Beneath Rome’s Monte dei Cocci in the historic Testaccio district lies a hidden, underground world where time slows down and flavors deepen. Once ancient food cellars carved into the hillside of broken Roman amphorae, these urban caves have been reborn as a vault of taste and tradition. Today, they offer a rare sensory experience: a guided tasting of four regional wines paired with a curated selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, all aged in the cave itself.
These subterranean spaces were originally built in the late 1500s to exploit the natural ventilation and temperature of the hill, which hovers between 10°C and 15°C throughout the year. This microclimate is ideal for the slow, natural aging of cheeses and meats, allowing them to develop complex textures, bold aromas, and intense flavors—characteristics that are nearly impossible to replicate in industrial environments.
The experience begins with a walk through the cave, where the walls are lined with maturing cheeses, suspended prosciutti, and artistic installations. The setting is immersive: soft lighting, ancient vaults covered in living molds, and the scent of time-honored craftsmanship. Art and gastronomy meet here, with rotating exhibits of local artists displayed alongside gastronomic treasures.
Guests are welcomed at communal tables where they’ll be guided through a tasting of four wines from the Lazio region. Expect lesser-known but expressive varietals like Cesanese, Grechetto, Bellone, and Malvasia Puntinata—all selected to highlight the unique qualities of the paired food. These wines come from small, ethical producers focused on terroir and tradition.
The tasting board showcases rare, thoughtfully aged cheeses sourced from local dairy farms and treated using traditional methods. A standout is the Conciato di San Vittore—a complex cheese aged with wild herbs from the Aurunci Mountains. Another delicacy is the Caciottina from Amaseno, made with pure buffalo milk, massaged in oil and vinegar, and matured in clay pots with aromatic herbs and flowers.
Alongside the cheeses, you'll sample premium cured meats like guanciale and prosciutto from free-range pigs, chosen for their ethical breeding and bold, clean flavors. These meats, aged in the same cave, benefit from the natural airflow and humidity that enhance their texture and taste.
What makes this experience exceptional is not just the food, but the philosophy behind it. Each product is a story—a revival of forgotten techniques, a celebration of local biodiversity, and a tribute to Lazio’s agricultural soul. The cave isn’t just a place for aging food; it’s a living archive of flavor, art, and memory.
Whether you’re a food lover, wine enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this underground journey through taste is unlike anything you’ve experienced. With each bite and sip, you’ll uncover the richness of Lazio’s hidden culinary heritage, right in the heart of Rome