Wine Tours Frascati

Frascati is a celebrated wine region just southeast of Rome, nestled in the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani). It produces chiefly white wines — both still and sparkling — with roots tracing back to Roman times. During the Renaissance and later eras, Frascati became known as the “wine of the Popes” and was a favorite among aristocrats and travelers. The terroir is volcanic, giving the wines brightness, minerality, and aromatic complexity.

Wine tourism in Frascati is vibrant yet retains a local, intimate charm. Many producers welcome visitors for tastings in their cellars, often built into Roman-era caves. Tours often weave through vineyard slopes, olive groves, and scenic hill roads. Because Frascati is only about 20–30 km from Rome and accessible by train, it works well as a wine‑day trip or weekend escape from the capital.

The cuisine surrounding Frascati leans on Lazio’s rustic traditions: seasonal vegetables, legumes, fresh cheeses, grilled fish or light meats, and simple pasta dishes. Frascati’s clean, aromatic whites pair especially well with seafood, vegetable antipasti, soft cheeses, and light pasta sauces. Some of its sweeter styles, like the dessert wine Cannellino di Frascati, also make excellent matches for fruit-based desserts and pastries.

The DOC rules for Frascati require that at least 70 % of the blend come from Malvasia di Candia and/or Malvasia del Lazio/Puntinata. Up to 30 % may be comprised of Bellone, Bombino Bianco, Greco, or Trebbiano. Within this appellation, two prestigious styles were elevated to DOCG: Frascati Superiore (a dry white) and Cannellino di Frascati (a sweet dessert wine). The volcanic soils and hillside sites help retain freshness and lift in these wines.

Spring brings blooming vines and ideal conditions for vineyard walks and tastings. Summer warms the hills, but altitude and breezes keep it livable for outdoor visits. Harvest usually occurs in late summer to early autumn, offering one of the best windows to experience Frascati up close. In winter, the area quiets, but winemakers may still host cellar‑based tastings. Each season inflects the wine’s aromas and offers a different mood in the hills.

Start from Rome and head into the Castelli Romani hills; Frascati is one of the most accessible wine escapes from the city. Plan tastings by appointment since many producers are boutique in scale. Combine wine visits with explorations of historic villas, hilltown panoramas, local food stops, and walking paths among vineyards and olive groves. A full day (or overnight) trip gives you enough time to taste, absorb the atmosphere, and see the region beyond the glass.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Frascati is around €57. Depending on the experience, prices range from €30 to €84. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Frascati:

• Azienda Biologica De Sanctis
• EREDI DEI PAPI
• Azienda Agricola Villa Simone
• Merumalia
• Minardi Winery - Frascati (Roma)
• tenuta di pietra porzia
• Poggio agli Ulivi
• Casale Vallechiesa Winery

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Frascati:

• Wine Tasting at Merumalia, just a stone's throw from Rome
• Deluxe Wine Tasting at Villa Simone in Castelli Romani
• Eredi dei Papi Tour and Wine tasting in the heart of Castelli Romani
• Pasta Masterclass & Wine Experience at Minardi Winery: Cooking, Tasting, and Vineyard Tour
• Wine tour & Tasting at Tenuta di Pietra Porzia
• Taste, Paint & Unwind Among the Vines at Eredi dei Papi Winery - a stone's throw from Rome
• Winery tour and tasting at De Sanctis
• Tasting of Native Wines at Tenuta di Pietra Porzia in Frascati