Castelli Romani: where wine meets history, wine tourism, and sustainability.

For over two thousand years, the Castelli Romani have been one of the historic cradles of Italian wine, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, Roman culture, and an agricultural tradition that continues to produce distinctive wines that are increasingly appreciated by the national and international markets.

In recent years, this area has evolved, combining quality wine production with new forms of hospitality, environmental sustainability, and wine tourism experiences that attract visitors from all over the world.

Among the most interesting examples are three wineries that represent three different interpretations of the Castelli Romani winemaking excellence: Tenuta San Leo in Ariccia, Casale Mattia in the heart of Frascati Superiore, and Cantina Villa Franca in Albano Laziale.

The historic success of viticulture in the Castelli Romani region is largely due to the volcanic nature of the soil. The ancient eruptions of the Lazio Volcano left behind mineral-rich soils, capable of imparting freshness, elegance, and a distinctive flavor to the wines.

The main names of the territory include:

• Frascati DOCG
• Frascati Superiore DOCG
• Rome DOC
• Marino DOC
• Colli Albani DOC
• Castelli Romani DOC

A heritage that today finds new strength thanks to the growth of wine tourism, consumers' quest for authenticity, and the growing interest in wines from territories with a strong identity.

 

Tenuta San Leo: biodiversity and classy hospitality in Ariccia!

Located in the municipality of Ariccia, in the green heart of the Castelli Romani region, Tenuta San Leo represents one of the most interesting expressions of the new viticulture in Lazio.

Founded in 2018 by Vito Miceli, the company extends over approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and vegetable gardens, with a vision strongly oriented towards sustainability and landscape enhancement.

A model of biodiversity

Twelve hectares are dedicated to organic vineyards, nestled in an ecosystem where bees, pollinating insects, and local fauna coexist with agricultural activities.

The company philosophy is based on three fundamental principles:

• organic farming;
• protection of biodiversity;
• valorization of the territory for future generations.

The wines

Production is divided into two main lines:

Drusilla Line - Lazio IGT

• Red
• White
• Rosé

Commodo Line - Rome DOC

• Malvasia Puntinata
• Red

Each label expresses the character of the Roman hills through a contemporary approach that combines tradition and innovation.

Wine tourism near Rome

One of the estate's main strengths is its strategic location: easily accessible from the capital and Fiumicino International Airport, it is an ideal destination for national and international food and wine tourism.

 

Casale Mattia: the organic soul of Frascati Superiore!

On the hills of Monte Compatri, in the heart of the Frascati appellation, Casale Mattia represents one of the most established organic estates in the area.

The company has been operating under certified organic conditions since 1996, anticipating by many years a trend that has now become central to the wine market.

A historic estate in the Frascati area

The property extends over 11 hectares, of which almost 10 are planted with vineyards in the designated areas of the Frascati DOC, Frascati Superiore DOCG and Roma DOC denominations.

Agronomic techniques favor:

• controlled grassing;
• green manure;
• organic fertilization;
• total absence of chemical herbicides.

A complete supply chain

The cellar has:

• storage capacity of approximately 1,710 hectolitres;
• historic structures with concrete cisterns and underground caves;
• modern winemaking and bottling systems.

The production includes:

• territorial white wines;
• traditional red wines;
• Charmat Method white and rosé sparkling wines.

Hospitality and history

The company complements its production with a panoramic tasting room, independent apartments and a historic Roman-era spring that is still functioning.

This is a concrete example of how wine can become an experience, culture, and hospitality.

 

Villa Franca Winery: Over a century of history in Albano Laziale!

In the municipality of Albano Laziale, Cantina Villa Franca preserves over a hundred years of winemaking tradition.

Since 1909, the owning family has built a business that today represents one of the most structured companies in the Castelli Romani.

Important numbers

The property includes:

• 33 hectares in total;
• 32 hectares of vineyards;
• 1 hectare of olive grove;
• modern cellar of approximately 750 m2;
• over 36,000 hectolitres of storage capacity.

Production reaches approximately 300,000 bottles per year.

Among the main labels are wines belonging to the following denominations:

• Rome DOC;
• Marino DOC;
• Colli Albani DOC;
• Castelli Romani DOC.

Alongside the traditional varieties, there is also space for Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Malvasia.

Wine tourism and inclusion

Villa Franca has also developed a strong commitment to hospitality.

The presence of direct sales outlets, guided tastings, and dedicated tours for international visitors is complemented by social projects aimed at people with visual impairments, demonstrating how wine can also become a tool for inclusion and cultural growth.

 

The future of the Castelli Romani depends on value, not volume.

The experiences of Tenuta San Leo, Casale Mattia, and Cantina Villa Franca demonstrate how the future of Castelli Romani wine lies not only in production, but also in the ability to create value through territory, sustainability, hospitality, and identity.

In an increasingly competitive market, these companies represent three different but complementary models:

• Tenuta San Leo interprets the new frontier of sustainable wine tourism.
• Casale Mattia promotes the organic tradition and prestige of Frascati Superiore.
• Cantina Villa Franca combines production scale, history, and innovation.

The Castelli Romani thus confirms its historic vocation: being one of the great lands of Italian wine, where the past continues to dialogue with the future and where every bottle tells a story rooted in ancient Rome and looks with confidence to international markets and new generations of consumers.