My husband and I will be in Rome for a week (in October) and are interested in spending a relaxing day outside the city. We are considering doing some wine tasting in the Castelli Romani region, but it's been difficult finding wine bar/vineyard information. Even the info I do find is conflicting (ex: some people love Frascati & some hate it). This would be a "hanging out" kind of day, spent drinking good wine, eating good food, taking in the scenery & people watching. Might tour a castle, but not much more that that. Since we'll be taking the train, I'd like to limit it to one town. Anyone have any advice for me? Thanks!

I live in Genzano di Roma, one of the villages of the Castelli Romani area. As you are going in October I would suggest you to visit MARINO. What is typical of this village is that in October there is the WINE FEAST. Lots of food and local wine tasting for days. Actually I dont know the exact dates when this Wine Feast (which is held every year) will be this year, but you can have a look in the web for the Marino web site. It is the most important event for this village, so you will be able to find some info about this feast.

Thanks Batuffolina. Unfortunately the Marino grape festival is the first Sunday in October, and we won't be there until the following week. Here's the city's web site, in case anyone is interested. There are quite a few photos of the town. They also have a schedule of events from last year's festival.

http://www.comunedimarino.com/indice_feste.htm

I can also give you another suggestion if your plan is to visit one of the Castelli Romani villages, enjoy tasting some wine, people watching and maybe visit a castle.
There is GENZANO DI ROMA. There are some places that produce wine, like Silvestri or la Selva, or Colli Lanuvini. In Genzano there is Silvestri wine shop which has got a very good selection of wines, it is situated on CORSO GRAMSCI 108 (just in front of the main Post Office).
Second alternative: ENOTECA LA GROTTA situated on VIA ITALO BELARDI 31. Lovely restaurant with a good selection of wines. One of my fave restaurants in Genzano is AGRITURISMO MONTE DUE TORRI. If you dont have a car it is a bit out of town, but the food is GOOD! good wine too!
Want to see a castle? there is Palazzo Sforza Cesarini, perched on top of the village, with a beautiful view on the Lake Nemi.
Sitting outside and people watching? then just sit down in one of the cafes of the main Square (LA DOLCE VITA is my favourite), around 5-7 pm in the afternoon and you will see the locals gathering for the afternoon "socialising" event.
Last but not least: A short visit to NEMI, a tiny village on the other side of Lake Nemi (you can do this in the same day as you could visit Genzano). Tiny place, lovely surrounding.
Do you know that the time you'll be going to Rome and surrounding area is called OTTOBRATA ROMANA? it is that part of the fall when trees change the foliage, sunny afternoons (when the sun is setting) have a special "golden" colour... You'll enjoy your stay!

Batuffolina - I am very excited to have recommendations from someone who actually lives in this area. It looks like we will be visiting Genzano (and maybe Nemi). Thank you so much for your suggestions!