My husband and I wanted to go for a wine tasting tour in Italy -- so he searches on line and booked this place. We had some questions and reached out to the company, they responded right away with great detail!
We booked it, and we were on our way! They give you very detailed information (where to take the train platform - arrive early!!). And it's amazing because it's only a 30 minute train ride from the middle of Rome, but Frascati feel totally different! You get away from the crazy tourism, the crowds and Frascati is this quiet, beautiful, quaint neighborhood with fresh air that seems like it's mostly locals.
Once you get off the train stop, the wine tour leader meets you on the platform -- they make it very convenient. Paula is very sweet, approachable, and was so welcoming! We start walking around Frascati, and Paula gave us a brief history of the city as we are walking through the churches and restaurants, with the World War 2 involvement. We got to see some of the ruins, or the church that was around during the time.
We stop by a local bakery -- one of the oldest bakeries in Frascati where they make bread from the old furnaces, and a bakery where they make the porchetta sandwiches. We got little samples of the sandwich and some bread! Also - fun side note -- I believe the porchetta came from this region, so make sure to check it out if you like pork. They have little stands that sell it!
Then we got picked up by vans that take us to the actual winery. Not a far drive but you notice right away the air quality is so fresh, and the winery is a little higher up in altitude, so you get a great view! It's also very lush and gets a lot of rain. You get a quick tour of the grapes outside -- they let you eat the grapes before they are picked! And then you get to walk down to the caves (underground) because that is where they used to store the wines. It gets pretty dark (but it's fairly lit), but definitely pretty cold down there. It's pretty cool though cause they definitely do not have any caves like that anymore! You get to see the old machines they used to make the wines, and you get to meet this older gentleman who grew up making all the wine! It has been in his family for generations, and he grew up making wine! He doesn't even speak English, but the tour guides translates everything for you.
Afterward, we go upstairs, and they let you try the wines and olive oil. Paula does a good job explaining the wines, and definitely generous with her servings. It's pretty cool if you get a good group. A lot of our group was from the U.S., so we got to meet a lot of different people! Good wine and good company was definitely the highlight of our tour!
Afterward, you get back in the van, and they take you back towards the downtown area and drops you off at the restaurant. Lunch was fine -- fresh pasta, so it was good! And some of the ham and cheese. You also pay at the tour (no payment necessary to reserve your spot for the tour), and we ran out of cash, but Paula let us pay her at lunch because it's next to an ATM! 55 euros per person for the 1/2 day wine tour! My friend told me the full day wine tour is great as well!
Cons:
Once you are done with lunch, make sure you take the first train back to Rome, or else the whole city shuts down for siesta!! I wanted to walk around and take the next train back (1 train per hour), but we walked around for 20 minutes, and there is literally NOTHING open other than a local grocery store. So either do the full day wine tour, or take the first train back!! read more