Rome's white wine country

The Castelli Romani (Alban Hills towns south of Rome), and Frascati above all, have been Rome's wine country for centuries. The volcanic slopes of the Colli Albani (Alban Hills) are planted with vineyards that produce crisp, fragrant white wines, the very symbol of Roman conviviality. The most famous is Frascati, with its DOC designation, but the entire area is dotted with wineries and classic fraschette (traditional wine taverns) where you taste the wine alongside local fare. A trip to the Castelli is, first and foremost, a food-and-wine experience.

Frascati DOC

Frascati DOC is a white wine produced in and around Frascati from the white grape varieties native to the area. Crisp, savory, and easy to drink, it's the wine of Roman tradition, a perfect match for the cuisine of Lazio. There are several styles and versions (including fuller-bodied ones), and the area's wineries let you discover every nuance through wine tastings.

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The fraschette

One of the great institutions of the Castelli is the fraschette (traditional wine taverns): humble local osterie that began as places where growers sold their own wine, signaling that they were open by hanging a "frasca" (a leafy branch) by the door. Today they're informal trattorie where you enjoy local wine with porchetta, cured meats, cheeses, and simple dishes, often at convivial shared tables. An authentic, budget-friendly experience you shouldn't miss.

Wineries and wine tastings

Beyond the fraschette, the Castelli are home to plenty of wineries and estates where you can join guided wine tastings, tour the vineyards, and buy wine straight from the producer. It's a delightful way to get to know the region and its flavors. Since wine is involved, the smart move is to hire a private driver, so you can taste freely without worrying about the road.

Tips for the experience

  • Hire a driver: taste the wine safely, with zero worries about driving.
  • Try the fraschette: the most authentic, convivial experience of all.
  • Check the wineries: many require a reservation for tastings.
  • Pair the food: porchetta from Ariccia, local cured meats, and cheeses.

Frequently asked questions

What is Frascati DOC? A controlled-designation-of-origin white wine produced in Frascati and the neighboring towns, crisp and savory: the signature wine of the Castelli Romani and of Roman tradition.

What are the fraschette? Classic local osterie of the Castelli where you enjoy local wine with porchetta, cured meats, and simple dishes, originally set up as outlets for growers to sell their own wine.

Where can I do a wine tasting? At the many wineries and estates across the Castelli, especially around Frascati: many offer guided tastings and vineyard tours (often by reservation).

How can I taste the wine safely? By hiring a private driver who takes you from winery to winery and brings you back to Rome, so you can sample everything without worrying about driving.

What do you eat with Castelli wine? Porchetta (a specialty of Ariccia), cured meats, cheeses, and simple dishes of the Lazio tradition, the staples of the fraschette.

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Article #577 · Category: Day Trips · Updated: May 2026