Rieti is a fantastic base for exploring the flavors of Lazio’s wine country. Unlike more famous regions, Rieti offers a quiet, authentic experience—away from crowds—and a chance to connect with local winemakers and traditions. We especially appreciate tours that include historic cellars and scenic vineyard strolls, like the Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside, which combines a walk through organic vineyards with tasting four wines. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, rural experience. Meanwhile, the From Rome: Cantina Le Macchie Winery Tour and Tasting offers a deeper dive into historic cellars and the story behind Lazio wines, making it ideal for history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike.
If you’re short on time but want a taste of local flavors, the Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside is a quick but enriching experience. For a more comprehensive exploration, the Wine Tour & Tasting of 6 Wines – Le Macchie, near Rome combines vineyard visits with the chance to sample six different wines in a family-run setting. Below, we detail each of these options, helping you decide which one will best match your interests and schedule.
1. From Rome: Cantina Le Macchie Winery Tour and Tasting
At number one, the From Rome: Cantina Le Macchie Winery Tour and Tasting offers a deep dive into Lazio’s wine-making heritage. For around $41 per person, you get a guided tour of a 15th-century historic cellar in the medieval village of Castelfranco, combined with a tasting of 4 signature wines and local cured meats. This tour is perfect for those interested in history, as it explores a cellar dating back over 600 years, and for those keen to learn about the winemaking process behind Lazio’s wines. Your guide explains the philosophy behind the winery, making this more than just a tasting—it’s a lesson in tradition.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling aspect—visitors often comment on how the guide’s insights make the wine and cellar history come alive. The tasting includes local cured meats from the black pig breed, adding an authentic regional flavor to the experience. The tour duration is flexible, from 2 to 5 hours, fitting well into a day trip from Rome or Civitavecchia. The drop-off options extend across multiple locations, making it convenient for travelers exploring central Italy.
Bottom Line: This tour combines history, local culinary traditions, and wine tasting, making it perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience that’s both educational and flavorful.
$41 per person
2. Wine Tour & Tasting of 6 Wines – Le Macchie, near Rome
Number two brings us to a guided tour of a family-owned winery near Rome that offers the chance to taste 6 different wines. At $58 per person, it’s a bit pricier but offers more variety and a longer, more comprehensive experience—lasting 3 to 6 hours. The winery is rooted in tradition but employs modern, sustainable methods, making it a good pick for environmentally conscious travelers.
During the visit, you’ll explore the vineyards that surround the estate, learning about the grape varieties grown and the techniques used. The host is passionate about sharing their family’s history and the unique qualities of Lazio’s terroir. The location—set amid Lazio’s rolling hills—provides a scenic backdrop for both the vineyard walk and tasting. Visitors mention the “informative tour and friendly atmosphere,” which enhances the overall value.
This experience is best suited for those wanting a deeper understanding of wine production and an opportunity to sample a diverse range of wines. It’s also a good option if you’re interested in visiting a working, family-run operation.
Bottom Line: For around $58, this tour offers in-depth insight into Lazio wines and a chance to taste a broad spectrum—ideal for serious wine lovers with a few hours to spare.
$58 per person
3. Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside
Finally, the Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside is a great short option for just $52. In about an hour, you’ll walk through organic vineyards at over 600 meters elevation and explore a historic underground cellar. The highlight here is tasting 4 wines paired with house-made cured meats from the surrounding hills, making it both a scenic and flavorful experience.
What makes this tour special is the combination of a village walk, the underground cellar, and mountain views. The underground cellar dates back to the 15th century, providing a tangible link to history. The organic vineyards showcase native grape varieties that have been recently rediscovered, giving you insight into the recent revival of local wine traditions. The tour’s short duration makes it a good fit for travelers wanting a taste of Lazio’s rural charm without a long commitment.
Guests often comment on the authentic rural atmosphere and the chance to learn about native grapes. If you appreciate a relaxed pace and scenic landscapes, this tour is a perfect pick.
Bottom Line: A quick, atmospheric experience that combines history, native grapes, and local flavors—great for those passing through Rieti who want a taste of local wine and scenery.
$52 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best wine tour in Rieti, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re after a rich history and detailed tasting, the Cantina Le Macchie Winery Tour is a great choice. For a more extensive wine experience with multiple varietals, the Le Macchie wine tour offers excellent value. If you’re short on time but eager for an authentic rural setting, the Rieti countryside experience provides a quick, scenic taste of local wines and heritage.
Booking early is always wise, especially in high season (spring and fall), when these tours tend to fill up. Consider combining a wine tour with other activities, like exploring Rieti or nearby towns, for a well-rounded day.
In summary, Rieti offers a range of engaging wine experiences—from historic cellars to scenic vineyard walks—all showcasing Lazio’s rich viticulture. For a cultural deep-dive, the Cantina Le Macchie is hard to beat. If you’d rather explore more wines in a relaxed setting, the Le Macchie tour offers excellent variety. And for those with limited time, the Rieti countryside tour provides an authentic, scenic taste of local viticulture. Whichever you choose, these tours promise a memorable exploration of Lazio’s wine heritage—just don’t forget to book early!