pizza north of Rome . (I did end up finding it — in Rome — but I’m still open to another round of explorations!)

On my own sort of food tour around Italy, I decided I’d go to the experts to find out a bit more about the nation’s culinary history.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and gorge yourself!

You can expect food tours to take you to not only the best places to find local, freshly-made food to sample dishes and snacks, but you can also expect to be taken to some historic sites and neighborhoods.

As you walk from place to place, you will learn about Rome’s history, both food related and not, and hear from passionate local guides about the local way of life, traditions and culture.

It’s not all about delicious food – although that is the focus.

The Best Rome Food Tours

Below you will find a list of food tours in Rome and what you can expect from each.

1. Rome Street Food Tour

This Rome Street Food Tour is a great experience for first time visitors to Rome who are looking to discover the city’s culinary secrets while exploring its vibrant streets.

The tour is led by a friendly local guide, who will take you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods, where you’ll visit traditional food markets and sample some of the best street food in Rome.

You’ll learn about the history behind each dish and the cultural influences that have shaped Roman cuisine over the years.

The tour includes stops at family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias, where you’ll taste a variety of authentic Italian treats, such as pizza bianca, suppli, and artisanal gelato.

This engaging and delicious tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Rome. You can read all about our experience on the Street food and history walking tour of Rome . Of course it made the list of the best things to do with teens in Rome .

Check prices and availability for the Rome Street Food Tour here. There are plenty of food tastings, includes a beer and wine stop, and a small group experience..

2. Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

I arranged for a walking food tour in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood . It’s not the most touristy area of Rome but, as I soon learned, there were plenty of reasons why it’s the best area for culinary freaks like myself.

The tour started in the morning so we’d first have time to explore the local farmer’s market. In the market, we met with some of the locals who’ve had stands there for years and years.

My favorite was Carmelo, the “Tomato Poet” who sells his tomatoes each for the same price—no matter the type. We sampled several different varieties just as Carmelo would offer for other visitors.

After the tour of the food market, we had the chance to try a local Roman-style breakfast pastry—the cornetto.

It’s something most of us on the tour had never heard of before. And it was amazing! There was also tiramisu in a chocolate cup. Can’t go wrong with that.

My favourite part of the walking tour was when we stopped at the gourmet foodie shop  E. Volpetti . The shop serves gourmet cheeses (over 140) and meats, but what I most enjoyed was the balsamic tasting.

I enjoyed it so much I even brought home a balsamic vinegar .

After all those treats we spent some time getting a better history of the Testaccio area of Rome.

Rather than just stuffing our faces all afternoon, we visited one of Rome’s most famous cemeteries—it’s for non-Catholics only and is where the famous poet John Keats is buried.

Our tour guide explained some of the history of the area, which inevitably included details about the neighbourhood’s football (soccer) obsession, the mafia history and any number of your typical Italian stereotypes.

After exploring the more historical sites, it was back to the food tour.

Lunch included typical Roman pasta dishes and — of course— fine wine. By this time I was more than adequately full. But when the final stop of the tour was announced—Rome’s most popular gelato cafe—my appetite grew yet again!

In the gelateria, our tour guide explained the most important tips for knowing the difference between real and fake gelato, as unfortunately some gelato stores are tourist traps:

• Pay attention to the color. Banana gelato should be off-white not yellow (you don’t eat the banana peel!)
• Pay attention to the shape. Real gelato shouldn’t have large, billowy mounds flowing out of the metal tubs. More rich and tasty gelatos while be full of less air!
• Keep an eye out for the ingredients. If you see big brown boxes behind the counter, or empty tubs, then you’re probably not eating the real thing. Italian food shops will often prominently display their ingredients so just have a quick look around before you buy!

By the end of the tour I pretty much felt like a food expert, but thankfully the good food in Rome didn’t stop there.

My guide offered up all her favorite Rome restaurants so that the rest of my stay would be as tasty as the tour!

• We recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour with Devour Tours (one of our favorite companies) It includes 8+ food tastings and a small group of maximum 12 people. We did three of their food tours in Italy and loved everyone. Including the next tour…

3. Hidden Rome Trastevere Food Tour

The Hidden Rome food tour of the Trastevere district is an evening food tour that allows you to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and indulge in its delicious cuisine.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods , where visitors can explore its hidden alleys and corners.

You’ll be led by a local guide who will introduce you to the area’s best food spots and traditional dishes, as well as sampling some of the freshest ingredients such as fresh mozzarella di bufala and truffle cheese.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Trastevere and Rome, making this an immersive and enriching experience.

This food tour is perfect for anyone looking to taste some of Rome’s best food in a lively and authentic setting.

• Here is Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tou r from our favored Devour Tours, this Includes 10+ food tastes and 6 drinks across 5 local eateries (enough food for a full dinner)

4. Flavors of Rome Campo Marzo Street Food Tour

This food tour allows you to explore the city’s food culture while seeing its famous landmarks.

The tour combines a walking tour of Rome back streets and hidden alleys, taking you past some of the most iconic sights to some hidden gems in the historic district.

You will make stops at local food markets and street food vendors, where you’ll taste traditional Roman dishes.

A knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as its culinary traditions.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of both worlds: delicious food and unforgettable sightseeing.

• Check prices and availability for the Flavors of Rome Food Tour here.
• You may also love this Semi-Private Food Tour of Rome Italy , which  allows you to explore Rome through its food – from pasta to gelato, this tour hits all the food highlights.

5. Vegan Food Tour Experience

If you have dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free, vegetarian or have allergies, then the vegan food tour is for you.

This one-of-a-kind tour lets you indulge in the city’s delicious vegan Italian cuisine, taking you to some of the best vegan restaurants and food spots in Rome.

This tour offers a chance to taste traditional Italian vegan dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll visit markets and eateries that specialize in vegan cuisine, exploring a wide range of flavors and textures.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of veganism in Rome, making it an immersive and educational experience.

Check prices and availability for the Vegan Food Tour here.

6. Jewish Ghetto And Navona Food And Wine Tour

If you’re looking to sample some of the classic Italian fine wines, then this is the tour for you.

The Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food and Wine tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s culinary delights and sample some of Italy’s finest wines.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Rome’s historic center, where you’ll visit traditional food markets, artisanal bakeries, and famous wine bars.

Your guide will introduce you to authentic cuisine from the Jewish area, such as artichokes, as well as local wines, such as Frascati and Chianti.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Rome, making for an immersive and enriching experience.

Check prices and availability for the Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Tour here.

7. Small-Group Walking Tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori & Jewish Ghetto

Last but not least, is the small group walking tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter. This is where you’ll taste some of Rome’s most delicious dishes.

Your expert guide will take you to traditional markets, family-owned restaurants, and popular eateries, where you’ll sample local specialties such as supplì, pizza, and gelato.

The tour also includes visits to historic landmarks and cultural sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and culture.

This small group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, making it perfect for foodies and history buffs alike.

Check prices and availability for the Small-Group Walking Tour here.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food Tours in Rome

Taking a food tour in Rome is an excellent way to uncover the Eternal City’s culinary delights while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture.

Rome’s culinary history and traditions are some of the oldest in the world, and food tours allow visitors to access a wide range of delicious dishes, from traditional pasta dishes to artisanal gelato in one day trip.

A food tour is not only a great way to satisfy your taste buds but also a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and traditions.

Bio:  In 2009, Adam Groffman quit his job as a graphic designer in Boston and went on a 15+ month trip around the world. The life-changing journey took him to places like North Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Since 2011 Adam has been living in Berlin – Europe’s most hipster city. His blog, Travels of Adam , focuses on finding the coolest cultural things to do around the world.

More Italy Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• ITALIAN LAKES : To help you with your trip to Italy’s largest lake, read our suggestions for  things to do in Lake Garda  and for Italy’s most famous lake, a  guide to things to do in Lake Como.
• TUSCANY:  Don’t miss these stunning  places to visit in Tuscany  and a  guide to Chianti towns  and  how to spend a day in Siena .
• VENICE:  Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these  best things to do in Venice ?
• FLORENCE:  For one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, here are  16 amazing things to do in Florence  and enjoy this  food and wine tour of Florence.
• CINQUE TERRE:  Here’s our  top things to do in Cinque Terre  including our favorite  Cinque Terre boat tour , and here’s a little insight into the personalities of the  Five Towns of Cinque Terre.
• ROME:  Here is our list of  memorable things to do in Rome , a  food walking tour in Rome,  and  what to do with kids in Rome in 72 hours , and our  guides to the Vatican , and the  Colosseum and Roman Forum and 36 Essential Things to know before Visiting Rome
• OTHER: 10 Italy Honeymoon Destinations For Unforgettable Romance and 10 reasons to visit Puglia, Southern Italy

Do you have any great food recommendations for Rome? Let us know in the comments!