The property and hotel are beautiful and so impeccably maintained. The staff. The room and the…read morebreakfast were terrific. We were also very pleased to find they changed to a no pet policy. It feels much more elegant and classy without dogs all over the property and dining areas.

Our entire experience here was magical. My fiancé and I were taking a trip all over Italy and this…read morewas our absolute favorite place! Everything from the excellent service to the spectacular resort made our stay here so enjoyable. We are even thinking of this as one of our options for our wedding! Before our visit, I had emailed the resort to help me set up a surprise birthday dinner for my fiancé. Eleonor was so prompt to answer each time and she was so incredibly helpful in helping me plan this amazing night from so far away. I can't say enough about her excelent costumer service as well as everyone from the breakfast restaurant to the dinner restaurant to even the pool bartenders! Thank you so much for making this so special for us! We can't wait to be back one day!

After a few hot, touristy days in Rome, we were ready for a break! We looked online for 'things to…read moredo outside Rome with food & wine' and we stumbled upon this little gem of a 'Half-Day Wine Tour' from Rome. We sent a booking form through the website and they answered us in a few hours confirming our booking for the next day and clear instructions on how to take the train to Frascati from Roma Termini and where to meet our guide at the Frascati train station. Our guide Paola was a breath of fresh air! A Frascati local with perfect English, an amazing sense of humour and an a vast knowledge for everything Frascati food & wine. She walked us through the historic center of Frascati (which is postcard perfect), explaining the rich history of the town and the volcanic area where Frascati is located. I had no idea Frascati was such an ancient wine region. The village is breezy and at least 10 degrees cooler than the center of Rome;) We stoped for a snack of 'wine cookies' and 'jug wine' at the local bakery where we met the 94 year-old matriarch and baker 'Nonna Rosana' who was so kind as to pose for a photo with us :) Paola picked up more snacks from the bakery which she explained would be paired with the wines at the winery later on... so intriguing! After our snack at the bakery, our group was seamlessly pick up by 2 large black Mercedes vans and driven to the winery (about a 10 minute drive). Upon arrival at the winery we were absolutely blown away by the gorgeous, lush greenery, vineyard and olive grove and gorgeous 16th century farmhouse & winery. We met the owner & winemaker Paola who is the 7th generation winemaker and the only female winemaker in Frascati! She was incredibly kind and showed us around the property showing us the most beautiful views of the vineyard, the deep and vast ancient Roman wine cave and telling us how the winemaking process has evolved over the years and antidotes of her family's fascinating history (they hid jews in the wine caves during WW2!). After this incredibly interesting tour we were brought to the beautiful tasting room, with the most spectacular view over Rome, to taste the three delicious wines Paola and her family make: Frascati Superiore DOCG, Red Cesanese IGT and Sweet Cannellino DOCG, each paired with the lovely baked goods (and delicious 'porchetta') picked up from Nonna Rosanna at the bakery in town. We were instructed as to which snack to pair with each wine as to appreciate each of the wines to their fullest. We purchased 3 bottles of wine (very reasonably priced) and 1 bottle of their delicious olive oil. We spent a bit more time at the winery taking pictures and absorbing the fantastic energy this place produces until it was time to go to lunch! We were picked up by the same drivers from before and driven back to the center of Frascati for an amazing lunch at a little family run-restaurant. The meal was seasonal & fresh and paired with our favourite wine from the tasting. After lunch we stayed in Frascati for a couple of hours to enjoy the breeze and charming little piazzas filled up in the PM with picnic tables for dinner 'all fresco'. When I compare this experience to other the other 'food tours' we did in Rome, there is no comparison! This whole half-day tour only costs 55 euro which includes everything, and the day was so easy, natural and for the first time on our 2 week vacation in Italy, we truly fell in love with Italia! Grazie!

I was so skeptical about this tour. I did the classic half day wine tour. For 55€, I was nervous…read moreabout the price and if the quality of the tour would be worth it, but can I tell you! This tour was worth the money spent. First, you catch the train and meet with the tour guide. My tour guide was Max. He was super knowledgeable and had funny jokes throughout the tour. He's a local and has traveled to many countries outside of his town of Frascati. We take a little tour of the town and he gives some history and we went into some shops and the main church there. Next, we stopped into a bakery and sampled some cheap, house wine (as he calls it) that is saved for families to drink with some sweet cookies. We were instructed to dip the cookies in the wine. Delish! Prior to that we got a little same of roasted pork with the wine as a light snack. Then a taxi comes to pick us up and take the group to the vineyard. We tour the vineyard and take awesome pictures. There's an awesome view of Rome from the vineyard. We then went into the cellar where the wine is stored and got a very detailed tour of the underground and the winemaking process. Next, we enter the tasting room. We received 3 (1 white, q red , 1 dessert wine) quality Frascati wines paired with a white pizza, red sauce pizza and bread. Olive oil that they also make at the vineyard is on the table to sample. Throughout each wine tasting, Max teaches about the wine. Lastly! The taxi returned to take the group to have lunch at a local restaurant back in the town. We received an appetizer of arugula, sautéed zucchini, I think a sautéed mushroom and some meat. Then we got a small portion of a red sauce pasta and then a carbonara with bacon bits (they had pairings and lunch options for anyone who was vegetarian as well). I was just enough food to leave me satisfied. I really enjoyed this tour! The tour is from about 10:30am to 2pm (you can catch the 2:36pm train back to termini or stay and enjoy the town until about 9pm when the last train comes). The small group setting was great for a nice intimate tour, easy picture taking and getting all your questions in. There were 9 people in my group but the tour has a 15 person max. I booked this tour super last minute on my way from Spain and they were accommodating. My only con was email response was a bit slow. I just showed up in hopes I was confirmed. I'm so glad I went! I believe you can only pay in cash, so be mindful of that. Bottles of the red and white wines are 10€ and the dessert wine is 15€ (if I remember correctly). Wine purchases are in cash as well. But y'all, this tour made my trip! It was everything! Highly, highly recommend!

This place was Magnificent! The entire staff were so accommodating and friendly. They made us feel…read morelike we were family here. The food was so delicious and fresh! Each special dish was served and we were allowed to hear the history of its creation through the families remarkable creativity. What a joy it was to be presented with such delicious treats from such Gracious Hosts. Thank You!

We had the most amazing private tasting at Acquaviva! First: the grounds of this vineyard are…read moreabsolutely gorgeous; we enjoyed wandering around and taking in all the scenery. Second, the main tasting building is absolutely lovely - all glass (for those aforementioned views) and a perfect mix of modern and traditional. Finally, the WINE! Not only was their wine absolutely delicious, but it was paired with some excellent bread, olive oil, and charcuterie to complete our tasting experience. Our host was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and it was a treat to learn about the history of these great winemakers. We loved everything so much we immediately bought bottles to take home for dinner and shipped a crate home, too. One of our favorite afternoons of our entire trip to Tuscany.

Wow. One of the most beautiful places on the planet. We were in the area to go to another winery…read morebut they were closed because it was the off season but we saw their sign and decided to give it a try. We met the owner who spoke very little English but his beautiful and brilliant daughter helped us bridge the language gap for the tasting. The wine was exceptional and we bought two bottles at a very reasonable price. This is a authentic small winery for the true Italian family experience. Don't miss this gem if you are in the area.

Thanks to Jacqueline and her review we found ourselves driving down one of the most beautiful…read moreplaces I have ever seen on our way to TanaGatta. We were welcomed right away by Susana, the owner, who led us to the cantina. After a very warm welcome she led my wife and I down to the winery. Since this was our first time ever in a winery she explained the whole process in italian while my wife translated for me. It is inspiring to meet people with passion and love for what they do like the owners of this place. She offered us cheese and cold cuts while we tried the delicious wine and amazing olive oil. Needless to say we walked away with bottles of each but never felt pressured to buy, even though who wouldn't after trying their wonderful products. Do yourself a favor and make the drive, the city center is not that far away and you will fall in love with the place.

Our second time to Verrazzano and partook in a tasting/lunch this time. It was one of the best…read moretastings/lunches we've had. The staff is so nice and knowledgeable - Rebecca was great. The castle itself of course is lovely and so picturesque. Recommend when in Tuscany!

This was an amazing tour and total experience! Our tour guide, representative, wine educator, etc…read morewas excellent! Her knowledge of the property, the amazing history, and wine was so very nicely portrayed in her excellent tour. The history here is stunning too. Wines were so very good that we bought a case to be shipped back home, to the states. Check on buying wine, as they price it with shipping. The property is gorgeous and historic! Highly recommend this particular winery to visit and tour when visiting the area!

Such a great value! I learned SO much about the history of the hill towns, escaped busy Rome for a…read moreday, drank great hand crafted wine along with eating real food made by real people who sing songs too.

Heading to Rome and have a half day of free time? Immediately contact Minardi and prepare for the…read morebest part of your trip. We reserved a pizza making and wine tasting tour without knowing what to expect. My were we blown away by the hospitality, ease of cooking, senses of humor and beauty of it all. It was a day we will never forget. Being the only one of the tour group that spoke Italian, I was able to chat with Umberto, the current owner of the vineyard. He told me about the 9 generations that built the place and the devastation brought on by WWII. He explained how he gets up before dawn every morning to tend to the animals and grapes. It was a surreal day that we spent laughing, eating our own Roman creations and drinking the best wine in the world.

We showed up here with no reservation in the early evening. I knocked not realizing they were in…read morethe middle of a tour. The guide (who we presume to be the owners son) couldn't have been nicer. He invited us to join the English speaking tour he was in the middle of. Then we went upstairs to the tasting room where they made up a quick table for us. We tried 3 wines- 2 vino nobles and a 3rd of our choice. I picked the rose and loved it- so light and easy drinking. A bottle is coming home with us. The vino noble was good as well- just a little heavy for my particular taste. The wine cellars were amazing. The wine is reasonably priced. The people so nice and welcoming. I would definitely recommend coming here if on a Tuscany trip!

Really wonderful tour! Such a fascinating history and wine cave. Our guide was very funny and super…read moreknowledgeable. We did the 6 glass tasting at the end, which was a good way to try many of their award winning wines. Light snacks were served with the wine as well. Highly recommend checking this tour and tasting out.

BEST MEAL OF OUR LIVES! La Sala dei Grappoli restaurant at Castello Banfi is on its way to…read moreMichelin Stars for sure. Our server was impeccable. He was the most knowledgeable server I've ever met The back-waiter was amazing too. We loved talking with him! Dear chef, thank you so much for your hard work and talent. Thank you to the kitchen staff for their excellent execution. You don't get better ambience anywhere in the world. We talk about this meal all the time. They even wrote congratulations in chocolate along with our petit-fours at the end. Well done!

I had my first brunello ever 40 years ago that was their first vintage and fell in love with the…read morestyle. Visiting was a highlight for me made even better by my tasting with Lisa, who was very informative. She has been with Banfi for 24 years. I opted for the higher end tasting, which was the correct thing to do for me. Lisa also recommended a bird identification app produced at Cornell University that is quite comprehensive. That recommendation was prompted by a question about a flurry of activity of a species related to the swallows that used to dominate San Juan Capistrano.

We went to the winery for a private Tuscan cooking class and wine tasting which was exquisite to…read moresay the least. We were greeted by the owners Sara and Hans along with their dog and puppy. What a beautiful place with it's 360 degree panoramic views along with it's wonderfully appointed grounds. We loved the mix of modern that did not overpower the history of the architecture and its gorgeous grounds. The local chefs they brought in to teach us were equally as wonderful and truly passionate about what they do. We had their Losna chardonnay which was very nice especially for this region which is not known for chards and the Curtun red was stellar. I personally loved the Curtun and found it much more pleasurable then most of the chiantis I've tried in the area. Can't wait to come back and hopefully bring more of the family to share.

My husband and I stayed here last summer for 3 nights and we had such an amazing experience. The…read moreowners Sara and Fidelis are super chilled and friendly, and the whole place has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Their house lady cooked amazing fresh food, and even helped us out with some laundry. We did the wine tasting dinner out on their patio with beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan countryside. Plenty of wine was provided, and Sara was extremely generous - opening many bottles even though there was just two of us, and offering us more to take away. Their pool was lovely, and a good size for swimming, with plenty of shade by the trees if needed. She had good advice about local places to visit. Our room was lovely and the whole place was just so picturesque. We found the rates cheaper than other places in the area, and I am so glad we booked here. We will be back!