Cheese is a food that has been enjoyed for many centuries, and there are countless varieties to choose from. If you're a fan of the well-loved dairy snack, then you'll definitely want to consider participating in one of the many cheese tastings in Rome.

Tasting sessions are a great way to sample a wide variety of cheeses, and you'll also learn about the process behind making each type.

It's also a fun and delicious way to spend a couple of hours in the city if you wish to take a break from sightseeing. Simply sit back, relax and be fed.

What are the best cheese tastings in Rome?

Wine and cheese tasting in Rome

Wine and cheese experiences in Rome take place at a local wine bar in one of the city's most historic districts. Not only will you try several kinds of cheese here, but you'll also sample world-class wines, cured meats, smoked fish and assorted hot dishes.

You'll learn more about how to taste wines properly and the region's that the varieties come from.

Private Italian cheese and wine tasting in Rome

If a personal experience is what matters to you, choose a private cheese tasting in Rome. You'll travel to the Jewish Ghetto where you'll meet a wine sommelier and certified cheese taster.

They will guide you through your tasting session, where you'll try nine raw-milk varieties of local, artisanal cheese. These will be paired with three different wines.

This will all take place inside an authentic Roman restaurant and you'll learn about the production process of cheese in Rome.

How much do cheese tastings in Rome cost?

Wine and cheese tastings in Rome include a tasting session of wines, cheeses and other assorted snacks, as well as an English-speaking sommelier. You can expect to pay €40 for this tour.

Private cheese tastings cost €407 for a group of up to two people. This includes a wine sommelier and cheese expert, and a tasting session of wine and cheese. If your group is larger than two, you'll pay an extra charge per person.

What is included in a cheese tasting in Rome?

With any cheese tastings in Rome, you'll have several variations of Italian cheeses such as pecorino and ricotta available to sample. All sessions also include a wine tasting session.

You'll often have a sommelier or an expert cheese taster on hand to provide you with information about the making process of each. Some tasting experiences will also provide you with additional snacks, such as cured meats or homemade tiramisu.

If you choose a day trip to towns such as Montepulciano and Pienza, you can expect round-trip transportation to be included from Rome.

Where do cheese tastings in Rome start?

Cheese tastings in Rome usually take place in a restaurant or wine bar. You'll be provided with the address so that you can plan your transportation to the session accordingly.

If you choose a day trip, you will often be picked up from your hotel. If not, you’ll meet at a well-known, centrally located spot in the city.

How long do cheese tastings in Rome last?

Typically, Rome cheese tasting experiences last between one and two hours. Day trips that travel to various locations in Italy for wine and cheese tasting will last significantly longer — around 10 hours.

When is the best time for a cheese tasting in Rome?

Wine is always included in Rome cheese tasting. Because of this, it's best to book this experience from lunchtime onwards. This is a great activity to sneak into your itinerary if you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare between sightseeing.

Are there any combo available with cheese tastings in Rome?

Montepulciano and Pienza: Tuscany wine and cheese full day from Rome

This tour takes you out of the hustle and bustle of Rome and travels through the glorious Italian countryside to the medieval town of Montepulciano. You'll have free time to roam the streets and explore its local produce before you head to a winery for a tour and tasting.

Continuing on, you'll travel to Pienza which is famous for its pecorino cheese. After some free time, you'll enjoy a cheese tasting session at a local sheep farm before being transported back to Rome.

This tour costs approximately €490. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a winery visit with a tasting session and a guided tour of a sheep farm with a cheese tasting. There is the option to upgrade to a private tour which includes an expert local guide in Montepulciano and Pienza.

If you choose a private Montepulciano cheese tasting tour, the price is dependent on the number of people in your group. It costs €580 per person for a group of three or more. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, you can expect to pay more per head.

Make your own ricotta with a local, tastings our family's food and wine

You'll visit a local family-run restaurant in Rome where you'll be greeted with an Aperitivo. You'll then experience a wine and cheese tasting session, which includes both red and white local wines, as well as cold cuts.

Moving on to the main activity, you'll learn how to make ricotta from scratch, before relaxing with homemade tiramisu and enjoying a chat with others in the group.

Cheese tastings in Rome that feature a ricotta-making class include cheese and wine tastings, as well as snacks such as tiramisu. You'll pay around €22 for a two-hour session.

Are children allowed on a cheese tasting in Rome?

Although children are usually welcome at cheese tastings in Rome, some experiences only allow those over 18 years old to participate. This is usually true for sessions that take place inside a wine bar.

Travel tips

If you have a dietary requirement, you should let your tour operator know at the time of booking.
As this experience lasts just an hour or two, it's an excellent option to slot into a brimming itinerary on a day when you have other activities booked.
Most cheese tastings in Rome include wine. If you don't drink alcohol, let your provider know and they should be able to provide an alternative.

Cheese Tastings in Rome