Exploring Italian Enotecas: Top 4 Must-Visit Wine Bars in Florence

Let’s be honest, we spend a lot of time drinking good wine and eating delicious food, and making sure that our friends do too. But when it comes to Italy, drinking local wine is at the forefront of any travel experience, especially when you find yourself inside a Florence wine bar. Wine bars abound in Florence and each one has their own flair, with most serving local Chianti Classico, that, if you can pair it with a mouthwatering plate of prosciutto, you will find yourself in Italian heaven.

Still with us (or already dreaming about tender prosciutto)?

Florence is an enchanting city with lots to see and do. From its majestic cathedral to perhaps the most famous statue in the world, you will never be at a loss for beautiful things in Florence. And that dedication to the art and design world carries over to the region’s local wine production. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence wine bars usually serve Chianti and you really can’t go wrong popping into a wine bar and ordering a glass.

But…if you’d like to try the best wine in the city, check out our top four wine bars in Florence.

Taking a wine and food tour is a great way to learn about the Florence’s top wines.

Top 4 Wine Bars in Florence You Can’t Miss

Il Santino: A Premier Wine Stop in Florence

(Santo Spirito neighborhood)

This wine bar is, in a word, heaven!  Il Santino is known for serving up high-quality wine, plus incredible prosciutto and cheese. The staff (of two!) is always happy to help recommend the best wine to pair with your snack of choice.

When the weather is nice, you can hang outside and people-watch in the perfect local neighborhood of Santo Spirito in Oltrarno, the “across the Arno” side of downtown Florence. (Here’s more about why you should visit the Oltrarno neighborhood!). If you choose to stay indoors, then cozy up at the bench or sidle up at the bar. With the prosciutto-scented air (seriously) and romantically-lit atmosphere, it’s the perfect enoteca for those cooler months coming up.

(If Il Santino sounds familiar to you, you might have seen it in our post on the best restaurants in Florence!).

Il Santino is located just over the Arno River at Via di Santo Spirito 60r. Phone: (+39) 055 2302820.

Sliced ham and salami served with a glass of Chianti is a common and beloved sight in most Florence wine bars.

Enoteca Bevo Vino: The Best Wine Tastings in Florence

(San Niccolò neighborhood)

Another great option—especially right after an unforgettable hike down from Piazzale Michelangelo—is Enoteca Bevo Vino. The name literally translates to “I drink wine,” which pretty much sums it up!

The enoteca, located in the funky San Niccolò neighborhood in the Oltrarno area of Florence, boasts a veritable library of wine on the left and a bar on the right. It’s always packed with locals, giving it a great buzz. If you would like to accompany your wine with some wild boar’s meat, this is the place! They also make a great Aperol spritz and serve smoked fish dishes that pair perfectly with their wine selection. (Don’t miss our post on how to make an Aperol spritz, and other favorite Italian cocktails, at home!).

If you’re lucky, live music might be playing when you arrive. Either way, an evening at Enoteca Bevo Vino is one you’ll remember.

Enoteca Bevo Vino is located at Via San Niccolò 59r. Phone (+39) 0552 001709.

Lose yourself into the flavors and smells of Italy, and pair them up with great wine. 

La Prosciutteria: A True Tuscan Enoteca in Florence

(near the Uffizi Gallery)

Any place that is named The Prosciutto Store has to be good, right? La Prosciutteria doesn’t let us down: This gem of a Tuscan enoteca, located a block east of the Uffizi Gallery, offers great wines by the glass or bottle, plus delicious assortments of cheese and cured meats. If you haven’t tried soppressata before, taste it here along with a Super Tuscan or Morellino di Scansano!

Come early to grab an outdoor table; they just finished building outdoor seating for a handful of patrons (and there are also stools and tables inside, of course).

La Prosciutteria is located on Via dei Neri 54/r. Phone (+39) 055 2654472.

More than Chianti. A wide variety of Tuscan wine options are on offer at most Florence wine bars.

Mago Balducci: Where the Locals Go

(Le Cure area)

This sweet wine bar sits north of the downtown area in Le Cure, a residential neighborhood next to the stadium where La Fiorentina (Florence’s famous soccer team) plays. Even though that means you have to bus or cab it here, it’s worth it: You’re guaranteed not just great food and wine, but a night where you’ll only bump into locals… a rare feat in Florence!

With its shabby-chic decor, Mago Balducci has modern European flair, great wine and tasty treats. Locals love to go before dinner and often stay late into the night, even spilling out into the street on especially popular evenings.

Mago Balducci is located at Via Marconi 24r. Phone +(39) 366 745 2272.

Once you’re done exploring Florence wine bars, why not sign up for a lovely tour of the Chianti Winery Tour?

Florence Wine Bars FAQ

1. What makes Florence wine bars unique?

Florence wine bars offer an exceptional blend of traditional Italian wine culture and modern tasting experiences, often nestled in historic settings.

2. How do I choose the best wine bar in Florence?

Consider ambiance, wine selection, customer reviews, and expert recommendations to find a venue that suits your taste and experience.

3. What should I expect during a wine tasting in Florence?

Expect personalized wine selections, detailed flavor profiles, and sometimes pairing suggestions with local food specialties.

4. Are reservations required at popular wine bars in Florence?

Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons to guarantee a spot at the best establishments.

5. How can I join a wine tasting tour in Florence?

Look for reputable tour companies offering curated experiences, or check with individual wine bars for exclusive tasting events.

Before you go… don’t forget to #TakeWalks with us in Florence. Explore this beautiful city with us in the video below!

If Florence hasn’t satisfied your love of wine, you might be interested in our Florence Food Tour. If you have any other good wine bar recs, let us know in the comments!

Looking for an adventure in Tuscany? Our Tuscany Day Trip from Florence with Chianti, Siena & San Gimignano is the answer.

You’ll get to explore the charming streets of Siena and the medieval wonders of San Gimignano before indulging in a delicious homemade lunch and expert-led wine tasting at a family-run farm in Chianti. Don’t miss it!