Beyond Rome: Tasting Wine in the Castelli Romani

Wine Caves

     It may seem hard to believe, but, 20-25 minutes from Rome there are gorgeous rolling hills full of olive grooves, vineyards and sheep grazing peacefully.  Last week I had a field trip with my students so I took them to Pallavicini winery, which is an easy train ride from Termini Station.  Only 3/8 of the students came, so we jumped on the train from Termini station.   Four stops later and a short walk, we were at the cantina.

     Mauro, the oenologist, greeted us and drove us a short distance to the vineyard and cellar.  The estate is actually made up of several properties in the Colonna area and they are proud producers of Frascati.   The estate is beautiful with different types of grapes such as local Cesanese and Malvasia as well as international varietals Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Lovely vineyards in the fall

     I took the students underground to the cellar that has been dug out of tufa stone.  It has also been incorporated into part of an ancient Roman aqueduct that was built under the Emperor Claudius.  Visiting estates so close to Rome ensures that you will have close encounters with not only

 the vines but with the archaeological treasures.  There are various pieces on the estate including two olive presses.  One was used during republican times and the other during the imperial era. 

     After the visit we drive back to the office and went underground to their beautiful tasting room.  We tasted three wines and were able to sample the new olive oil on deliciously rustic pane di Genzano.  For anyone coming to Rome that is thinking about a short excursion out of the city for wine tasting, I urge you to forget about a long trip to Tuscany or Umbria.  Instead, why not enjoy a  relaxed trip to the local countryside?  The wine is lovely, the setting spectacular and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the local estate of one of Rome’s oldest families.  

Tufa caves

Sample the Grapes

Grapevines

Ancient Presses

View of the vineyard through the well

Vineyards

Young Winelovers

If you are interested in an excursion to the Castelli Romani, contact us at info@antiquatours.com

www.antiquatours.com