The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting in Rome

Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto might take the crown for Italy’s most notable wine regions, but Rome is an equally alluring destination for wine lovers. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that wine tasting in Rome is as good as anywhere else in the country!

Wine plays a central role in many of my Rome food tours, as it pairs perfectly with countless traditional dishes, yet it’s just as tasty on its own. In a city as timeless as Rome, the historic surroundings make every sip a memorable experience.

If you’re eager to discover the blend of local and regional varieties on offer, this will be your go-to guide for wine tasting in Rome.

Explore the Rich Wine Culture of Rome

Wine is a hugely significant part of Roman culture and has been since the glory days of Ancient Rome. Many Romans believed wine had medicinal benefits, links to one’s social status, and should be consumed daily, meaning people saw it as a way of life rather than a beverage.

These days, vino remains deeply ingrained in the Eternal City’s social traditions, although innovative techniques and approaches have expanded the wine landscape. 

Swing by any bar or restaurant in the city, and you’ll find yourself immersed in this ever-lasting wine culture. Enjoy a more in-depth look at local, regional, and international wines at the annual Vinòforum Festival in June or sample dynamic wines in March at Vini Selvaggi.

Top Wine Tasting Experiences You Can’t Miss

L’Angolo Divino

Photo credit: L’Angolo Divino

L’Angolo Divino, near Campo de’ Fiori, is easily one of the top wine-tasting locations in Rome.

Their quaint outdoor terrace is a gorgeous spot for a glass or two of wine, but the dark, cozy indoor area has the perfect atmosphere for a tasting experience.

The knowledgeable team here offers a range of tasting packages that include local, international, and rare finds. I stuck with Roman wines, and the cesanese was a stand-out with its moderate acidity, cherry notes, and floral aromas.

L’Angolo Divino (€€) –  Via dei Balestrari n.12/14 angolo con Vicolo del Giglio n. 6 · 00186 Roma – Open every Monday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 1:30 pm, and every Sunday from 4:30 pm to 12:00 pm.

Rimessa Roscioli

Photo credit: Rimessa Roscioli

I had a sensational wine and food-tasting experience at Rimessa Roscioli in the Campo de’ Fiori area.

Their dining room had such a lively ambiance and the sophisticated wine-focused decor set the scene for what was to come. Seeing as it was my first visit, I went for the classic wine and food pairing, and the attention to detail was exceptional.

My friend and I feasted on some creamy, tangy cacio e pepe, one of my favorite Italian foods, and it went down a treat with the vermentino from Lazio. The refreshing, elegant flavors complemented the creaminess of the dish.

Rimessa Roscioli (€€) – Via del Conservatorio, 58, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every day from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Cantina Costantini

Photo credit: Cantina Costantini

Cantina Costantini is a fabulous winery that came highly recommended. After hearing nothing but excellent customer reviews, I had to make the trip to Genzano di Roma.

Their old-world cellar and chic dining area are often used for wine-tasting tours, but I chose their vineyard option. Here, we got to sample several wines under the shade of the blooming vines.

Of the four wines I tried, I was most impressed by the sauvignon blanc. It was a well-structured wine with savory notes and a touch of peach and apricot.

Cantina Costantini (€€) – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 27, 00045 Genzano di Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Enoteca Bortone

Photo credit: Enoteca Bortone

Enoteca Bortone hosts stellar sommelier-led wine tastings in the heart of Rome’s Regola neighborhood.

The compact layout of this inviting wine bar is all part of its charm. At first, I was planning on just having a quick glass before dinner, but I soon found myself eager to try one of their tastings.

Here, I tried my first sip of Aita, a fruity red from Lazio. Its mix of spicy and floral hues was even more delicious when teamed with the sweet prosciutto and pungent pecorino.

Enoteca Bortone (€) – Via di Monserrato, 4, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Minardi Winery

Photo credit: Minardi Winery

If you’re looking for activities outside of the main attractions in Rome, I suggest making a day trip to the Minardi Winery for their fantastic wine tours.

This picturesque winery lies southeast of Rome in Frascati, offering visits to sprawling vineyards, cooking classes, and wine and food tastings.

I had a blast at the tasting in their stone-covered cellar and spent my time gushing over their signature dry white and its crisp, clean finish and mineral tones.

Minardi Winery (€€) – Via San Marco, 2a, 00044 Frascati RM, Italy – Open every day from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm.

Iconic Italian Wine Varieties to Savor in Rome

Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone: Among the most revered wines from the Lazio region, this dry white wine blends Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes.

Frascati DOC: Frascati is a full-bodied, dry white combining various grapes from the rolling hills south of Rome.

Cesanese: A balanced wine with soft tannins, cesanese is the red of choice for many Romans.

Nero Buono: Another Lazio classic, Nero Buono is a lesser-known but beautifully complex red.

Conclusion

Partaking in a wine tasting in Rome is a quintessentially Italian experience. The city’s snug bars, food pairing sessions, and wineries make it one of Italy’s best cities for wine enthusiasts and budding sommeliers!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome/

Angolo Divino. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.angolodivino.it/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best food in Italy. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/guides/best-food-in-italy/

Rimessa Roscioli. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://rimessaroscioli.com/

Cantina Costantini. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.cantinacostantini.it/

Enoteca Bortone. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://enotecabortone.it/

Minardi Frascati Winery. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://minardifrascatiwinery.com/