While you can always enjoy a glass of wine at your favorite restaurant or pour a glass from a bottle you have at home, there’s nothing quite like tasting the wines made in the various regions of Italy.
Made with the same ancient methods used during the Roman Empire, these wines just might take you back to another place and time. Also see: Wineries and Vineyards From Rome – Travel Guide.
Be sure to see our reviews of Amalfi Coast Day Trips, Vatican Tours and Colosseum Tours.
Best Wine Tours From Rome
San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour | Frascati Food & Wine: Full Day Countryside Tour | Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip with Wines & Lunch From Rome | |
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Location: | Pick-up and Drop Off Included | Entrance of Frascati Train station | Piazza del Popolo, Rome |
Start: | 7:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 7:20 AM |
Duration: | 10 hours | 4 hours | 12 hours |
Includes: | Van transportation, guided tour of Siena, San Gimignano visit, expert guide, 9 types of wine and Tuscan cuisine, light lunch | Frascati's guided tour, transportation to Frascati to the wine farmhouse and back, Artisanal wine tasting, guided tour of vineyard and old cellar, 3 Wines tasting & chef lunch | Round-trip transportation, guided tour of Civita di Bagnoregio, gourmet lunch, wine tasting, expert English-speaking guide |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tours From Rome
- San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour
- Frascati Food & Wine: Full Day Countryside Tour
- Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip with Wines & Lunch From Rome
- Tuscany Wine Tour from Rome with Private Driver
- Frascati Wine Region Tour with Wine Tasting From Rome
Rome Wine Tour Reviews
1. San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour
- Departure Point: Pick-up and Drop Off included
- Departure Time: 7:00 AM
- Duration: 10 hours
- Includes: Van transportation, guided tour of Siena, San Gimignano visit, expert guide, 9 types of wine and Tuscan cuisine, light lunch
First up is San Gimignano, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its colorful history as well as its impact on the region’s wine culture. In fact, this area is known for it’s popular Vernaccia white wine, which you will be able to taste along with many others in the wine cellar.
Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the medieval charm that San Gimignano is famous for before heading to the winery to learn more about the process of making wine. Next up is a light lunch at a local restaurant.
Before heading back to Rome through that same beautiful countryside, you’ll stop at Siena. Their public square at the center of the city holds historical significance and is another UNESCO-listed site.
The Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio del Siena horse races are held. Enjoy Mangia Tower and the imposing beauty of the Duomo.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Frascati Food & Wine: Full Day Countryside Tour
- Departure Point: entrance of Frascati Train station
- Departure Time: 10:30 AM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Frascati’s guided tour, transportation to Frascati to the wine farmhouse and back, Artisanal wine tasting, guided tour of vineyard and old cellar, 3 Wines tasting & chef lunch
On your way to the area of Castello Romani, your expert guide will share fascinating information about the area, from its history and traditions to the wines that are popular there.
At your first stop, you’ll taste two to three wines, depending on what the producer has available. Learn even more about the ancient techniques they still use today.
Then you’ll head to the second stop where you will enjoy several more wines along with a light lunch. Your guide will take you to Abbazi of San Nilo and tell you the tales, and legends, of the location.
With a guided tour and skip-the-line access to Castel Gandolfo, you’ll see for yourself just how far back the history of this region goes.
The last stop will give you a bird’s eye view of a beautiful volcanic lake as well as the city of Nemi. You won’t want to miss the views, or the photo ops either!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:
3. Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip with Wines & Lunch From Rome
- Departure Point: Piazza del Popolo, Rome
- Departure Time: 7:20 AM
- Duration: 12 hours
- Includes: Round-trip transportation, guided tour of Civita di Bagnoregio, gourmet lunch, wine tasting, expert English-speaking guide
Your expert guide will take you on a walking tour of Civita di Bagnoregio. Here, you can even see ruins that pre-date the Roman Empire. Set in the hills, the views all around you are breathtaking.
Sant’Antimo Abbey features beautiful and ornate Medieval architecture, seemingly out of place in a quiet valley. Next up is lunch and you will enjoy 3 traditional courses as well as appropriate wines all inside the wine cellar of a vineyard farmhouse.
The last stop will be Montepulciano where you will be given ample time for independent exploration. Duck into a few shops to snag some souvenirs for those back home, or even yourself.
Don’t miss out on the Pecorino cheeses made here as well as the bold, smooth balsamic vinegars.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4, Tuscany Wine Tour from Rome with Private Driver
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup and drop off included
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM
- Duration: 10 hours
- Includes: Private transportation and tours of the vineyards in Montepulciano, Pienza, and Orvieto
Here you will sip wines from their world famous vineyards and have time to shop and explore the towns.
Your expert guide will take you on a tour through the vineyards first, to tell you about the history of growing grapes here and how it has changed over millennia.
In fact, there have been artifacts unearthed that show grapes were being grown in this area specifically to make wine as far back as the 5th-century BCE.
You’ll then head into the wine cellar where your guide will tell you about the ancient winemaking techniques still used to today, and how they use them to make the wonderful wines the region is famous for.
Enjoy a taste of several wines, paired with local products such as cheeses and breads.
The Renaissance popes, many of the elite of the Roman Empire, and poets and artists throughout the centuries have enjoyed the wines made here. Shouldn’t you try them too?
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Frascati Wine Region Tour with Wine Tasting From Rome
- Departure Point: Hotel Pick-Up and Drop Off
- Departure Time: 9:50 AM & 2:20 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: round trip transportation, Wi-Fi, water, wine tasting, guided tour
The 3rd-century caverns beneath the vineyard are lined with French oak barrels that are used in the winemaking process. The architecture above ground dates back to the 17th-century. Today, the traditional winemaking methods that can be dated to as far back as early Roman days are still in use.
After a guided tour of the vineyards where you will learn more about the grapes used to make wine and what makes them special. You’ll then head into the wine cellar to taste several wines that have been selected by the master winemaker for your visit.
Not only will you be able to taste the richness of these wines, but you’ll also be offered freshly pressed olive oil to taste. Both the wines and the oils are accompanied by oven-baked bread baked just for your arrival.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Wineries and Vineyards From Rome – Travel Guide
Visitors to Rome can enjoy more than just ancient buildings and history. It is also a great place to dine on fine Italian cuisine and sample world-renowned wines from Frascati and Tuscany. You’ll also want to be aware of accommodations, the expected weather, and even other attractions you may want to visit while visiting Rome.
As you learn more about vacationing in Rome, you may want to plan for a few extra days to truly get the most out of your time in this ancient city. What attractions are you looking forward to the most when you visit Rome? Where do you plan on staying? We’d love to hear about your plans! If you’ve already visited Rome, let us know what you enjoyed the most.
Airports & Entry
When headed to Rome, you’ll most likely land at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. This airport is the largest in Italy. Most foreign tourists, no matter their final destination in Italy, land in Rome. This means the airport is usually very crowded. However, this airport is also fairly easy to navigate.
To visit Italy, you must have a valid passport that has at least six months remaining before expiration. You can stay up to 90 days in the country for business or tourist reasons without a visa so long as your passport is valid.
Planning Tips
Before you start packing your bags, you’ll want to know how to make your trip easier and how to get the most out of your time in Rome. These top 5 planning tips can help you do just that.
Tip #1: Dress Appropriately for Your Wine And Countryside Tour
Touring vineyards isn’t the same as visiting a museum or church, so you’ll want to dress appropriately. A comfortable pair of sandals or shoes is essential. You may need to walk on grass or uneven surfaces, so leave your heels behind. A sunhat and sunglasses will prove invaluable during the heat of summer, and light clothes, like a summer dress, will help you stay cool. And don’t forget your sunscreen.
Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance
There are millions of visitors to Rome and the vineyards of Frascati and Tuscany every year. This means that some of the attractions or tours you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive. Some of the more personal and exclusive vineyard tours only take 6 people at a time.
If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, some attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours. While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.
Tip #3: Choose A Wine Tour
If you plan on enjoying a visit to Tuscany or a tour of the vineyards, purchasing a guided tour is a good idea. Tours of Tuscany are very popular and may be sold out in advance. With a guided tour, like the ones we’ve reviewed above, you are guaranteed a place. Plus, you will be able to skip the lines at many of the vineyards you visit on your tour.
Tip #4: Only Carry What You Need
Walking around the historical caverns of Santa Benedetta or watching the fascinating process of wine production in a winery, you don’t want to be weighed down by heavy purses, bags, etc. Organize yourself so you can carry your essentials and leave bulky items behind.
You’ll most certainly want a good camera if you visit the unique village of San Gimignano, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient architecture you will remember for a lifetime. In Rome itself, note that large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other large items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.
Tip #5: If Possible, Visit During May, June Or September
You can enjoy a tour of Tuscany and the vineyards any time of the year. However, the countryside is at its most colorful in May and the start of June, when temperatures hover around 77oF. On the other hand, the vineyards look especially impressive in September, when the wine villages are preparing for the harvest.
Restaurants & Eating Out
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Right? There is no better time to follow this rule than when it comes to wining and dining. The world-renowned wines of Frascati and Tuscany served at the better restaurants were produced using the same time-tested techniques used during the time of the Roman Empire.
Eating out in Rome is probably much more affordable than you would’ve thought. Of course, you’ll want to savor a true Italian pizza. The best place for this is La Gatta Mangiona. This casual restaurant is well known for its thin crust pizzas and may very well have been the start of the pizza craze in Rome.
If you’re looking for lighter fare, stop by Il Forno Campo de’ Fiori. The restaurant serves up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and light snacks. The bakery next door produces delicious biscuits, pastries, and more. Both the restaurant and the bakery offer take out so you can avoid the long lines.
While there are many places to get your fill of gelato in Rome, the Gelateria del Teatro is one of the most popular. You’ll find all the traditional flavors and occasionally come across an experiment or two. Have you ever tried raspberry and sage gelato?
NOTE: When it comes to leaving a tip at a restaurant, it’s important not to be too generous. Tipping more than 10% is often frowned upon. Also, you’ll rarely have an opportunity to leave a tip when using a debit or credit card. You’ll want to have a few euros on hand for tips as well as small purchases.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The nightlife in Rome is just as mixed as the combination of both ancient and modern seen all over the city. The Antica Enoteca has one of the most extensive wine lists in Rome and offers a rustic and casual atmosphere. This is a great place to try a broad variety of wines from Frascati and Tuscany. If you’re looking for a traditional bar, you’ll want to stop by the American Bar at the Hotel Forum.
When it comes to cocktails, Rome offers ingenuity and imagination. Take the Carbonara Sour at Co.So Cocktail & Social, for example. This delicious cocktail might be a little different, containing black pepper and egg whites along with other ingredients, but is one of their most popular drinks.
If cocktails aren’t your thing and you’d rather sit down with a craft beer, stop by Brasserie 4:20. This small pub is warm and welcoming, and so is their list of craft beers on tap, plus a selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and other fine drinks.
Getting Around
While there is a great public transportation system in place, it’s often easier to get around in Rome by walking. You can get nearly everywhere you need to go by lacing up your tennis shoes and going for a stroll. If you’re going a longer distance, you might want to take a bus. A 100-minute bus ticket is quite affordable, as is the day pass.
Renting a car in Rome isn’t a good idea. Those unfamiliar with the city can have a difficult time maneuvering. If car travel is best, you’ll want to take a taxi. You can only grab a taxi in designated areas. Hailing for a cab outside of these areas is frowned upon. Taxis can be on the expensive side but if you’re going a fair distance and you’d rather not take a bus, a taxi can be quite effective.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations in Rome, you’ll see inexpensive hotels and luxury resorts. The cheaper places to stay are often farther away, very small, or offer very few amenities. Most of these hotels aren’t recommended for tourists. There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Rome, however. The G-Rough is located inside a 16th-century palazzo and epitomizes the history and art that Rome is famous for.
While staying at a luxury resort is ideal, it may not always be feasible. A great mid-range hotel that offers many of the benefits of a luxury resort without the price tag, is the Nerva Boutique Hotel. With just 19 rooms, guests can enjoy modern design, great food, as well as a great location.
Weather
July and August are the hottest months in Rome and Tuscany. The average temperature is somewhere around 78°F. For many, the 48°F average temperature in Rome in January is very mild. However, if you want to enjoy Rome or Tuscany with better chances of great weather, you’ll want to visit in the spring or the fall.
Attractions
Rome is full of attractions you can visit around your visits to vineyards and tour of Tuscany. Vatican City is a must for anybody interested in history or religion. The National Roman Museum is family-friendly and houses many interesting artifacts. The Basilica of San Clemente is not just a church, but also an archaeological site. The newer building at the entry level dates back to the 12th-century while you can head downstairs to the original basilica built in the 4th-century AD.
If you’d like to see some of the more ancient attractions around Rome, you have several options. The Roman Forum is the location where Romulus made the founding of the city of Rome official. It was once the epicenter of Roman life. Ostia Antica is just 25-minutes away by train. This location was once a thriving center of commerce. Today, you can explore over 100 acres of ancient shops, baths, temples, and even apartment buildings and houses.
The Vineyards of Italy: Both Seen & Felt
A visit to the local vineyards and a tour of Tuscany are musts if you’re planning a vacation to Rome. The colorful countryside, well-preserved ancient villages, and fascinating wineries simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. Whether you choose a short, 3-hour visit to the Frascati region or you opt to spend all day touring Tuscany, it’s guaranteed this is a trip you’ll never forget.
Scenery
Wine Selection & Quality
Diversity of Sights
We chose the San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour as our Editor's Choice for the best winery or vineyard tour from Rome.