Wine bars

Superb wine bars in Florence. Here is a perfect guide on which ones to pick!

To many, Florence is the cradle of good wine in Italy. Here is a short guide to the best wine bars in Florence.
Superb wine bars in Florence. Here is a perfect guide on which ones to pick!

Photo by Ali Nuredini

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. It is the perfect place to go for a romantic getaway or a leisurely exploration of Italian culture.

Florence wines and wine bars

One of the best things to do in Florence is to sample some delicious wine. No matter if you prefer a robust red or a crisp and refreshing white, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Florence countryside has it all, from the wine point of view. From small local vineyards to large, well-known wineries, there’s something for everyone in the area.

And Florence is home to countless wine bars, showcasing the best of the wines from the area, as well as Italian wines in general.

Are you looking for a casual evening with a glass of wine and some appetizers? Or are you after a more formal wine tasting?

Either ways, here you will find something that suits your needs!

Florence wine bar scene will give you the opportunity to sample a variety of styles and regions while enjoying the town friendly, chatty vibe.

Living the real Florence

Yet Florence is one of the most touristy cities in the world, and sadly it can be difficult to live an authentic experience. This is true also when it comes to dining out and, alas, going for a wine.

Florence...

Photo by Tolga Killinc

Here, many of the bars and restaurants are tailored to tourists. The choice isn’t great, and they will be overpriced (and Florence is far from being cheap, even for locals!)

To get a truly authentic experience, you want to seek out local venues, off the beaten path. These are the wine bars where you will sip truly lovely glasses of wine. Plus you’ll find yourself in the company of chatty, friendly locals (even more chatty and friendly while sipping wine!)

Afraid to venture outside the touristy areas?

No need to be!

Read on to find out where to get the true flavour of Florence!

Florence best wine bars, my top 3 list!

I’m about to share my absolute favourites spots where to go for a glass of wine (or bottle…) in Florence. These enoteche really cater to all tastes, from informal and relaxed to more elegant and refined. They all have something special and are sure to please any wine lover. So, let’s start…

Enoteca Pitti

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is a fabulous spot to sample some of Florence’s finest wines.

Palazzo Pitti, just opposite Enoteca Pitti

Photo by Riccardo Orlando

This elegant bar offers an extensive selection of Italian wines, as well as some international varieties. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you choose the perfect bottle for you. At Enoteca Pitti the atmosphere is sophisticated and relaxed, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. Of course, you can also enjoy a selection of delicious appetizers to accompany your wine. Enoteca Pitti is really perfect to spend an elegant evening and try some of the most famous wines that Florence has to offer.

Il Santino

Il Santino is one of the most beloved spots in Florence for wine lovers. It is the sister venue to a more refined restaurant, Il Santo Bevitore.

Wine at Il Santino

Il Santino is a tiny, cosy bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Here they serve a amazing selection of regional and national wines, both by the glass and by the bottle. If you choose to purchase a bottle you will also have the chance to pick some more interesting and less “crowd pleasing” wines.

At Il Santino each order is accompanied by a small crostino, a slice of bread topped with cold meat or cheese. A nice little touch to keep you going while you drink…

As said, Il Santino is tiny and finding a spot inside can prove difficult. But fear not, you can simply stand outside while having your wine. You will be in lovely company, in fact almost all Santino’s customers consume their wine perching outside. Spoiler: this is one of the best ways to make some new friend in town!

Vineria Sonora

And finally we get to Vineria Sonora. This must be my favourite wine bar in Florence.

It’s intimate and ‘local’. At Vineria Sonora they specialise in Italian natural and organic wines. They have one of the best selection of wine by the glass too. The wine list spans from reds to whites, from orange to pétnats.

Vineria Sonora

The atmosphere here is lively and welcoming, making it the perfect place for a night out with friends or a romantic date. And being in Italy, they also offer a very nice selection of plates to accompany your drinks.

Plus, the music is rather good too!

Of course the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about wine. When I go here I often let them help me select what will suit me that day!

Planning your next visit to Florence

Florence must be one of the prittiest cities in the world.

It is full with great art and beauty. Yet when I visit it I sometimes find that it can be difficult to take it all in.

There is so much beauty here, that it almost seems unreachable and distant.

When I feel that way I stop.

I then look for an experience that will remind me of the true, human Florence, without compromising the special halo this place bears.

Often times I find that visiting one of these three wine bars is what I need.

In a way they are art but also the flesh and blood of this land.

They serve beauty in a glass but they do so with a very human smile. And accompany it all with a friendly chat and some nice side nibbles.

When you are next in Florence make sure you get overwhelmed by it, by its art and beauty. When that happens you won’t have to worry. You can take my advice, take this short guide and find your way to your perfect glass of wine and a friendly local vibe.