Travel bucket list idea:
Frascati, Lazio, Italy
A day trip to Frascati has long been a tradition for Romans, who savour a stop at the numerous fraschette (outdoor wine bars) to sample the many wines produced in these hills.
Frascati white wine, either dry or sweet, still or sparkling, is made from blends of the Malvasia and Trebbiano grape varieties. Tradition says it’s best immediately after production, namely at the source. Romans flock here just to drink it.
The area is also well known for its beautiful Tusculum villas, a 16th-century legacy of the aristocratic families who came here to escape the heat of the city. Many of these villas have been turned into hotels, such as the grandiose Villa Grazioli.
Frascati is just one of the so-called ‘Roman Castles’, not castles but nine history-rich, wine-producing hill towns in the Alban hills. If you’ve got a car and the time, visit some of the others: Marino, Rocca di Papa, and Nemi.
Also, Castel Gandolfo is a small commune in the Castelli Romani, which occupies heights overlooking Lake Albano. It was voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and is home to the summer residence of the Pope.
Frascati, Lazio, Italy
Experience
On the slopes above the village of Monte Porzio Catone, Casal Pilozzo historic winery offers tours and tastings of their aged Malvasia vintages, along with bold reds and sweet dessert wine.
Good for age: 18+
Frascati, Lazio, Italy
Experience
Backed by four generations of viticulture under their belts, the fairly new winery distinguishes itself by producing top-notch wines in the heart of the Castelli Romani. Gabriele and his partner Luigi Fragiotta lead customized tours and tastings by reservation only.
Good for age: 18+
Frascati, Lazio, Italy
Experience
A family-run wine resort with a charming terrace from which to enjoy a glass of their organic Frascati DOCG while overlooking the green, olive tree-lined hills of the Lazio countryside.
Good for age: 18+
There are numerous guided tours leaving from Rome to the area – they have the advantage of organising all of the logistics, and taking you to some of the best fraschette.
If you prefer to go it alone, the best way to reach Frascati is by train, which takes 30 minutes and leaves approximately every two hours from Rome’s main Termini station. Hiring a car will allow you to tour the picturesque surrounding countryside, stopping by vineyards and historic sites.
The Aldobrandini Stables in Frascati’s central Piazza Marconi functions as an information point, with exhibitions about the town and the aristocratic families that lived there.
Tenuta di Pietra Porzia, one of the largest Frascati vineyards, is also an agriturismo hotel and restaurant. Another good (non-vineyard) base to explore the region from is the beautiful Park Hotel Villa Grazioli.
The best time to enjoy the fraschette is during warm evenings, when tables spill out onto the pavement and locals gather to socialise, snack and sample wine.
Out of season, the town pretty much shuts down after lunch. Also try to avoid the weekends when Frascati can be crammed with Roman day-trippers.
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