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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
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.

Casal Pilozzo
Experience

Casal Pilozzo

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

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+ | Free

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Gabriele Magno
Experience

Gabriele Magno

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

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+ | Free

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Merumalia Wine Resort
Experience

Merumalia Wine Resort

Frascati, Lazio, Italy

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+ | Free

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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.

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

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

Rome

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 b...

€44 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [545 ratings]

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Classic Half-Day Wine Tour in Frascati

Classic Half-Day Wine Tour in Frascati

Rome

Discover all the best Frascati has to offer from its charming city center, beautiful views and vineyards, an historic family-run winery, and...

€85 | Rating 4.68 / 5 [19 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Frascati Wine Tasting Tour: The Flavors of the Roman Countryside

Frascati Wine Tasting Tour: The Flavors of the Roman Countryside

Rome

Join us for a delightful wine tasting tour in Frascati and explore the rich flavors and aromas of some of Italy's finest wines. Set against ...

€98 | Rating 4.60 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch

Frascati Wine Road from Rome: Tasting & Lunch

Rome

Take the train to Frascati from Rome and enjoy a wholesome half day of food, wine and friendship! Meet your guide on the platform at Frascat...

$109 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [80 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi

Rome, Lazio, Italy[16.6 miles]

An elegant, centrally-located hotel in a Renaissance palace, with the most spectacular Colosseum views in Rome.

Official star rating:

Hotel San Anselmo

Rome, Lazio, Italy[17.3 miles]

A romantic, affordable hotel in a villa on the Aventine hill – central Rome’s haven of serenity. Within walking distance of many city sights.

Official star rating:

Inn at the Roman Forum

Rome, Lazio, Italy[17.4 miles]

An intimate luxury hotel secluded on a quiet street, just above the heart of ancient Rome, with a delightful rooftop garden.

Official star rating:

Hotel Chapter Roma

Rome, Lazio, Italy[18.2 miles]

Sophisticated yet approachable, this boutique hotel offers edgy Roman street art, a hip cocktail bar-cum-co-working space, and an enviable central location a stroll away from Rome’s A-list sights.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

Lazio, Italy

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.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The ancient Appian Way (Appia Antica) in Rome, showing tombs on either side
Experience

Via Appia Antica

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One of the most beautiful places in Rome for a walk, a road lined with lavish tombs, the Baths of Caracalla, the Roman Catacombs, and many other sights.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Porta Asinaria is a gate in the Aurelian Walls of Rome, ancient landmark from Roman Empire, stone walled largest city of the world.
Experience

Aurelian Walls of Rome

Rome, Lazio, Italy[15.3 miles]

Rome has so many treasures, this one is often overlooked. But with the empire under threat from invaders, Emperor Aurelian gave the city one of the greatest sets of fortifications in the world – a job finished in only five years. 19km long, and almost completely intact today, the circuit includes several monumental gates, and it passes some of the Eternal City’s most interesting monuments.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Imperial Fora

Rome, Lazio, Italy[17.7 miles]

This tremendous series of squares (fora) were among the greatest works of the Romans. Trajan’s includes library, Trajan’s Column and the well-preserved Trajan’s Market – the ‘world’s first shopping mall’.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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