Countless Americans indulge in the city of Rome, drinking in its heritage and flair. Yet, an appealing desire calls an increasing number of these visitors off the tourist path into the flourishing vineyards surrounding the city. Rome's nearby wine regions of Lazio, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Marche are awakening a new generation of passionate, innovative winemakers who are charting their own course through these old-world vineyards.

Federico De Cesare Viola and a host of other expert profiles introduce us to eight unique wineries that are sparking interest in these lesser-known wine regions. These wineries are inviting wine enthusiasts into their world, attracting them not only with their vintages, but also with their enthusiastic hospitality.

In the Abruzzo region, Azienda Agricula Cirelli is actualizing the dream of a young economist-turned-farmer. Francesco Cirelli is deeply rooted in a family tradition that transcends generations. From the beginning, he has devoted himself to sustainable farming and has mastered the art of cultivating flourishing vines under a supporting microclimate. Using no chemicals, he grows a variety of traditional wine grapes such as Trebbiano, Pecorino, Cerasuolo, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. At his vineyard, visitors are mesmerized by the rolling Abruzzo countryside, thanks to immersive experiences like wine and yoga sessions, or intimate stays in stylish wooden lodges amidst the vineyards.

A trip to the southernmost province of Abruzzo brings you to Tenuta i Fauri, a winery enriched with Roman history and named after the monks who once populated the area. Today, the Di Camillo family orchestrates their winemaking process at Tenuta i Fauri, with Domenico as the vineyard's caretaker. The taste of the vineyard’s Montepulciano wine-aged for nine months in concrete tanks-captures the authentic character of the region and the Di Camillo family.

Marcello Zaccagnini’s namesake vineyard houses about 617 acres of sustainably farmed vines in Abruzzo’s Pescara hills. This 76-year old vineyard combines wine-making with contemporary art, creating a unique experience for wine and art lovers alike.

Lungarotti winery in Umbria pioneered wine tourism in the region. The winery not only produces exceptional wines like Sangiovese-based reds but has also founded museums dedicated to wine and olive oil cultivation.

The fertile lands of lower Lazio brought fortune back to the Pandolfo family after they lost their Tunisian vineyards to socialism in 1964. Today, Cantina Sant’ Andrea supervises the winemaking process, tirelessly producing Lazio’s finest wines.

Clarici-inspired Terre di Marfisa showcases the untapped potential of Lazio’s Tuscia Viterbe region. After creating a successful olive farm, Marfisa expanded her dream to vineyards as well, transforming the estate into a popular hospitality spot.