Vineyards and Villages – Series 2, Episode 2
Rome on Foot 🇮🇹 | Vatican Surprise | Olevano Romano & the Cesanese Grape 🍷
In this episode of Vineyards and Villages, we explore Rome on foot before escaping to the hilltop village of Olevano Romano in Lazio to discover the ancient Cesanese grape.
Rome is magnificent. Rome is historic. Rome is also… a serious leg workout. 👟
We wander through the Eternal City ticking off bucket-list icons:
🏛 The Colosseum – enormous, dramatic and slightly intimidating.
⛲ The Trevi Fountain – yes, we threw the coins. Obviously.
🌞 The Pantheon – that dome! (Dress appropriately here – shoulders and knees covered, and ladies bring a light scarf just in case.)
🎨 Piazza Navona – fountains, artists and classic Roman buzz.
A highlight? Pure chance. We found ourselves in St Peter’s Square just as the Pope addressed the crowds and led the Regina Caeli prayer. No planning. No clever timing. Just one of those travel moments you never forget. 🙏
After pounding cobbled streets all day, we rewarded ourselves with dinner at NUOVA STELLA TRATTORIA, tucked along a lively pedestrian street with the tram rattling past. Pasta. Carafes of wine. That perfect Roman evening energy. 🚋🍝
Then we swap city chaos for countryside calm.
Olevano Romano – A Hidden Gem in Lazio
About an hour from Rome, we arrive in Olevano Romano, a medieval hilltop village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Narrow lanes. Stone staircases. Laundry fluttering from balconies. Church bells marking the hour. It feels wonderfully real.
This is the land of Cesanese, Lazio’s historic native red grape. For generations, local families have cultivated it in volcanic soils on these sun-kissed slopes. Once overlooked, Cesanese is now proudly reclaiming its reputation through wines like Cesanese del Piglio DOCG.
Expect bright cherry fruit, gentle spice and a sense of place in every glass. It’s not a flashy international superstar. It’s something better — deeply rooted, authentic and distinctly Roman countryside.
We spend five days exploring vineyards, soaking up views from Castello Colonna, and learning how this ancient grape connects modern winemakers to their Roman past. 🍇
From imperial monuments to medieval fortresses and hillside vines, this episode blends history, wine and village life in true Vineyards and Villages style.
Travel Tips Featured in This Episode ✈️
• Walking Rome is incredible but tiring — wear proper shoes.
• Carry water, especially in warmer months.
• Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites like the Pantheon and Vatican.
• Hiring a car makes exploring Lazio’s hilltop wine villages much easier.
Sip of the Week 🍷
This week’s wine is the cheerful and budget-friendly
2023 Belorante Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (often found at Asda).
First things first — the peacock label. It practically struts off the shelf. 🦚
Inside the bottle? A delightful, medium-bodied Italian red bursting with bright red berries, a touch of floral lift and a dash of peppery spice. Easy-drinking. Approachable. No brooding intensity here — just a friendly glass of wine that gets along with pasta, pizza, tomato-based dishes and grilled meats.
Produced in Italy’s Abruzzo region, it’s become a popular, trendy and affordable option for anyone wanting reliable Italian red without the splurge.
We paired ours with a hearty Italian supper and declared it dangerously easy to pour “just one more” glass.
If you enjoy travel in Italy, hidden wine villages, native grape varieties, and exploring historic cities on foot, this episode is for you.
Please like 👍, subscribe 🔔 and join us each week as we explore more vineyards, villages and unforgettable travel moments.
Salute! 🍷
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