Rome Pantheon: Wine Pairing Dinner & Cellar with Sommelier

Summary

Roman wine dinner steps from Pantheon with cellar stories and local flavors

You’ll share an evening near Rome’s Pantheon with a small group and a local sommelier—starting underground for aperitivo in a historic cellar before savoring three courses paired with regional wines upstairs at Casa Bleve. Expect laughter over cacio e pepe and stories behind every glass. This dinner leaves you feeling both welcomed and just slightly Roman yourself.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to toast under Rome, literally? I didn’t expect to start the night below street level, surrounded by old stones and the kind of cool air you only get in cellars that have seen centuries. Our guide, Marco—who’s got that patient sommelier way of talking about wine—handed me a glass of prosecco and grinned, “Salute!” The clink echoed off the walls. There was this faint scent of damp earth mixed with parmesan from the cheese board. I tried saying “pecorino” properly; Marco laughed and fixed my pronunciation. It’s warmer upstairs, but honestly, I could’ve stayed down there all night.

After our aperitivo (I’m still thinking about those salty meats), we headed up into Casa Bleve’s dining room—just a few steps from the Pantheon, but it felt miles away from the crowds. The table was already set for us, no awkward waiting or menu stress. Tina—the chef herself—peeked out to check if we liked her cacio e pepe (I loved it, even though I probably twirled my fork wrong). Each course came with its own wine: white, then red, then something deeper I can’t pronounce. Marco explained why each pairing worked, but honestly I just remember how the pasta tasted extra peppery after a sip. There was laughter from another table—somebody celebrating an anniversary maybe.

Dessert was tiny pastries that looked too pretty to eat. By then everyone at our table was swapping stories about their favorite Roman foods or failed attempts at Italian. The whole thing lasted maybe two and a half hours? It felt shorter somehow. Walking back past Piazza della Minerva, my head was light—not just from the wine but from feeling like I’d been let in on some local secret (even if it’s not really a secret). If you’re looking for a day trip in Rome that ends with good food and better company, this is one I’d do again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine and food pairing dinner near Pantheon

• Meet guide near Pantheon at 7:00 pm
• Admire Piazza della Minerva and Elephant statue
• Enter family-run restaurant nearby
• Enjoy aperitivo in private underground cellar
• Tour cellar and learn Italian wine tradition
• Move to upper level for dinner
• Taste four wines paired with starter
• Eat pasta cacio e pepe with wine pairing
• Enjoy selection of Italian patisserie desserts
• Learn about wine and food pairing techniques
• Socialize with local people and foodies

Top questions

Is this wine pairing dinner near the Pantheon?

Yes, it’s just steps from the Pantheon at Casa Bleve.

How long does the food & wine experience last?

The entire dinner lasts about 2.5 hours.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian menus are available if requested 24 hours before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide near Piazza della Minerva.

How many wines are served during the dinner?

You’ll taste four different wines paired with each course.

Is there a dress code for this dinner?

The dress code is smart casual.

Can children join this tour?

Infants can attend but must sit on an adult’s lap; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Does this include dessert?

Yes, dessert is included—a selection of Italian-style pastries.

What’s included

Your evening includes reserved seating at Casa Bleve near Rome’s Pantheon, aperitivo with prosecco and regional meats and cheeses in a private cellar, three courses paired with four selected Italian wines guided by an English-speaking sommelier, plus dessert—all wrapped up in a warm group setting before you wander back out into Rome’s night air.