The Old Minardi Farmhouse – A Highlight of our Travels
Where should I begin?
I was planning a 3 night pre-cruise stay in Rome, 12 night Mediterranean Cruise, and two night stay in Venice for my wife and I, and our travel partners. We wanted to do a wine tour in Italy, but ruled out Tuscany due to the distance. My research led me to Frascati, a wine region I was not familiar with, located just outside of Rome. Thanks to reviews in Trip Advisor, I found The Old Minardi Farmhouse Wine Tour.
I began corresponding with Dominique, who indicated that she grew up in California, so I knew we would have no language issues. She indicated they had just started the wine tour in May of this year.
In her e-mails, Dominique provided all the information necessary for us to make our decision. She was quick to respond to all e-mails, and to answer all of my questions. Once I booked the tour, Dominique provided specific information on taking the train to Frascati which was very helpful. When a potential transit strike was looming, Dominique indicated her driver could pick us up at our hotel and provided a cost if it was needed.
On our first day in Rome we walked to the train station to get our bearings, so we knew where to go. If you require assistance, you need to pull a number, and watch the board to see when it is your turn to speak with an Agent. While at the train station we spoke with Customer Service which provided the schedule for Frascati, and information on how to purchase the tickets. We went to the Newsstand to the left of the Customer Service as you are looking to where the trains are. The cost of a one way ticket was 2.1 Euros. We purchased two tickets each. Before getting on a train, make sure you validate your ticket which stamps the date, and punches a hole in it. It must be validated if an Inspector asks to see it, otherwise you could be fined.
The next day we arrived at the train station early to catch the 9:54 a.m. train. It was a good thing, as the platform used for Frascati, number 26 that day, was a long walk from the entrance of the train station. It was a relaxing 20-25 minute trip to Frascati. Upon arriving at the Frascati train station, we were playing tourist taking pictures. I heard my name being called, and looked up to the second level where Dominique was waving. Dominique is a beautiful person inside and out. She has been in Italy long enough to have a cute accent. From the moment we met at the train station, our tour began. Dominique provided us with the history of the Frascati Region, and how it was tied to the Vatican. Our first pause at the top of the stairs was to take in the view overlooking Rome. The wide pedestrian area was filled with locals sitting and conversing. Dominique then led us through some of the town, walking past shops, restaurants and Churches. She provided us with interesting information. I won’t go into detail, as I will leave that for you to experience with Dominique. We paused again at another vantage point where you could overlook Rome including St. Peter’s dome.
Frascati, like many other places we visited, offered countless photo opportunities.
We continued the tour of Frascati, walking to meet our driver Marco. Dominique said she would meet us at the farm. It was only about a ten minute picturesque drive to the farm. Marco took us down a dirt road along the vineyard where Dominique introduced us to her Father in Law Umberto, and Toby, their dog. Have no fear of Toby, he is a quiet, gentle dog who loves to be around people. Umberto’s family have farmed the land for several generations. Umberto was holding a basket with the last few grapes in the vineyard, as the harvest had already taken place. Umberto offered each of us a sample. The grapes were small, super sweet, and delicious.
Umberto does not speak English. Dominique translates for Umberto. As others have indicated, Umberto is very passionate, and proud of their family history, their farm, and the history of the Frascati Region. Although Umberto does not speak English, we felt very connected to him that day. Dominique and Umberto worked well together.
Umberto invited us into his vineyard where he explained what was required to maintain the vines. Their operation is all natural, and they are DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata, Original Location Certified). Everything is done by hand. The vineyard is inspected regularly to maintain their certification. I will leave the details to Umberto.
We moved out of the vineyard up to some olive trees. Umberto explained the process of maintaining the trees, and harvesting the olives. Umberto strongly suggested we not taste the olives. Our travel partner tried one, and learned quickly that Umberto was right. The olives have to go through a process before becoming edible.
We moved up to the farmhouse where Umberto unlocked the door to the winery area. Umberto took us on trip back in time, explaining how his ancestors started wine making, and the process they used. He then explained the process used today. Umberto appeared to enjoy answering any questions we had. I believe he appreciated our interest.
Our tour ended with Umberto at the winery. A local arrived just then to pick up some wine.
Dominique led us to a patio overlooking Rome. The view was breathtaking. A white canopy was set up to provide shade. Two round tables were set up with tablecloths, and had white resin chairs around them. The wine was displayed on a corner of the patio. The view to the right had two young ladies riding horses at a neighbouring property. Dominique left us for a minute and returned with a cutting board filled with a potato pizza, and a pizza with just sauce, purchased from a local shop, for the wine pairings. Dominique started us with their white wine Antiche Terre Tuscolane, Frascati Superiore 2011 which was paired with the potato pizza. Both were delicious. Dominique provided some insight into living in Italy.
Umberto surprised us with a visit on the patio to deliver some fresh tomatoes he prepared for us with some olive oil and fresh basil. The dish was simple but full of flavour, and very much appreciated by all of us. The next pairing was the pizza with just sauce, and the red wine Antiche Terre Tuscolane Vetus Lazio which is actually made by a neighbour. Dominique also provided us with a bread basket, and olive oil for dipping, which they also produce.
Dominique then introduced us to a sweet dessert type wine Cannelino Frascati, similar to our Late Harvest Wine. This is a white wine which is made by a neighbour. They have formed a partnership with these neighbours to be able to provide a variety of wine.
It was very relaxing, and such a pleasure to talk with Dominique. Dominique then indicated that we had a reservation at a restaurant in Frascati for lunch. She recommended we try the Gnocchetti (Gnoccchi with porcini mushrooms and truffles) and the Tagliolini al Fettuccio (Spaghetti with cold beef and arugula with shaved parmesan cheese). She informed us that we would have Old Minardi Farmhouse wine to accompany our lunch. We purchased some wine before leaving. Each couple departed with four bottles to enjoy for the remainder of our holiday. Our travel partners also purchased a litre of olive oil to take home with them.
Marco drove us to Il Tettuccio Restaurant in Frascati. Marco took us inside where our table was reserved. The restaurant was full of locals. A bottle of red and white Old Minardi Farmhouse wine was brought to our table. The waiter then began bringing the food, a bread basket, charcuterie board, meat wrapped in warm mozzarella wrapped in wax paper like a Halloween kiss, ricotta cheese and pine nuts drizzled with honey I believe, a salad of cheese, grapes, arugula and balsamic vinegar. As if the appetizers at the farmhouse and everything listed above was not enough, the waiter then came to take our entree order. We indicated Dominique had recommended two of their specialties. We each received a plate with both of the pasta dishes Dominique recommended. It was an amazing culinary experience.
We walked back to the train station for our short train trip back to Rome. This tour was a fantastic way to start our holiday. I cannot say enough good things about Dominique, Umberto and The Old Minardi Farmhouse Wine Tour. This is one of those gems like your favourite fishing hole, that you want to keep to yourself, but there is nothing more that we would want, than to see Dominique and Umberto be successful with their wine tour. If you are looking for an authentic Italian Wine Tour, this is it. The value for the money paid was outstanding. I can’t wait to go back.