Castelli Romani, Wine region in Alban Hills, Italy
Castelli Romani is an area of volcanic origin southeast of Rome, encompassing sixteen municipalities with medieval town centers and vineyards along gentle slopes. The two crater lakes Albano and Nemi sit among wooded hills, around which roads wind through chestnut forests and wine estates.
Noble families of ancient Rome built country estates on the hills from the first century onward, seeking to escape the summer heat of the city. Papal families of the Renaissance continued this tradition and erected summer palaces that still shape the townscape today.
Towns preserve traditions like porchetta craft, preparing roasted pork for village festivals using recipes handed down through generations. Trattorias still serve Frascati wine from local cellars, which guests drink alongside simple dishes from the region.
Walking trails connect individual towns through forests and along lakeshores, with signage most readable near main roads. A car makes it easier to reach remote wineries and trattorias, as public transport between smaller municipalities runs less frequently.
The crater lakes formed from eruptions roughly 600,000 years ago and now create a microclimate that ripens grapes with distinct flavors. On the shores of Lake Nemi, archaeologists found remains of Roman ceremonial ships that Emperor Caligula had built in the first century.
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