Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Rieti Countryside

Planning a trip to Italy often means indulging in its celebrated wine regions, but this particular experience in Rieti offers something a bit different. For just $52 per person, you get a 1-hour guided tour of ancient cellars, strolls through high-altitude organic vineyards, and tasting four thoughtfully paired wines—all set against the backdrop of scenic mountain views. With a 4.7-star rating from Slow Travel, this tour promises an authentic, intimate peek into Lazio’s wine scene, away from the crowded tourist spots.

What really makes this experience stand out is the way it combines history, landscape, and culinary tradition in a single, manageable outing. We’re especially drawn to the fact that it’s a small-group experience, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. The downside? It’s a relatively short tour, so if you’re looking for a full afternoon of wine exploring, you might need to supplement it with other activities. Perfect for curious food and wine lovers, those interested in organic farming practices, or travelers craving genuine rural Italy rather than flashy tourist traps.

Key Points

• Authentic experience in a family-run winery with a focus on sustainable, organic practices
• Explore a 15th-century underground cellar with rich history and traditional winemaking methods
• Enjoy scenic high-altitude vineyards at over 600 meters above sea level, offering stunning mountain views
• Taste four wines paired with local cured meats, showcasing Lazio’s culinary heritage
• Learn about Cesanese di Castelfranco, a native grape variety recently rediscovered and protected
• Accessible and well-rated with a 4.7-star score, ideal for small groups and those seeking authentic rural Italy

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Location and Setting

Starting at Cantina Le Macchie, the tour offers a glimpse into the heart of rural Lazio, just beyond Rieti’s rolling hills. The setting is peaceful, with views of the surrounding mountains and the quiet charm of a family-operated estate. The fact that the vineyards sit at over 600 meters elevation adds a unique twist—these are high-altitude vineyards, which often lead to more concentrated flavors and a cooler climate that influences the grape growing process. As one reviewer noted, “You’ll love the views of Monte Terminillo, which make the whole experience feel like a slice of peaceful Italy.”

The Guided Vineyard Walk

The tour begins with a 10-minute walk through the organic vineyards, where you’ll learn how the family cultivates grapes without chemical herbicides or fertilizers. These vineyards are treated like gardens, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainability, which is increasingly important for wine lovers wanting to support environmentally conscious producers. The guide explains how each parcel is carefully matched with the local microclimate and soil type—details that enthusiasts will appreciate. One guest mentioned, “It’s clear that a lot of care goes into every vine, and you can taste that in the wines.”

The Historic Cellar

Next, the group visits a 15th-century underground cellar, recently restored but still steeped in history. This ancient space once saw the area’s winemaking traditions, with stone vats visible from the past. Today, it’s used primarily for aging sparkling wines via the traditional method, where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle in naturally cool conditions. The cellar’s atmosphere is cool, damp, and quiet—perfect for aging wine and for soaking up centuries of stories. Visitors often remark on the sense of stepping back in time, with the sense of continuity palpable. One reviewer shared, “It’s a rare chance to see a working cellar that’s been operating for centuries.”

The Rediscovery of Cesanese di Castelfranco

A highlight for many is the story of the Cesanese di Castelfranco, a native grape variety that was nearly lost but was officially recognized in 2017. Its revival is a point of pride for the region, and you’ll learn about its journey from obscurity to protected status. The wine made from Cesanese di Castelfranco is described as ruby-red, with notes of wild berries, cocoa, and black pepper—flavors that reflect the terroir and careful cultivation. Several visitors appreciated learning about local efforts to preserve indigenous varieties, viewing it as a meaningful part of their wine experience.

The Tasting Experience

The final part of the tour is the 40-minute tasting in a dedicated space, where four wines are served—including sparkling and red options. Each is paired with artisanal cured meats produced on-site, emphasizing Lazio’s culinary traditions. The cured meats are described as house-made, crafted from local hills’ meats, adding another layer of authenticity. Throughout the tasting, the guide shares stories about the vineyard’s history and the people behind it, making the experience more personal.

A reviewer noted, “The pairings are thoughtfully curated, really highlighting the character of each wine. It’s not just drinking; it’s understanding the land and the people.” The wines are described as expressive, not overly commercial, and reflective of the high-altitude terroir.

Practical Details and Value

Priced at $52, the tour offers significant value given the depth of experience—history, landscape, and tasting combined. The small group size (typically under 10 people) ensures a relaxed, personal atmosphere. The tour lasts about an hour, making it a manageable addition to a day trip from Rome or Rieti.

The experience includes the guided vineyard walk, cellar tour, and tasting, but does not include transportation or purchases. Organizing your own transport to Cantina Le Macchie is recommended, as this isn’t included, and the meeting point is straightforward: just park in the designated lot and ask for the tour.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive, although it’s worth noting that certain historic cellar areas might have limited access. It’s available in both English and Italian, with a live guide to answer questions and provide context. Cancellations are flexible—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—offering peace of mind for planning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about native Italian varieties and traditional winemaking. It’s also perfect for those interested in sustainable agriculture, as the vineyards are organically farmed. Travelers who enjoy scenic, rural landscapes and authentic local stories will find it particularly rewarding. Since it’s a shorter, intimate tour, it’s a good fit for visitors who want a meaningful, manageable taste of Lazio wine culture without committing to a full-day excursion.

People seeking a family-friendly, relaxed environment will appreciate the slow pace and focus on craftsmanship. However, if you prefer a longer, more elaborate wine tour or need wheelchair access in the cellar areas, it’s worth confirming directly with the provider.

The Sum Up

This winery tour in Rieti offers a fascinating blend of history, landscape, and authentic Italian flavors in a very accessible package. The focus on sustainable, organic practices and the revival of native grapes makes it stand out for those seeking a meaningful connection to the land and tradition. The historic cellar adds a sense of continuity, while the scenic vineyards provide a beautiful backdrop for tasting and learning.

At just $52, the value is excellent, especially considering the personalized nature of the experience and the quality of the wines and local cured meats. It’s particularly well-suited for anyone interested in small-scale, authentic wine stories, as well as travelers wanting to explore Lazio beyond Rome’s tourist centers.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, deeply flavorful, and educational wine outing, this tour offers a genuine taste of Italy’s rural soul. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to savor good wine, learn a good story, and enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by mountain views and history.

FAQs

Is transportation to the winery included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point at Cantina Le Macchie, which is straightforward—just park in the lot and ask for your guided visit.

How long is the tour?
The guided tour and tasting last around 1 hour in total, with the tasting alone being approximately 40 minutes.

Are the wines served at the tasting local?
Yes, all four wines are carefully selected, including local and traditional Lazio varieties, with an emphasis on showcasing the region’s unique terroir.

What types of wines are included?
Guests can expect a mix of sparkling wine and red wines, with the red being made from the native Cesanese di Castelfranco grape.

Is this experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Italian, with a live guide who can accommodate English-speaking guests.

Can I buy bottles or cured meats during the tour?
Purchases are available separately after the tasting, but not included in the tour price.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
It is wheelchair accessible, though certain cellar areas may have some limitations.

How environmentally friendly is this winery?
The vineyards are farmed organically, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainable practices like manual labor and cover cropping.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and layers for outdoor vineyard walks are recommended. Bringing a camera and curiosity is encouraged!

This experience in Lazio offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Italy’s wine traditions, with a focus on sustainability and storytelling that will delight lovers of good wine and genuine rural life alike.