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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

A day trip to Frascati has long been a tradition for Romans, who savour a stop at the numerous fraschette (outdoor wine bars) to sample the many wines produced in these hills.

Frascati white wine, either dry or sweet, still or sparkling, is made from blends of the Malvasia and Trebbiano grape varieties. Tradition says it’s best immediately after production, namely at the source. Romans flock here just to drink it.

The area is also well known for its beautiful Tusculum villas, a 16th-century legacy of the aristocratic families who came here to escape the heat of the city. Many of these villas have been turned into hotels, such as the grandiose Villa Grazioli.

While you’re there

Frascati is just one of the so-called ‘Roman Castles’, not castles but nine history-rich, wine-producing hill towns in the Alban hills. If you’ve got a car and the time, visit some of the others: Marino, Rocca di Papa, and Nemi.

Also, Castel Gandolfo is a small commune in the Castelli Romani, which occupies heights overlooking Lake Albano. It was voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and is home to the summer residence of the Pope.

Recommendations

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Casal Pilozzo

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

Casal Pilozzo

On the slopes above the village of Monte Porzio Catone, Casal Pilozzo historic winery offers tours and tastings of their aged Malvasia vintages, along with bold reds and sweet dessert wine.

Best for ages 18+

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Gabriele Magno

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

Gabriele Magno

Backed by four generations of viticulture under their belts, the fairly new winery distinguishes itself by producing top-notch wines in the heart of the Castelli Romani. Gabriele and his partner Luigi Fragiotta lead customized tours and tastings by reservation only.

Best for ages 18+

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More details >

Merumalia Wine Resort

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

Merumalia Wine Resort

A family-run wine resort with a charming terrace from which to enjoy a glass of their organic Frascati DOCG while overlooking the green, olive tree-lined hills of the Lazio countryside.

Best for ages 18+

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More details >

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are numerous guided tours leaving from Rome to the area – they have the advantage of organising all of the logistics, and taking you to some of the best fraschette.

If you prefer to go it alone, the best way to reach Frascati is by train, which takes 30 minutes and leaves approximately every two hours from Rome’s main Termini station. Hiring a car will allow you to tour the picturesque surrounding countryside, stopping by vineyards and historic sites.

The Aldobrandini Stables in Frascati’s central Piazza Marconi functions as an information point, with exhibitions about the town and the aristocratic families that lived there.

Stay the night

Tenuta di Pietra Porzia, one of the largest Frascati vineyards, is also an agriturismo hotel and restaurant. Another good (non-vineyard) base to explore the region from is the beautiful Park Hotel Villa Grazioli.

 

When to do it

The best time to enjoy the fraschette is during warm evenings, when tables spill out onto the pavement and locals gather to socialise, snack and sample wine.

Out of season, the town pretty much shuts down after lunch. Also try to avoid the weekends when Frascati can be crammed with Roman day-trippers.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Rome

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati
Leave the busy Rome city to fall in love with the slow and the beauty life of locals in Frascati, the City of Wine. Your day begins with a beautiful train ride to Frascati from Rome, during which you can admire the beauty of the countryside of Rome. We will pick you up at the Frascati Station and show you all the amazing corners in town. Then it will be time to reach our old wine cellar, where our family started with wine production. Sip two types of our family’s best wines pairing with local meats and cheese. Next all the necessary for making pasta will be ready, so it will be your turn to get your hands dirty. Wearing apron and mixing all the ingredients together while drinking wine you’ll turned up with your own handcrafted pasta. So it will be magical to see what happened, your pasta will be cooked with your favourite Roman Sauce and that’s it! You’ll be ready to enjoy your own pasta sipping wine and relaxing. You won’t leave our place before not have visited our wine cave!

Price: €44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [802 ratings]

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Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch

Rome

Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch
Tour the wine cellar and Roman-era caves, then see how age-old winemaking traditions have been maintained through the years and incorporated into the modern production of today’s highly sought-after DOCG wines (don’t worry, you’ll even learn what all those initials mean!). After a walk through the vineyard, relax and take in the unforgettable view of the rolling hills and Rome in the background while enjoying a guided tasting of three wines; Frascati Superiore, Red Vagnolo, and Sweet Cannellino. After bidding a reluctant farewell to the winery, return to historic Frascati for a walking tour of the local shops and botteghe. Here you’ll taste celebrated local delicacies such as roasted pork (porchetta), focaccia, biscotti — just out of the antique wood-fired oven — and jug wine. After your meal, the train station is just a few steps away for your return to Rome.

Price: $109

Min age: 6

Rating 4.74 / 5 [124 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome

Rome

Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome
Experience the essence of Italy in the hills of the famed Frascati region, as you soak up the rich history and enjoy a wine tasting in this tour from Rome. Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Frascati region. An experienced, English speaking chauffeur will pick you up at your Hotel or place of stay in Rome at 10:00am or 3:00pm in a comfortable BMW sedan or Mercedes E or V class. The tour is not available on the following days: 25/12, 26/12, 01/01, Easter day and 15/08.

Price: €237

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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From Rome: Frascati 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour

Rome

From Rome: Frascati 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour
Experience the essence of Italy in the hills of the famed Castelli Romani, as you soak up the rich history and enjoy a wine tasting in this tour from Rome. Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Frascati region.

Price: €194

Min age: 16

Rating 4.94 / 5 [34 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Classic Half-Day Wine Tour in Frascati

Rome

Classic Half-Day Wine Tour in Frascati
Discover all the best Frascati has to offer from its charming city center, beautiful views and vineyards, an historic family-run winery, and fresh local cuisine. This half-day tour from Rome will stimulate your senses and rejuvenate your spirit. Frascati is an easy 25 minute train ride from Rome and is part of the Castelli Romani or ‘Roman Castles. 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!

Price: €85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [31 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

Lazio, Italy

Rome

The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums.