Pasta Masterclass And Wine Tour In The Minardi Vineyard

Nestled in the rolling hills of Frascati lies the Minardi Vineyard, where travelers can enjoy the art of winemaking and pasta crafting. This intimate, small-group experience invites guests to explore a 17th-century family-run farmhouse, learn from expert guides, and indulge in the region’s culinary delights. From the hands-on pasta masterclass to the leisurely wine tasting, this tour promises to transport participants on a sensory journey through the rich gastronomic traditions of Italy. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Minardi Vineyard offers an opportunity to uncover the secrets behind some of the country’s most beloved dishes and libations.

Key Points

Immersive half-day experience combining a pasta-making masterclass and wine tasting at the 17th-century Minardi family vineyard in Frascati, near Rome.
Hands-on pasta-making workshop guided by experts, creating fresh, homemade pasta from scratch.
Guided tour of the old cellar and vineyards, with a tasting of 3 boutique wines and 1 signature tavern wine.
Leisurely lunch featuring the handmade pasta dishes paired with the family’s wines and local specialties.
Opportunity to learn about the region’s rich culinary traditions and sustainable winemaking practices.

About the Experience

This small-group, half-day wine-tasting and pasta-making workshop offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Frascati, a charming town near Rome.

Guests will start their experience by visiting a 17th-century family-run farmhouse and vineyard, where they’ll explore the old cellar and stroll through the picturesque vineyards.

Next, they’ll learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch in a hands-on pasta masterclass, guided by the experts.

Afterwards, they’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring the family’s own wines and local delicacies, creating a truly authentic and memorable culinary journey.

Throughout the experience, you will sample a selection of boutique and tavern wines, gaining insights into the winemaking process and the region’s unique flavors.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors to the Pasta and Wine Tour in Minardi Vineyard can look forward to an immersive experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Frascati.

During the half-day excursion, guests will have the opportunity to explore a 17th-century family-owned farmhouse and vineyard, learn the art of pasta making, and savor a leisurely lunch paired with the family’s expertly crafted wines and local delicacies.

The highlights of the tour include:

A guided tour of the old cellar and vineyard, where guests can learn about the family’s winemaking traditions.
A hands-on pasta-making masterclass, where you will learn to craft fresh, homemade pasta from scratch.
A delectable lunch featuring the family’s signature wines and local specialties, savored in the tranquil setting of the farmhouse.

The Minardi Vineyard

The Minardi family has been proudly tending to their 17th-century vineyard for generations, passing down the expertise and traditions that have made their wines renowned throughout the region.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Frascati, the Minardi Vineyard boasts a rich history and a commitment to sustainable, artisanal winemaking.

Visitors are invited to explore the lush vineyards and discover the family’s carefully cultivated grape varietals, from the crisp and vibrant white wines to the full-bodied reds.

The family-run farmhouse, with its charming rustic ambiance, serves as the perfect setting for a leisurely wine tasting and a chance to learn about the intricate process of winemaking from the experts themselves.

Pasta-Making Workshop

After the wine tasting, guests don an apron and learn the art of handcrafting fresh pasta from the Minardi family’s seasoned nonna (grandmother).

Under her watchful eye, they carefully measure and knead the dough, then roll and cut it into various traditional shapes like spaghetti, ravioli, and tagliatelle.

The pasta-making process involves three key steps:

Mixing the flour and eggs together to form a smooth dough
Rolling the dough into thin sheets using a wooden rolling pin
Cutting the sheets into long, thin strands or stuffing them with savory fillings

With the nonna’s guidance, participants create their own unique pasta creations, ready to be enjoyed during the upcoming lunch.

Wine Tasting Session

First, the group enjoys a guided wine tasting of three boutique wines and one tavern wine from the Minardi family’s own vineyard. The tasting takes place in the old cellar, where participants learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and the unique characteristics of each varietal. An expert sommelier leads the tasting, providing insights into the flavors, aromas, and pairings of the carefully selected wines.

The group samples a crisp, citrusy white wine, a robust red with notes of berries and spice, and a smooth, velvety dessert wine. They also taste the family’s signature tavern wine, a classic blend that has been passed down for generations.

Throughout the tasting, the sommelier encourages participants to engage their senses, swirling, sniffing, and sipping to fully appreciate the complexities of each vintage.

Leisurely Lunch

Next, participants enjoy a leisurely lunch prepared by the Minardi family, pairing the locally-sourced ingredients with the wines they’ve just tasted.

Seated around a rustic table in the farmhouse, they savor homemade pasta dishes, each bite complemented by the rich, fruity flavors of the family’s signature wines.

Plates are adorned with colorful local produce, and the meal concludes with a selection of traditional Italian sweets, providing a delightful end to the culinary experience.

The lunch menu may include:

Handmade Tagliatelle in a creamy mushroom sauce
Hearty Penne all’Arrabbiata with a spicy tomato-based sauce
Fresh Ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, drizzled with sage brown butter

Logistics and Inclusions

The Pasta and Wine Tour in Minardi Vineyard includes a visit to the old cellar and vineyard, with internal transfers from Frascati to the farmhouse and back. Participants will enjoy a guided wine tasting of 3 boutique wines and 1 tavern wine, as well as a pasta masterclass where they’ll learn to make fresh pasta from scratch. Lunch, featuring the handmade pasta dishes, is paired with the family’s signature wines and local sweets. Train tickets from Roma Termini to Frascati are also provided.

Inclusions	Logistics
Visit of old cellar and vineyard	Meeting point: Frascati train station
Internal transfers	Start time: 10:30 AM
Guided Wine tasting: 3 boutique Wines + 1 Tavern Wine	Duration: 4 hours
Lunch	Maximum group size: 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy and Reviews

Flexibility is built into the cancellation policy, as travelers can receive a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience. Regrettably, cancellations less than 24 hours prior aren’t eligible for a refund.

Plus, should poor weather force the cancellation of the tour, guests will be offered a different date or a complete refund.

The Pasta Masterclass and Wine Tour in the Minardi Vineyard has earned a Badge of Excellence, supported by 37 glowing reviews. Guests can expect:

A delightful tasting of 3 boutique wines and 1 tavern wine.
A leisurely lunch paired with the family’s own wines and local sweets.
A hands-on pasta-making masterclass to hone their culinary skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Event?

No, participants cannot bring their own wine to the event. The experience includes a guided wine tasting of 3 boutique wines and 1 tavern wine, as well as a lunch paired with the family’s wines. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Is the Activity Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The activity is suitable for vegetarians, as the pasta masterclass includes instruction on making fresh pasta without meat. However, it may not be suitable for vegans, as the wine tasting and lunch likely include dairy and other animal-based products.

Can I Take a Tour of the Vineyard on My Own?

Yes, you can typically take a tour of the vineyard on your own. Many wineries offer self-guided or independent tours for visitors to explore the grounds and learn about the winemaking process at their own pace.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for Pasta-Making?

No special equipment is needed for the pasta-making masterclass. The workshop provides all necessary tools and ingredients. Participants will learn to make fresh pasta from scratch under the guidance of an expert instructor.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

The duration of the experience can likely be extended, though additional fees may apply. Participants should contact the tour operator to inquire about extending the tour beyond the standard 4-hour time frame. Advance notice is recommended to ensure availability.