Lunch Food Tasting with Wine Pairing Experience Trastevere

Discover the Unique Food and Wine Pairing in Rome’s Historic Trastevere District

The Lunch Food Tasting with Wine Pairing in Trastevere offers an intimate journey through Italy’s culinary traditions, all set within an underground wine cellar over 2,000 years old. Priced at $66.05 per person, this experience lasts approximately one hour and provides an authentic taste of Italy’s regional specialties paired with carefully selected wines. The small group size—limited to 18 guests—ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for food lovers eager to explore Italy’s rich gastronomic culture.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a short, yet immersive experience in Rome’s historic center. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in learning about Italian food provenance and wine pairing techniques, and who appreciate small artisan products recognized by the Slow Food presidium. While it doesn’t include hotel transfers, the tasting in the historic underground setting is a highlight that makes this a memorable addition to a Rome escape.

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Key Points

• Authentic Italian food and wine pairing in a 2,000-year-old underground cellar in Trastevere
• Approximately 1-hour experience with small group size (max 18 guests)
• Guided by expert staff who explain the story and origins of each product
• Includes a selection of regional delicacies like DOP cheeses, cured meats, and Roman specialties
• Tasting features 3-4 glasses of Italian wines, including Prosecco and top-quality reds and whites
• Focus on seasonal products and products from small artisans recognized by the Slow Food

The Historic Cellar in the Heart of Trastevere

The tour begins in the basement of an 18th-century building in the lively Trastevere district. This space, called Catina Fabullus, is a carefully restored cistern from the 1st century AD, furnished with antique furniture that adds to its unique ambiance. Walking into this underground environment feels like stepping back in time, providing a distinctive backdrop for the tasting.

The staff greets guests here, ready to share stories about the building’s history and the culinary treasures on offer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a sense of connection to Italy’s past in every corner of this cellar.

Curated Selection of Italian Artisanal Products

The tasting menu features products recognized by the Slow Food presidium, ensuring high-quality items that preserve Italian traditions. Expect to sample DOP cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino di Moliterno, and Mozzarella Campana di Bufala, along with various cured meats such as Parma ham and Mortadella Bolognese. The menu also includes small artisan products like Taggiasca olives, Lardo di Colonna, and Tuscan bread Sciocco PDO.

Additional delights include focaccia romana, buffalo ricotta, and various vegetables in oil or vinegar. The selection is seasonal, with the menu adapting to available ingredients, which keeps each experience fresh and engaging.

Expert-guided Wine Pairings from Italy’s Regions

Throughout the tasting, expert staff guide guests through the correct wine tasting techniques and explain the pairing choices. The wines served include Prosecco, superior Italian white wines, and red wines, with 4 types available depending on the option selected. The wine selections are chosen to complement the delicacies served, elevating the tasting experience.

Guests receive unlimited water and are encouraged to savor each sip and bite mindfully. The knowledgeable staff ensures every guest understands the story behind each wine and its pairing, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

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A Multi-course Tasting with Regional Delicacies

The tasting includes 1 to 3 courses, featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, ham, mortadella with pistachio, and buffalo mozzarella. The menu also offers Roman pizza, honey and jams to enhance cheese flavors, and various breads, including 3 qualities of bread and extra virgin olive oil.

For dessert, guests can enjoy ice cream or a traditional Italian dessert, paired with coffee. The dishes are carefully curated to reflect seasonal availability, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every bite.

An Atmosphere of History and Tradition

The setting itself enhances the tasting experience. The underground cellar’s more than 2,000 years of history creates an ambiance that connects food lovers with Italy’s ancient past. Antique furniture and the raw stone walls evoke a sense of tradition, making each tasting feel like a culinary time capsule.

The small group size allows for personalized attention and lively interaction, with staff eager to share insights about the products’ origins and the cultural significance of Italian gastronomy.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The experience starts at Hotel Residenza San Calisto, located at Via dell’Arco di San Calisto 19/20. Guests should ring the bell upon arrival. The tour duration is about 45 to 60 minutes, and reservations are essential due to the limited group size.

Please note, food intolerances and allergies can be accommodated upon request. The menu for guests under 18 does not include wine, and minors drinking alcohol must be accompanied by parents, with any difference in price paid on-site.

This tour is not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, vegans, or those with certain health conditions. It is also not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed.

The Experience for Food and Wine Enthusiasts

We appreciate how the staff’s explanations add depth to the tasting, transforming it from a simple meal into a learning experience. The focus on small artisan producers and seasonal ingredients ensures each visit offers something new, making it a worthwhile addition to a trip to Rome.

The tour’s limited duration makes it a perfect choice for travelers with tight schedules who still want to enjoy an authentic taste of Italian culinary culture. The small group setup keeps the experience intimate and relaxed, enabling meaningful conversations and tailored recommendations.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This experience shines for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those curious about Italy’s culinary traditions. It’s especially appealing for travelers wanting to explore regional flavors in an atmospheric setting. The focus on artisan products recognized by Slow Food makes it ideal for those interested in sustainable and heritage-based foods.

While it doesn’t include transportation or hotel pickup, the central location makes it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring Rome’s historic districts. The one-hour duration fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule, offering a delightful taste break without taking up too much time.

Final Thoughts on the Trastevere Food and Wine Tasting

The Lunch Food Tasting with Wine Pairing in Trastevere offers a genuinely memorable experience for those seeking an authentic slice of Italy’s culinary culture. The setting in an ancient underground cellar, combined with expert guidance and carefully curated artisan products, makes this a standout activity.

While the experience is not suited for those seeking a full-length meal or extensive tour, it delivers high-quality tasting in a distinctive environment at a reasonable price. The small group size and focus on seasonal, artisanal products mean that each visit feels personal and special.

This tour is a great choice for food and wine enthusiasts wanting to enjoy a taste of Italy in Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood, with the added charm of a historic subterranean setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The experience includes food tasting (cheeses, cured meats, Roman specialties), 4 types of wines (Prosecco, whites, reds), extra virgin olive oil, honey and jams, dessert or ice cream, and unlimited water. The menu features seasonal products from small artisans.

How long does the tour last?
The tasting lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Hotel Residenza San Calisto, at Via dell’Arco di San Calisto 19/20, where guests should ring the bell.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The menu for guests under 18 does not include wine, and minors drinking wine must be accompanied by parents. The experience is not suitable for children under 3 or people with food allergies or intolerances unless special arrangements are made.

Can I request dietary accommodations?
Yes, alternatives are available upon request and can be adapted for tastes or food intolerances.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included?
Yes, prosecco, white, and red wines are included, depending on the option selected, along with unlimited water.

What about cancellations?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

Is there an option to reserve and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

What makes this tour stand out?
The historic underground cellar, artisan product selection, and expert guidance on wine and food pairing make this experience unique in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby