Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside

Key Points

• Price: Only $52 per person, offering a well-rounded experience with wine and food.
• Duration: Efficient 1-hour tour, ideal for a quick yet meaningful visit.
• Location: In the Rieti countryside at high elevation, with mountain views and rural charm.
• Included Highlights: Guided walk through organic vineyards, visit to a 15th-century underground cellar, and tasting four wines paired with artisanal cured meats.
• Unique Focus: Emphasis on a rediscovered native grape, Cesanese di Castelfranco, now recognized as a regional treasure.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for wheelchair users.

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Explore the Historic Underground Cellar of Rieti

The tour begins at Cantina Le Macchie, where a historic underground cellar dating back to the 15th century awaits. Recently restored, this cellar still houses stone vats used for pressing and fermenting grapes centuries ago. Visitors get a glimpse into the traditional winemaking methods that have shaped this region’s history for generations.

Inside, the cool, stable environment creates ideal conditions for aging sparkling wines using the traditional method, involving a second fermentation directly in the bottle. The cellar’s stone architecture and preserved equipment offer an authentic experience that connects past and present winemaking practices.

High-Altitude Organic Vineyards with Mountain Views

Just beyond Rieti’s hills lies a high-altitude vineyard at over 600 meters above sea level. These vineyards benefit from a combination of mountain breezes, ample sun exposure, and minerally rich soils, all cultivated without chemical herbicides or synthetic fertilizers.

The guided walk among the organically farmed vines reveals how each parcel is carefully matched with specific grape varieties suited to the microclimate. The vineyard management emphasizes biodiversity and sustainable practices, such as cover cropping and manual labor, ensuring the land is respected and nurtured.

The Story of Cesanese di Castelfranco

A special highlight is learning about Cesanese di Castelfranco, a native grape nearly lost to history. Recognized officially in 2017, this variety is now cultivated with pride. The red wine produced from Cesanese di Castelfranco features notes of wild berries, cocoa, and black pepper, showcasing the region’s unique viticultural heritage.

The guide shares the efforts behind preserving and rediscovering this indigenous grape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional traditions while embracing modern sustainable techniques.

Tasting Four Wines Paired with Artisanal Cured Meats

The sensory part of the tour takes place in a dedicated tasting space, where four carefully selected wines are served. These include sparkling and red options, each paired with house-made cured meats crafted on-site from local hills.

This pairing not only enhances the flavors of each wine but also highlights the culinary traditions of the Rieti region. The artisanal cured meats complement the wines, making for a flavorful and authentic tasting experience. Throughout, the guide shares stories about the wines, the vineyard, and the artisans behind the cured meats.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from Cantina Le Macchie, with instructions to enter the parking lot and ask for the guided visit and tasting. The total duration is one hour, balancing informative and tasting sections effectively. Group sizes are manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, though it does not accommodate wheelchair users.

Transport to and from the winery is not included, so visitors should arrange their own transportation. The tour is available in English and Italian, with a live guide leading the experience.

The Value of a Focused Wine Experience

At $52 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to explore authentic Italian wines from a family-run estate. The inclusion of a historic cellar visit, a walk through organic vineyards, and a guided tasting with food pairing provides a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s wine culture.

The 1-hour duration makes it suitable for those with limited time, while the focus on sustainable practices and native grape varieties sets it apart from more commercialized wine tours.

The Rural Atmosphere and Scenic Views

Throughout the tour, visitors enjoy mountain views and the quiet charm of the Rieti countryside. The authentic rural atmosphere emphasizes the connection between land, tradition, and wine. It’s a peaceful setting that enhances the tasting experience and allows visitors to appreciate the natural environment that nurtures these grapes.

Suitable For and Considerations

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, those interested in sustainable agriculture, or anyone seeking an authentic Roman countryside activity. The tour’s short duration and manageable pace make it accessible for most visitors, except for wheelchair users who may find the terrain challenging.

While the focus is on wine and land, visitors should be aware that transportation is not included, and purchases of bottles or cured meats are extra.

Summary: A Taste of Lazio’s Family Legacy

The Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside provides an intimate look into a family’s winemaking heritage, set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The tour’s highlights—the historic underground cellar, high-altitude organic vineyards, and native grape story—make it a compelling choice for lovers of history, landscape, and authentic flavors.

The guided walk, sensory tasting, and local food pairing create a well-rounded experience priced at only $52, with the added appeal of sustainable practices and regional pride. Visitors seeking a short, meaningful journey into Lazio’s wine traditions will find this tour both educational and delightful.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the tour last? The tour takes 1 hour in total.
• What is included in the experience? It includes a guided walk, a visit to a 15th-century cellar, and a tasting of four wines paired with artisanal cured meats.
• Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? It is wheelchair accessible, but not suitable for wheelchair users with limited mobility.
• What types of wines are tasted? The tasting features sparkling and red wines.
• Are food and bottle purchases included? No, these are available separately.
• Where does the tour meet? At Cantina Le Macchie, with instructions to ask for the guided visit upon arrival.
• What makes this tour unique? The focus on native Cesanese di Castelfranco grape and a historic underground cellar set it apart.
• How much does the tour cost? It costs $52 per person.
• Are local guides available in multiple languages? Yes, guides speak English and Italian.
• Can I visit if I have limited time? Yes, the 1-hour duration fits well into most schedules.