The Best Wine Bars in Florence
Tuscany is one of Italy’s foremost wine-producing regions, and there are plenty opportunities in Florence to sample both the celebrated regional wines and vintages from further afield. Wine bars in Florence range from tiny, hole-in-the-wall joints serving basic chianti and simple snacks to more sophisticated bars (enoteche) where the wines on offer will span Italy and the food menu may run to truffle sandwiches and a choice of top-notch cheeses and cold cuts.
10/R Via del Monte alle Croci
There are around 600 wines from all over Italy (and 50 by the glass) to choose from at this wood-panelled wine bar which has a pretty terrace overlooking the old city gate of San Miniato in the buzzy San Niccolò neighbourhood. Lunchtimes are good for a relaxed glass of something and a snack in the sun while evenings, when you can order a plate of delicious pasta or a carpaccio to go with your wine, are more crowded. Wines to go are available in the shop next door. .
Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Reserve an outside table at this popular enoteca, located on a quiet piazza around the corner from the crowded Ponte Vecchio. You can order a predinner snack or, better still, cobble together a full meal from the selection of crostini with delicious toppings like truffle sausage and melted cheese or spicy ‘nduja sausage. Other menu highlights include the antipasti platters of cheese and mixed cured meats. The staff can help you choose from the wine list, which focuses on small producers. (If you want to expand your wine expertise, guided tastings are also available here.)
Via dell'Ariento, 16r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
If you are in the San Lorenzo market area around lunchtime, this little enoteca (wine bar) with its old-fashioned, wood-paneled interior is a good place to stop off for a glass of wine and a sandwich or crostino. It’s usually standing room only, but the choice of wines is great and it’s got a buzzy, local feel to it. There’s a great, well-priced selection of wines to go too.
Piazza della Signoria, 31, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The aristocratic Frescobaldi family is one of Florence’s foremost wine-producing dynasties and at their relaxed, modern wine bar just off Piazza della Signoria, you can sample all the house wines and choose from a menu of cheeses, cold cuts and other light snacks to soak up the wine. In summer, tables are laid out in a picturesque little alleyway. Photo Gianluca Moggi
Via dei Neri, 76R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Fresh as you can get and a great price. The baker was bringing in steaming loaves of oven-fresh bread from the bakery down the street while we were standing in line!! Prosciutto on focaccia with warm Parmesan spread and arugula was delicious. Drink your wine on the street with other locals and travelers.
