Castelli Romani Private Cooking Class and Winery Lunch in Frascati
At a historic winery near Rome, craft handmade pasta, taste local wines, enjoy a countryside lunch
Rome’s pasta classes are everywhere, but do they come with rolling hills, farm-fresh ingredients, and wine poured by a sommelier? Skip the tourist-packed trattorias and head 40 minutes south to the oldest cellar in Castelli Romani. With your own station, expert guidance, and panoramic views, you’ll craft traditional dishes and enjoy them over a long, wine-paired lunch. Gluten-free? Vegan? No problem. Your apron’s waiting—snag it before someone else does.
- Meeting point
- Castelli Romani
- Cooking demonstration
- Pasta-making class
- Sommelier-led tastings
- Group lunch
- Ending point
Kick off your culinary adventure at Cantina Santa Benedetta, a 13-generation family winery in Castelli Romani—the wine region on Rome’s south-eastern outskirts. After a warm welcome, it’s time to dive right into a cooking demo and hands-on class. Guided by seasoned local cooks, you’ll make pasta and cookies from scratch, then sit down for a countryside lunch paired with the winery’s best pours.
Santa Benedetta Private Cooking Class and Winery Lunch from Rome Description:
Your 3.5-hour class includes:
Cooking demonstration in the oldest winery in Castelli Romani
Pasta-making class at your dedicated station
All tools and ingredients
Sommelier-guided estate wine pairings
Seasonal lunch in the historic cellar
Private experience just for your group
Welcome to Castelli Romani
Your private visit starts at Cantina Santa Benedetta, the oldest winery in Castelli Romani. From Rome, hop on a 30-minute train to Frascati and take a quick taxi, or drive about an hour if you’d like to explore independently afterwards.
Chef-Led Cooking Demonstration
Before getting started on your own creations, you’ll watch a live cooking demonstration (held outdoors when the weather allows). It’s the perfect setting to take in the beauty of the estate while picking up techniques and tips from your host, who will walk you through each step of the recipes.
From pasta prep to rolling techniques, you’ll learn how traditional dishes are made using seasonal ingredients and time-tested methods. The demo is easy to follow and gives you the confidence you’ll need once you step up to your own station.
Hands-On Cooking Class
With the demo fresh in your mind, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. You’ll be guided through each step of preparing handmade pasta and ciambelline al vino—traditional wine cookies made from a cherished family recipe.
Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook—the instructions are clear, the atmosphere relaxed, and your hosts are right there to help. The focus here is on connection, tradition, and the joy of making something from scratch.
Lunch in the Ancient Dining Room
Once the cooking is done, it’s time to relax with your private group in the winery’s ancient dining room—a stone-walled space that has hosted generations of meals, celebrations, and toasts. Here, you’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor: fresh handmade pasta served with seasonal toppings, your warm ciambelline cookies, and a curated selection of Santa Benedetta wines to match.
After the final bites and one last toast, it’s time to say goodbye to Santa Benedetta. You’ll leave with a full heart, a satisfied appetite, and maybe a few tricks up your sleeve for your next homemade meal.
From here, you can hop a taxi and train back to Rome or continue your Italian adventure wherever it takes you next. Thanks for joining!
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
A healthy appetite and some comfortable shoes. In case of rain, don’t forget your umbrella.
What to bring?
A healthy appetite and some comfortable shoes. In case of rain, don’t forget your umbrella.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Frascati.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
The majority of this tour is wheelchair accessible. However, please let us if you if you have any doubt about your mobility before the booking so we can best accommodate you.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tour rain or shine, but rest assured, adjustments will be made so you’re not cooking in a downpour.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
Yes, the meal that you make during your cooking class will be served for lunch.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets can be accommodated, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to meet your needs. We will work with our tour partners to provide you with an alternative when possible.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome in this class! Children aged 4-8 pay a reduced fee, and children 3 and under are free.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at Cantine Santa Benedetta.
Is this a private experience?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only, for up to 20 participants. If you wish to book for a larger group, please reach out to us directly and we will be happy to check availability and provide a custom solution.