Frascati: Pasta Making & Wine Tasting Dinner from Rome

Summary

Handmade pasta laughter family wine caves in frascati evening

You’ll step off the train in Frascati into a slower world—greeted by locals, tasting family wines in cool cellars, rolling out your own pasta dough (with plenty of laughter), and sharing dinner as the sun sets over town. The wine cave tour lingers in your mind long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping off the train in Frascati was this warm, sweet smell—kind of like sun on old stone mixed with bakery air. Paolo was waiting right outside the station, waving (he actually waved with both hands, which made me laugh). We walked through town past grandmothers chatting on benches and kids chasing a soccer ball—felt like everyone knew each other. I tried to say “buonasera” like Paolo but probably sounded awkward; he just grinned and kept walking.

The cellar was cooler than I expected, almost damp against my arms. Simone poured us their Frascati Superiore DOCG—he explained what all those letters meant but honestly, I just remember it tasted sharp and bright. There were platters of cheese and salami; the cheese had this grassy bite. My favorite part was when we tied on aprons and started making pasta dough. My hands got sticky fast—I kept glancing at the others’ dough to see if mine looked right. Simone said, “Don’t worry, Nonna always says ugly pasta tastes best.” He winked. I picked cacio e pepe for my sauce because it sounded simple (it’s not).

We ate together at a long table—everyone a bit flour-dusted and happy. The light outside went gold while we talked about Rome vs. Frascati life (Paolo says he’d never move to the city). I still think about that first bite of my own pasta—chewy, salty, peppery—and how proud I felt even though my shapes were weirdly lumpy. After dinner, we wandered down into their wine cave. It smelled earthy and old; Simone told stories about his grandfather hiding barrels during the war but then trailed off, distracted by a memory or maybe just letting us listen to the echo down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Train to Frascati and pasta making

• Train ride from Rome to Frascati
• Pick up at Frascati Station
• Short walk around Frascati town
• Visit family wine cellar
• Taste two family wines with appetizers
• Learn to make homemade pasta
• Choose Roman sauce and cook pasta
• Enjoy pasta dinner with wine
• Visit wine caves below cellar

Top questions

How do I get from Rome to Frascati for this tour?

You take a short train ride from Rome to Frascati station where your hosts will pick you up.

Is pasta making included in the Frascati wine tour?

Yes, you’ll make fresh pasta by hand with guidance from local chefs during the experience.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available; gluten-free can be requested but cross-contamination isn’t guaranteed.

What wines are tasted during this day trip?

You’ll taste two family-produced wines: Frascati Superiore DOCG and Vagnolo red.

Does the tour include dinner?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a full meal featuring your handmade pasta paired with local wine.

Is there a tour of the wine cellar or cave?

After dinner you’ll visit their historic wine cave beneath the cellar.

Are children or infants allowed on this experience?

Infants and small children are welcome; strollers and specialized infant seats can be accommodated.

What language is the class conducted in?

The class is taught in English (and Italian if needed).

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train travel from Rome to Frascati with pickup at the station, an aperitif on arrival, guided tasting of two family-made wines with local meats and cheeses, hands-on pasta making class where you prepare your own Roman dish (with vegetarian or gluten-free options if needed), a full dinner featuring your handmade pasta paired with more wine, plus a visit to their historic wine cave before heading back.