Frascati Day Trip: Wine Tasting, Vineyard Walk & Lunch

Summary

Roman hills, family vineyards, porchetta and DOCG wines

You’ll hop on a quick train from Rome to Frascati for vineyard walks among old vines, taste DOCG wines straight from the source (with stories in the cellar), sample fresh-baked biscotti and porchetta in town shops, then linger over lunch with more local wine before heading back. It’s warm, real, and leaves you wanting one more glass.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the wine really tastes different when you’re standing right where the grapes grew? That’s what I kept thinking as our train rattled out of Rome towards Frascati — not even an hour away but somehow it felt like we’d crossed into another rhythm. The air smelled sharper when we stepped off at the tiny station, and there was this older guy waving an “Old Frascati” sign who turned out to be our guide, Marco. He had that easy way of talking that made me forget I was technically on a tour. We started right away with a stroll through town — he pointed out a bakery that’s been running since before Napoleon (I think he was only half-joking), and handed us still-warm biscotti that tasted faintly of almonds and smoke from the old oven.

The vineyard itself was just outside town — rolling hills, vines in neat rows, olive trees scattered around like they’d always been there. The family who runs it has been making wine here for generations; their daughter showed us around and told stories about the caves under the house. It’s wild to think those caves once hid families during WWII, now they’re just cool and damp and lined with barrels. The tasting was honest — three wines: Frascati Superiore (crisp, almost salty), a red called Vagnolo (felt heavier than I expected), and then this sweet Cannellino that I probably poured too much of. They let us try their olive oil too, with bread that soaked it up so fast I barely got a taste.

Lunch happened back in Frascati at a little place Marco swore by — plates of porchetta sliced thick with peppery crusts, Roman cheeses I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried), pasta that seemed simple but hit differently after all that wine. There was more vino with lunch — honestly lost track of which bottle was which by then. Afterward we wandered through narrow streets again; shopkeepers waved or nodded like Marco brought people by every week (maybe he does). My head felt fuzzy but in a good way — not just from the wine but from being somewhere that didn’t rush you along.

I keep thinking about how close Frascati is to Rome but how far away it felt by the end of the day. If you’re looking for some grand secret or polished experience… well, this isn’t quite that. But if you want to taste wine where it’s made, eat things you can’t pronounce, and maybe get teased by your guide for your Italian — yeah, this day trip from Rome to Frascati is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Frascati wine tour and tasting

• Depart Rome Termini by train
• Meet driver and guide at Frascati station
• Walking tour of Frascati shops and botteghe
• Sample local delicacies and jug wine
• Visit Old Frascati Vineyard and underground chambers
• Guided tasting of three wines and olive oils
• Transfer to restaurant for lunch with local foods and wine
• Stroll through Frascati after lunch
• Return to Rome by train

Top questions

How do I get from Rome to Frascati for this day trip?

You’ll take the 9:49 am train from Rome Termini station directly to Frascati; tickets are easy to buy at the station.

Is pickup included when I arrive in Frascati?

Yes, your guide will meet you at the station exit holding an “Old Frascati” sign.

What wines do we taste on the Frascati tour?

You’ll try three wines: Frascati Superiore DOCG white, Vagnolo IGP red, and sweet Cannellino.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, after wine tasting you’ll have a full lunch at a selected restaurant in Frascati with regional dishes and more wine.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available?

If you inform them ahead of time about dietary restrictions or allergies they can accommodate your needs.

How long does the whole tour last?

The experience lasts most of the day; after lunch there’s time to wander before catching your return train to Rome.

Can I buy wine or olive oil at the vineyard?

Yes, there’s free time for purchases after tastings if you want to bring something home.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, due to walking routes and transportation used it isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or scooters.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train travel from Rome Termini to Frascati with pickup at the station, guided walking tours through historic shops and bakeries for tastings (like fresh biscotti and porchetta), transport out to a family-run vineyard for cellar visits and tastings of three local wines plus olive oil with bread, then a full lunch featuring regional Roman dishes and more local wine before heading back by train in the afternoon.