Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Italy’s rural charm combined with a genuine wine experience, the winery tour in Rieti offers just that. This visit isn’t about flashy tasting rooms or superficial wine snobbery; it’s about connecting with the land, the history, and the people who have been cultivating grapes in this part of Lazio for centuries.
What makes this tour special? First, we love how it blends a walk through organic vineyards at over 600 meters elevation with a visit to a 15th-century underground cellar filled with centuries of winemaking history. Second, the pairing of four wines with artisanal cured meats offers a true flavor of local tradition. Lastly, the chance to learn about the rediscovery of a nearly lost native grape variety — Cesanese di Castelfranco — makes this experience both educational and memorable.
The only consideration? At just one hour, this tour is relatively short, so if you’re craving a full-day immersion, this might be more of a highlight than a comprehensive experience. It’s ideal for those who want a focused, authentic, and intimate look at Lazio’s wine culture without spending hours on a guided tour.
Designed for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a break from tourist-heavy spots, this experience provides a genuine slice of Italy’s countryside life.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Authentic Family-Owned Vineyard: Experience a true family legacy with sustainable, organic practices.
- Historic Underground Cellar: Explore a cellar dating back to the 15th century, still used today for traditional sparkling wine aging.
- High-Altitude Vineyards: Walk among vineyards at over 600 meters, offering unique mountain terroir.
- Focus on Native Grape Cesanese di Castelfranco: Learn about this nearly lost variety, now a regional symbol.
- Tasting of Four Wines: Including sparkling and red options, paired with house-made cured meats.
- Authentic Rural Atmosphere: Mountain views and a quiet, genuine setting away from crowds.
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A Closer Look at the Experience
The Beginning: Meeting at Cantina Le Macchie
Your journey starts at Cantina Le Macchie, the base for this tour. The venue itself exudes rustic charm, with the welcoming staff ready to introduce you to the day ahead. Here, you’ll receive your briefing and meet your guide, who speaks both English and Italian. The group size tends to be small, ensuring a personalized experience, and the whole activity can be conveniently booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Walking Through the Vineyards
The first part involves a 10-minute walk through organic vineyards perched at an impressive 610-650 meters above sea level**. These vines are cultivated with sustainable practices, including manual labor, cover cropping, and no chemical herbicides or fertilizers. As you stroll among the rows, your guide will explain how the microclimate—benefiting from mountain breezes, ample sun, and mineral-rich soils—contributes to the quality of the grapes.
The emphasis on biodiversity and respect for nature is clear here, which certainly appeals to eco-conscious travelers. Visitors often comment on how the vineyards feel like a well-tended garden, with a palpable sense of connection to the land. One reviewer mentioned, “You can tell the owners genuinely care about their vines and the environment, which makes tasting their wines even more meaningful.”
More Great Thing To Do NearbyExploring the 15th-Century Cellar
Next comes a guided tour of the historic underground cellar. Restored but still maintaining its medieval character, the cellar offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries-old winemaking techniques. You can see stone vats used for pressing and fermentation, which remain in place, creating a sense of walking through living history.
This space is also used for aging sparkling wine via the traditional method, where the second fermentation occurs naturally in bottles. In addition, large oak casks rest in the aging cellar, developing the complex flavors of the wines over time. The narrative about the rediscovery of Cesanese di Castelfranco, a native grape variety nearly extinct until recent years, adds a layer of cultural pride. This variety, now officially recognized since 2017, offers a ruby-red wine with notes of wild berries, cocoa, and black pepper, making it a true regional treasure.
The Tasting Experience
The highlight for many visitors is the 40-minute tasting session, held in a dedicated space within the winery. Here, you’ll sample four wines, including sparkling and red varieties, each thoughtfully paired with artisanal cured meats produced on-site. The cured meats, often described as house-made and crafted from local hills, perfectly complement the wines, enhancing the tasting and showcasing Lazio’s culinary traditions.
The guide shares stories about the vineyard, the land, and the people behind this project—highlighting their commitment to sustainability, tradition, and innovation. Reviewers have appreciated this storytelling approach, noting that it adds depth to each sip.
What You’ll Take Away
This experience is about more than just tasting wine; it’s about understanding the land, the effort behind each bottle, and the cultural significance of these local varieties. Expect to feel connected to the landscape and the history that shaped it.
The Practicalities: Details That Matter
Duration and Group Size
At just one hour, this tour is well-suited for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more intimate, less rushed experience. The group size remains small, providing personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Price and Value
Costing $52 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at high-altitude organic vineyards, a historic cellar, and a curated tasting. Given the inclusion of four wines and artisanal cured meats, this is quite reasonable—especially considering the quality and authenticity of the experience.
Accessibility and Logistics
The tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for wheelchair users to fully participate, possibly due to terrain or cellar access. Transportation to and from the venue is not included; visitors should plan their own transport or arrange a private transfer. Meeting is straightforward—just enter the parking lot and ask for your guided visit.
Multilingual Guides and Cancellation Policy
Guides speak both English and Italian, making the experience accessible to international travelers. If plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.
Why This Tour Works for You
This experience suits those seeking authenticity over luxury, with a focus on genuine craftsmanship, history, and landscape. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, but also for anyone curious about Italy’s rural traditions and native grape varieties. The intimate setting and local storytelling add a special touch that larger, commercial tours often lack.
If you enjoy tasting wines in a historic cellar, strolling through mountain vineyards, and savoring local cured meats, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s also a lovely escape from city life into the tranquil hills of Lazio, offering a real taste of Italy’s countryside.
The Sum Up
This winery tour in Rieti is a carefully curated experience that offers a genuine connection to the land, its history, and its wines. For those who value sustainability, native varieties, and rustic charm, it provides an insightful and delicious journey. The short duration makes it ideal for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a focused, authentic taste of Lazio’s wine culture.
If you’re after an educational yet relaxed outing with a strong local flavor, this tour is worth considering. It’s a chance to taste exceptional wines, learn from passionate producers, and enjoy mountain vistas—an experience that feels both special and highly rooted in tradition.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour, including the vineyard walk, cellar visit, and tasting.
What is included in the price?
You’ll get a guided tour of the organic vineyards, a visit to the 15th-century cellar, tasting of four wines, and artisanal cured meats.
Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to and from Cantina Le Macchie is not included, so plan accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
The tour is wheelchair accessible but not recommended for full participation, likely due to terrain or cellar access.
Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Italian, making it easy for international visitors to understand and enjoy.
How many wines are tasted?
Four wines are sampled, which include sparkling and red options, all paired with local cured meats.
Can I purchase bottles or cured meats during the tour?
Yes, bottles and cured meats are available for purchase separately after the tasting.
What makes the high-altitude vineyards special?
They benefit from mountain breezes, ample sunlight, and mineral-rich soils, producing grapes with distinctive character.
Is this tour good for families or children?
The experience is best suited for adults; children are not the primary target audience.
How do reviews describe the overall experience?
Reviewers highlight the authentic atmosphere, the storytelling, and the delicious pairing, calling it a memorable, educational outing.