The Wine In Rome Is An Amazing Treat Not To Be Missed!

When you are looking to pair a drink with your Carbonara or Amatriciana, don’t sleep on the amazing wine in Rome that can be overshadowed by its neighbors.

Italy is a country that prides itself on its culinary excellence, and rightly so. Nothing pairs better with its amazing regional foods than a glass of its local wine. While regions like Tuscany and Piedmont are more popular worldwide, the Lazio region, and especially the area around Rome, is an underrated treat for wine lovers.

Rome is not well-known for its scenic vineyards, but they are nearby and worth a visit. The ancient wine-making traditions, volcanic soil and accessible high-quality offerings are examples of how the wine culture near Rome offers a fascinating and flavorful journey.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Wine In Rome, this guide is your perfect starting point. From famous wineries in the Frascati region to a better understanding of Prosecco and when vino sfuso is a great choice, there is much to uncork just outside the Eternal City.

Touring The Frascati Lazio Wine Region Is Perfect

No discussion of the wine in Rome is complete without a deeper dive into the broader Frascati Lazio wine region. Often overshadowed by Italy’s more famous wine regions, Lazio offers a less commercial and more intimate wine-tasting experience.

Frascati, in particular, is known for its crisp, refreshing white wines made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. These wines are designed to complement Rome’s rich cuisine, from bucatini all’amatriciana to fresh artichokes. Less popular, but still delicious, the most popular red wine grapes used in Lazio wine production are the Sangiovese, Cesanese and Montepulciano grapes

Touring this region by car, or finding a guided tour, gives visitors a comprehensive overview of how ancient Roman winemaking traditions have evolved into the modern era. You’ll find that the wine you’ll enjoy in Rome is deeply connected to the land and its people.

The Frascati Winery Cantine Eredi dei Papi Is A Must See

I have spent a bit of time driving around the region and visiting some of the well-reviewed vineyards, although not nearly as much as I would like. You get a chance to meet with some small wine makers and get a very personal experience. One of my favorites was when I met with the brother/sister pair of Chiara and Lorenzo Iacoponi of Cantine Eredi dei Papi.

Located in the picturesque town of Frascati, just a short train ride from Rome, the vineyard stands as a testament to the rich winemaking tradition of the area. This family-owned vineyard offers more than just tastings, it offers a history lesson in every glass.

The wines produced here, especially their white varietals, capture the volcanic soil that is common in the region, characterized by mineral-rich dirt and gentle hills. A tour of the winery includes a fun encounter with some great dogs and, if you check their calendar , a tasting session featuring their quality Frascati wines.

This vineyard is a shining example of why wine in Rome is more than just Chianti knock-offs or tourist traps, it’s about authenticity, heritage, and quality.

Villa Simone Is A Winery Near Rome That You Need To See

When discussing notable wineries in the Lazio region, Villa Simone deserves a special mention. Nestled in the Castelli Romani area, this sizable winery represents traditional wine-making at its finest.

If you’re seeking an elevated wine-tasting experience near Rome, Villa Simone is a must. It’s yet another example of how enjoying the wines in Rome can surprise even seasoned wine aficionados.

Wineries Near Rome, Italy To See: Tenuta di Pietra Porzia

If you are looking for a complete vineyard experience, Tenuta di Pietra Porzia offers both wine and hospitality. This 15th-century estate, located in Frascati, is not only a working winery but also an agriturismo, allowing visitors to stay overnight and wake up among the vines. They are also able to host wedding receptions and other events.

Tenuta di Pietra Porzia specializes in Frascati , DOC, DOCG and Lazio IGT wines, producing both whites and reds that honor centuries-old traditions. Today, they produce 250,000 bottles of wine per year, including Frascati DOC and DOCG, Cannellino di Frascati DOCG, Malvasia, Roma DOC rosso “Lecino”, with grapes coming only from estate vineyards and with production techniques that guarantee a very low sulphite content, equal to less than half the quantities permitted by law. 

As I learned when visiting these vineyards, also offering olive oil in addition to the wine is a common practice. The wines of Tenuta di Pietra Porzia are joined by Extra virgin olive oil from estate olive groves.

This winery exemplifies what makes Roman wines so appealing: a blend of history, hospitality, and high-quality production, all within an hour drive of the Colosseum.

The Best Winery Near Me In Rome Might Be Tenuta Le Quinte

Having one of the more contemporary showrooms I have seen here in Rome, yet offering both highly regarded wineries and less formal vino sfuso is Tenuta Le Quinte. It is located in Colonna in the heart of the Castelli Romani area, this vineyard blends innovative techniques with time-honored practices.

This beautiful vineyard offers a selection of organic wines, both red and white, and what they call a cantina, which is a selection of delicious products that go well beyond just wine. The setting is beautiful, even during the winter, and you can easily forget that you are only an hour from the Colosseum.

When searching for the best winery near you in Rome, Tenuta Le Quinte should be high on your list. It proves that the wine available in Rome is not just traditional, it’s evolving and doing so with style.

Definitely Try L’Orto di Alberico Vineyards

When I first decided to visit the vineyards around Rome, the first place on my list was L’Orto di Alberico. It was well reviewed and an easy train ride and short walk from the historical center of Rome.

For a unique and even intimate experience of wine and food, this vineyard offers something truly special. Located in the Roman countryside, this organic vineyard is the legacy of Prince Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi, a nobleman who revolutionized Italian winemaking in the 20th century.

The wine produced in the cellars by the ancient methods of the Prince, will speak of the volcanic soil and the constant Ponentino, which makes it an extraordinary quality wine. It will speak of the story of Alberico who at only 16 years old understood the importance of organic and was a pioneer, in 1946.

In addition to the vines, a giftshop and a working restaurant, you can also choose to have a picnic on the grounds. Book your basket with a blanket and choose the corner of Paradise you prefer to consume your meal in full harmony with nature.

If you arrive when they open, like I did, visiting L’Orto di Alberico is a peaceful, almost meditative experience. It’s the kind of place where you can truly taste the land in every sip, and where Roman wine feels like a spiritual journey through nature and tradition.

What Is The Difference Between Prosecco And Sparkling Wine?

I realize the Prosecco has little to do with Rome specifically, but you will find it on nearly every menu, it is affordable and can pair well with the food you are eating. I wanted to explain some of the process involved in its creation and why you should enjoy it on every occasion, instead of saving it for something special.

Understanding the wine available in Rome also involves appreciating the nuances of Italian wine classifications, especially when it comes to sparkling wines. Many visitors confuse Prosecco with other types of bubbly, but the difference is rooted in process, the tradition and the geography.

Prosecco is made from the Glera grape and must be produced primarily in Treviso in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Sparkling wines from other regions, including Lazio, may use different grapes and methods, offering unique taste profiles, but cannot be called Prosecco.

Exploring these subtle differences firsthand is part of what makes tasting the wines in Rome such a rewarding experience. Whether it’s a dry Frascati fizz or a Prosecco from the area of Valdobbiadene, the effervescence is as much about Italian pride as it is about flavor.

House Wine in Italy, Also Known As Vino Sfuso, Is Amazing!

On my first visit to Rome almost 30 years ago, when we went out to eat, I knew I wanted wine, but I didn’t know much about it. I chose the house wines that were served in a carafe and what a great choice it was. I hadn’t experienced Vino Sfuso before in the US because as far as I can tell (or because I don’t live near a wine producing region) selling bulk/unbottled wine isn’t a thing.

Vino sfuso translates to “loose wine” and it’s the Italian equivalent of a restaurant’s house wine, but so much more. It is often sold in large quantities, from a liter up to a 5 or 10 liter tank (known as a Damigiana) in reusable glass and plastic bottles. These wines are typically sourced from local vineyards and are both affordable and delicious. I have seen in many Roman neighborhoods and at farmers markets “vino sfuso” shops/stalls where locals line up with empty bottles to refill.

The beauty of vino sfuso is that it represents everyday Italian life. It’s not about fancy labels or long aging processes, it’s about good wine, shared with family and friends. If you’re exploring the wine in Rome, don’t miss the chance to try this authentic staple of Roman culture.

Why Wine In Rome Is Worth Exploring

When people think of wine tourism in Italy, they often think of the amazing wines available in the Tuscany or Piedmont regions. However, those who take the time to explore the vineyards near Rome are rewarded with something more personal, more intimate and often just as delicious.