Food, Wine and Cooking in the Valley of Lake Nemi

Spend a wonderful gastronomic afternoon on the edge of mythical Lake Nemi. The setting is ancient and beautiful, rich in history and unspoiled. Savour classic Roman fare and taste the sweetest red wine on earth, while admiring the reflection of Diana's mirror at sunset.

 Prices

From 50 - 90 Euro per person (minimum 3 persons). 25 Euro deposit required at time of booking.

 Tour Duration

Approximately four (4) hours.

 Food, Wine and Cooking in Nemi / Meeting Point

Hotel limo pickup.

 Overview

During lunch, an explanation of the history of the area around Nemi is given. Of course, the focus of this tour is the tradition and taste of excellent food and wine, but Nemi is a unique place with a truly fascinating and somewhat mysterious legacy. The location is close to the temple of pagan goddess Diana Nemorensis, an obscure ruin where the near vertical slopes of a long dead volcano, densely wooded, meet fertile agricultural land around the crater lake. Closer to the water's edge, a little known museum displays the remains of Caligula's pleasure barges, which date back to his brief tenure as emperor (AD 37 - AD 40). The strategic high ground around Nemi was occupied by German forces under Kesselring in 1943 - 1944. It goes without saying that the ambience of Nemi is something special, as those fortunate enough to have spent time there will tell you. Goethe and Stendhal, for example.

Lunch includes most of the following local organic delicacies (depending on season): fior di zucca fritto dorato with mozzarella inside or melanzane alla parmigiana, home made pasta, saltimbocca alla romana, green contorno, different types of traditional bruschetta with typical breads from the Castelli Romani, typical local salsiccia, home made biscotti, home made liqueur and plenty of wine from the vineyards around the pergola, or covered area in the garden where you'll eat and drink as the Romans used to and still do!

This tour presents a real gastronomic challenge! Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared at least in part by yourself using organic vegetables picked from your immediate surroundings, then generous wine tasting in the vineyard per se. Walk around an ancient Roman allotment, where an as yet undisturbed villa dating back to the late imperial age lies some seven (7) metres beneath what is now an organic garden and orchard.

Cooking classes are offered here too on request.

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