Best Wine Bars in Florence (2026): Where to Drink Tuscan Wine Like a Local
Timeless Wanderers: Posted September 2, 2026
Florence is one of those cities where you don’t have to look far to find good wine.
Walk a few streets away from the main sights and you’ll find small enoteche, old wine shops and cosy bars where a glass of Chianti comes with a plate of cheese, salumi or crostini.
For us, this is one of the best ways to enjoy Florence.
You don’t need a formal wine tasting or an expensive restaurant. Sometimes all you need is a little table, a glass of Tuscan wine and an hour or two to sit and watch the city go by.
And Florence is perfectly placed for it.
The vineyards of Chianti are just outside the city, while some of Tuscany’s most famous wines — including Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano — are only a road trip away.
But you don’t have to leave Florence to start exploring Tuscany’s wine culture.
From tiny neighbourhood wine bars in Santo Spirito to historic enoteche in the centre, there are plenty of places where you can taste local wines, discover smaller producers and enjoy Florence at a much slower pace.
In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best wine bars in Florence, what makes each one worth visiting, which neighbourhoods to explore, what Tuscan wines to try, and how to choose the right wine bar for your trip.
Table of Contents
Why Florence Is So Good for Wine Lovers
Florence is a great place to start exploring Tuscan wine because you don’t have to travel far to find it.
Some of Tuscany’s best-known wine country begins just outside the city, while Florence itself has a long tradition of wine shops, enoteche and small bars where wine is part of everyday life.
For us, one of the pleasures of being in Florence is that you can spend the morning seeing the famous sights and then, without much planning, find somewhere quiet for a glass of wine and something to eat.
The choice is also much wider than just Chianti. You’ll find wines from all over Tuscany, from Chianti Classico and Vernaccia di San Gimignano to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, alongside smaller producers and wines from other parts of Italy.
Current Florence wine guides highlight everything from traditional enoteche to newer natural-wine bars, particularly around the Oltrarno and historic centre.
And that’s what makes Florence such a good starting point for wine lovers.
You can taste your way through Tuscany without leaving the city — then, if you find a wine you really love, make a note of the region and plan a trip into the countryside to see where it comes from.
That is exactly the approach I think we should take with this guide: not simply where to drink wine, but where to discover the wines and places that make Tuscany special.
We can help you plan your dream trip to Tuscany, with a personalised itinerary designed just for you.
After more than 20 years of travelling to Tuscany—and loving it so much we decided to make it our home—we now live here and explore the region at a relaxed, local pace.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is exciting, but choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to get around can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
We offer a personalised planning service that helps you decide exactly how to explore Tuscany, based on your travel style, budget, and pace.
Plus, we can help you plan scenic drives, time in hilltop towns, food and wine experiences, and those small local moments that make a trip truly special—making your Tuscany holiday easier, smoother, and full of memories you’ll treasure long after you return home.
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What Makes a Great Wine Bar in Florence?
Not every wine bar needs to have hundreds of bottles on the shelves or a long list of expensive wines to be worth visiting.
For us, a good wine bar is somewhere you can walk into without feeling out of place, order a glass of something local, and enjoy it with a few simple Tuscan foods.
The wine selection is obviously important.
We look for places that take their Tuscan wines seriously, but also have a good mix of bottles from other parts of Italy.
It’s even better when you can order several wines by the glass rather than committing to a whole bottle.
Food matters too. A good plate of pecorino, prosciutto, salami or crostini can turn a quick glass of wine into a very enjoyable stop.
We also like wine bars with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make a recommendation without making you feel as though you need to know everything about wine first.
And then there’s the setting.
Some of Florence’s best wine bars are tiny, informal places where you’re squeezed around a small table.
Others are more polished and make a lovely spot for an evening out. Neither is necessarily better — it depends on what you’re looking for.
For this guide, we’ve looked for places that combine good Tuscan wine, quality local food, a welcoming atmosphere and a location worth visiting.
Some are perfect for a quick glass while exploring the city. Others are places we’d happily settle into for an evening.
The Best Wine Bars in Florence
Florence has no shortage of places to drink wine, but they aren’t all the same.
Some are tiny enoteche where the focus is firmly on the bottle, others are more about wine and food, and a few are great simply because they give you a chance to sit down and enjoy the city for a while.
For this guide, we’ve picked places that are worth knowing about for different reasons — from small producers and natural wines to classic Tuscan bottles and relaxed aperitivo spots.
Here are the ones we’d put on your Florence wine list.
1. Le Volpi e l’Uva
Tucked just behind Piazza della Signoria on the Oltrarno side of the river, Le Volpi e l’Uva has been serving wine since 1992.
It was founded with a focus on small, independent producers, and that philosophy still shapes its wine list today.
This is the sort of place we’d recommend if you want to discover something rather than simply order the most famous Tuscan wine on the list.
You’ll find wines from small producers across Italy, with a strong emphasis on native grapes and organic and biodynamic farming.
There are also simple plates of crostini and other small bites to enjoy alongside your wine.
It’s small, informal and well placed for combining with a day exploring the historic centre.
Best for: discovering smaller Italian producers and wines by the glass.
2. Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
If you’re exploring the Oltrarno, this is an easy one to add to your day.
It’s right on Piazza Pitti, opposite the entrance to the Boboli Gardens, so you can combine wine with some of Florence’s best-known sights.
Pitti Gola has a strong focus on Italian wine, particularly Tuscany and Piedmont, and combines its wine selection with food inspired by Italian and Tuscan cooking.
It’s a little more polished than some of the tiny neighbourhood enoteche, making it a good choice when you want to sit down properly and spend some time over lunch, aperitivo or dinner.
Best for: wine and food in a beautiful central location
3. Vino al Vino | Wine Shop | Wine Tasting
Located on Borgo Ognissanti, Vino al Vino combines a wine shop with wine tasting, making it particularly interesting if you’re hoping to discover bottles to take home as well as taste them in Florence.
Its selection includes small artisanal producers alongside Italian and international wines, with a focus on discovering interesting bottles rather than simply sticking to the biggest names.
This is a good option if you’re the sort of traveller who finds a wine you love and immediately starts thinking, “I wonder if I can take a bottle of this home?”
Best for: wine tasting and buying bottles to take home.
4. Enoteca Spontanea
Over in the Oltrarno on Via Maggio, Enoteca Spontanea is the place to look at if you’re interested in natural wine.
The selection focuses on natural producers, including smaller and lesser-known labels, and the wine is accompanied by cheeses, cured meats and seasonal dishes.
This isn’t necessarily the place we’d send someone who simply wants a classic glass of Chianti. It’s better suited to curious drinkers who want to try something a little different.
Best for: natural wines and adventurous wine drinkers.
5. La Divina Enoteca
Located in the San Lorenzo area, La Divina Enoteca is another good option if you’d like to explore wine while staying close to Florence’s historic centre.
It’s regularly included among Florence’s recommended wine bars, with a selection of Italian wines and a relaxed setting.
Its location makes it particularly handy if you’re already exploring the Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo, so you don’t have to make a special journey across the city just for a glass of wine.
Best for: combining wine with exploring San Lorenzo.
Best Wine Bars in Florence by Neighbourhood
6. Casa del Vino
Casa del Vino is tucked away near San Lorenzo Market and is one of the more traditional choices on our list.
It has a strong connection with Florence’s old wine-shop culture and is a good place to explore Tuscan wines without making the experience feel overly formal.
This is somewhere I’d recommend if you want to combine wine with a wander around San Lorenzo and the market.
It also gives the article a little more history, which fits beautifully with your Wine Windows of Florence article.
Best for: traditional Florentine wine culture and exploring San Lorenzo
7. Enoteca Bellini
Just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella, Enoteca Bellini is a small wine bar with a more intimate feel.
The selection includes both established wineries and smaller artisan producers, while simple food such as crostoni, cured meats and cheeses gives you something to enjoy alongside your wine.
I particularly like this one for the article because it feels like the kind of place where you can sit down, ask what is good that day, and let someone else choose the wine for you.
Best for: a relaxed wine and food stop close to Santa Maria Novella.
8. Enoteca Fuori Porta
If you’re happy to wander a little further from the busiest part of Florence, Enoteca Fuori Porta is worth knowing about.
It’s in the San Niccolò area and has a reputation for a good selection of Italian wines, along with food to match.
The outdoor seating makes it particularly appealing when the weather is good.
This is one I’d put on the list for travellers who want to combine wine with a slightly different side of Florence.
Best for: Italian wines, food and a more relaxed neighbourhood setting.
9. Vineria Sonora
For something a little different, Vineria Sonora is worth considering.
It’s on Via degli Alfani and has a more contemporary approach to wine, making it a good option if you’re interested in moving beyond the usual Tuscan classics.
This is the sort of place I’d recommend to someone who has already tried Chianti and Brunello and wants to discover something less familiar.
Best for: curious wine drinkers looking beyond the traditional Tuscan favourites.
10. Firstglass
For our final choice, I’d include Firstglass, right near the Arno.
It has a particularly convenient location if you’re already walking around the Ponte Vecchio and central Florence, and it stays open later than many traditional enoteche.
It’s a useful addition to the list because not everyone wants a tiny wine shop or a specialist natural-wine bar.
Sometimes you simply want somewhere central where you can sit down with a glass after a day of sightseeing.
Best for: a central wine stop and an evening glass near the Arno.
Best Wine Bars in Florence by Neighbourhood
One of the easiest ways to choose a wine bar in Florence is to start with where you are already spending your day.
Florence is compact enough that you can walk between most neighbourhoods, but there’s no real reason to cross the city just for a glass of wine when there are good options close by.
Here’s where we’d look.
Oltrarno & Santo Spirito
If wine is high on your list, Oltrarno is probably the first neighbourhood we’d explore.
The area around Santo Spirito and San Frediano has a good mix of small wine bars, enoteche and restaurants where wine is taken seriously without making the experience feel formal.
Our picks here include:
- Le Volpi e l’Uva — excellent for discovering smaller Italian producers
- Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina — ideal for wine and a proper meal
- Enoteca Spontanea — a good choice if natural wine interests you
- Il Santo Vino — a smaller option for a quick glass
If you’re staying in Oltrarno, you really don’t need to go anywhere else for a good evening of wine.
Santa Maria Novella
Staying around Santa Maria Novella is particularly convenient because you’re close to the station, historic centre and plenty of restaurants.
Vino al Vino is our pick here if you want to taste wine and perhaps take a bottle home with you.
Enoteca Santa Maria Novella is another convenient option right in the neighbourhood.
This is also a good area to choose if you’re arriving in Florence by train and want to find somewhere for a first glass without dragging your luggage across the city.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a great area to combine wine with food and market wandering.
Casa del Vino is the standout choice here, particularly if you’re looking for something traditional rather than polished and modern.
It’s close to the market and fits naturally into a morning or lunchtime wander around the neighbourhood.
You can also combine a wine stop with Mercato Centrale, where you’ll find food and wine options under one roof.
Around the Ponte Vecchio & Historic Centre
If you’re spending most of your day around the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, there are plenty of options without needing to head into another neighbourhood.
Firstglass is particularly convenient, sitting right along the Arno and open well into the evening.
Enoteca Obsequium is another option near Ponte Vecchio if you’d like to combine wine with a more traditional Tuscan food experience.
And there’s one particularly fun connection here: WineWindow is right beside Firstglass, making it easy to combine this article with our guide to the Wine Windows of Florence.
San Niccolò
If you want to see another side of Florence, cross into the eastern part of the Oltrarno and explore San Niccolò.
This area is quieter than the main historic centre and works particularly well for a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Enoteca Fuori Porta is the one we’d put on your list here, especially if you want a good selection of Tuscan wines with something to eat.
Current Florence guides continue to highlight it as a strong choice in the San Niccolò area.
So, Which Neighbourhood Should You Choose?
If you want the best overall wine experience, we’d start with Oltrarno.
If you’re staying near the station, try Santa Maria Novella.
If you want wine and market browsing, head to San Lorenzo.
And if you’re already sightseeing around the Ponte Vecchio, you can easily find somewhere good without going out of your way.
That’s one of the things we love about drinking wine in Florence — you don’t have to plan your entire day around it.
A good wine bar is usually just a walk away.
What Tuscan Wines Should You Try in Florence?
If you’re not particularly knowledgeable about wine, looking at a Tuscan wine list can feel a little overwhelming.
There are familiar names like Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile, but then you’ll see producers, grape varieties and wine regions you’ve never heard of.
The good news is that you don’t need to know all the terminology.
Start by choosing a style you enjoy, or simply tell the person serving you what you normally drink and ask them to recommend something from Tuscany.
Here are a few of the wines we’d look out for.
Chianti Classico
If you’re trying Tuscan wine for the first time, Chianti Classico is probably the obvious place to start.
Made predominantly from Sangiovese, Chianti Classico comes from the wine-growing area between Florence and Siena.
Look for the famous Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) symbol on the bottle, which identifies the Chianti Classico denomination.
There are different styles within Chianti Classico, so don’t assume every bottle will taste the same.
Try it if: you like dry, medium-to-full-bodied red wines and want a classic taste of Tuscany.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello is one of Tuscany’s most famous wines, produced around the hill town of Montalcino from Sangiovese.
It’s generally richer and more structured than the everyday wines you might order by the glass.
It can also be considerably more expensive, so this might be the bottle to save for a special meal rather than your first casual aperitivo.
Try it if: you enjoy fuller, more complex red wines.
And if you really like it, that’s your excuse to visit our Montalcino Wine Region Guide next!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Despite its name, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano isn’t the same as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
It’s a Tuscan wine produced around Montepulciano and is another excellent choice if you enjoy Sangiovese-based reds.
It’s also a lovely wine to discover in Florence before visiting Montepulciano itself.
Try it if: you want something distinctly Tuscan but perhaps a little less obvious than Chianti.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Here’s one we definitely don’t want to overlook.
Tuscany is famous for its red wines, but Vernaccia di San Gimignano gives you a chance to try a Tuscan white.
It’s produced around San Gimignano and is one of the region’s best-known white wines.
This is a great option if red wine isn’t your thing — or simply if you’ve spent your trip drinking reds and fancy a change.
Try it if: you prefer crisp, fresh white wines.
Super Tuscans
Super Tuscans are where things get a little more interesting.
These wines don’t follow the traditional Tuscan formula in the same way as the classic DOCG wines.
Some use international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and wines from the Bolgheri area have become particularly famous.
You may see names such as Sassicaia or Ornellaia on a wine list, although prices can climb quickly for the famous labels.
Try one if: you’re curious about modern Tuscan wine and want to try something beyond the classics.
What If You Don’t Know What to Order?
Honestly, don’t worry about it.
One of the best things about visiting a good Florence wine bar is being able to ask for help.
Tell them:
“I’d like to try a Tuscan red, but I’m not sure what to choose.”
Or simply tell them what you normally drink.
A good wine bar should be happy to pour something that suits you rather than expecting you to arrive knowing the difference between every Tuscan denomination.
And that’s really the best way to discover Tuscan wine — try something, see if you like it, and remember the name.
You might even find yourself planning your next trip around where that bottle came from.
How to Order Wine Like a Local in Florence
Walking into a Florence wine bar can feel a little intimidating if you’re not used to Italian wine lists.
You might recognise Chianti or Brunello, but then you’re faced with dozens of producers and names you’ve never seen before.
Don’t overthink it.
You don’t need to know everything about wine to enjoy a good glass in Florence.
Ask for Wine by the Glass
If you want to try a few different wines during your trip, ordering al bicchiere means ordering by the glass.
This is a great way to explore Tuscany without committing to a whole bottle.
You might start with a Chianti Classico one afternoon, then try a Vernaccia or a glass from a smaller producer the next day.
Ask for a Recommendation
This is probably our favourite way to order.
Tell the person behind the bar what you normally enjoy — red or white, light or full-bodied, dry or slightly sweeter — and ask what they recommend.
You can simply say:
“Cosa mi consiglia?”
Which means “What do you recommend?”
You don’t need to pronounce it perfectly. Just give it a go.
And if you’re particularly interested in Tuscan wine, tell them you’re visiting from overseas and would like to try something local.
They may suggest a bottle or producer you wouldn’t have found yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Less Familiar Names
If you see a wine you’ve never heard of, that’s often a good reason to try it.
Tuscany has plenty of smaller producers and lesser-known wines that won’t have the same name recognition as Brunello or Chianti.
Some of our favourite wine experiences have come from simply asking what was good that day rather than choosing the most famous bottle on the list.
Order Something to Eat
Wine bars in Florence aren’t just about the wine.
Look for taglieri — boards of local cheeses and cured meats — or simple Tuscan favourites such as crostini.
A small plate can turn a quick drink into a relaxed aperitivo.
And if you’re particularly hungry, many wine bars also serve more substantial dishes.
What About Tipping?
Tipping isn’t expected in Italy in the same way it is in countries such as the United States.
A servizio or service charge may sometimes appear on the bill, so check before adding anything extra.
If you’ve received particularly good service, leaving a little extra is always appreciated, but don’t feel that you have to calculate a large percentage.Our Best Advice
Don’t walk into a Florence wine bar worrying about whether you’re ordering the “right” wine.
You’re there to enjoy yourself.
Ask questions, try something you’ve never had before, have a plate of local food and enjoy the time you have in Florence.
Wine is part of the experience — you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it.
Food and Wine Tours
Other Tours of Florence
Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, allow you to learn more about Florence from a knowledgeable guide, and introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own.
Here are some of the best tours in Florence.
This small group tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Climb the dome, visit the Baptistery, and tour the Opera del Duomo Museum with an experienced guide on this small group tour.
Take a guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia.
Go shopping in the central market in Florence and then learn how to cook a Tuscan meal. This tour gets nothing but rave reviews.
Take a food tour of Florence or a 2-hour guided sightseeing bike tour.
Best Time to Visit Florence Wine Bars
The nice thing about Florence wine bars is that there really isn’t a bad season to enjoy them.
The experience simply changes depending on the time of year and whether you want to sit outside, escape the summer heat or settle in somewhere cosy on a winter evening.
Spring: April to June
Spring is one of our favourite times to be in Florence.
The weather is usually comfortable enough to spend most of the day walking, and you can finish with a glass of wine without having to deal with the intense heat of summer.
This is also a great time for sitting outside when the weather allows, particularly around Oltrarno and Santo Spirito.
Summer: July to August
Summer can be hot in Florence, especially in the middle of the afternoon.
We’d avoid planning your wine-bar visits for the hottest part of the day and instead head out later, when the temperature starts to drop.
An early evening aperitivo followed by dinner is a lovely way to spend a summer night in Florence.
Just remember that some smaller wine bars have their own summer opening hours, so it’s worth checking before you make a special trip.
Autumn: September to October
Autumn is probably our favourite season for wine in Tuscany.
The weather is generally much easier for walking, the summer crowds begin to thin out and the wine harvest is taking place across the surrounding countryside.
It’s a particularly good time to sit down with a glass of Chianti Classico or another Tuscan red and start thinking about where the wine came from.
If you’re planning a trip into the vineyards as well, autumn gives you the chance to combine Florence with the harvest season.
Winter: November to March
Winter brings a completely different feel to Florence.
The streets are quieter, the temperatures are cooler and a small wine bar becomes a lovely place to escape for an hour.
This is when we’d be looking for somewhere cosy where we could order a glass of red wine and a plate of Tuscan cheese or salumi.
Christmas and New Year are exceptions, of course, when Florence becomes much busier and opening hours can change.
What Time of Day Is Best?
For most people, late afternoon into early evening is probably the sweet spot.
You can finish sightseeing, find a wine bar around aperitivo time, order a glass and something small to eat, and then decide whether to stay for dinner or move on.
But don’t overlook lunchtime.
Some of the best wine bars in Florence are open during the day, and a leisurely lunch with a glass of Tuscan wine can be one of the nicest breaks you can have from sightseeing.
Our advice? Don’t try to squeeze too many wine bars into one day. Pick one or two, take your time and enjoy them.
That’s much more in keeping with how we’d recommend experiencing Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence
Choosing where to stay in Florence comes down to how you like to experience the city.
The good news is that the main areas are easier to explore on foot, so you have more flexibility on where to stay. .
1. Duomo / Historic Centre
Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
Why stay here:
Close to major sights
Great for sunrise/sunset walks
Ideal for travellers wanting everything on their doorstep
Hotel picks:
Hotel Spadai – Modern, stylish rooms steps from the Duomo with exceptional comfort and soundproofing.
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli – Bright, comfortable rooms on Via Calzaiuoli, perfectly located near the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy (Luxury) – Elegant 5-star hotel on Piazza della Repubblica with refined rooms and classic Florentine luxury.
2. Santa Croce
A lively, local neighbourhood with great restaurants.
Why stay here :
Perfect for dining outdoors
Close to the Arno River for evening strolls
Less touristy than the Duomo area
Hotel picks:
La Maison du Sage – Cozy boutique hotel with elegant rooms, warm service, and central Santa Croce location.
Hotel Mulino di Firenze – Quiet riverside stay with comfortable rooms and friendly hospitality.
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi – Stylish hotel with rooftop pool and panoramic views of the Arno River.
3. Oltrarno (Santo Spirito / San Frediano)
Florence’s artisan heart with a local feel.
Why stay here:
Best cafés and trattorias spill onto small piazzas
Lovely May evenings for aperitivo
Close to Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace
Hotel picks:
Hotel Lungarno – Luxury hotel on the Arno with elegant rooms and excellent service.
Casa Botticelli – Boutique accommodation with stylish interiors and a charming, local vibe.
Palazzo Guadagni – Boutique property with historic character and central access to artisan shops.
4. Santa Maria Novella
Convenient and surprisingly stylish.
Why stay here :
Great for day trips by train
Easy arrival/departure
Wide choice of modern hotels
Hotel picks:
The Place Firenze – Modern, comfortable rooms with central location near Santa Maria Novella station.
c-hotels Ambasciatori – Contemporary hotel offering easy access to Florence sights and transport links.
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino – Stylish boutique hotel with fun design and convenient central location.
5. Fiesole (Just Outside Florence)
A quiet hilltop escape with stunning views.
Why stay here :
Perfect weather for panoramic sunsets
Great base for hiking
Peaceful alternative to staying downtown
Hotel picks:
Belmond Villa San Michele– Luxury hilltop hotel with breathtaking views, historic charm, and exceptional service.
Hotel Villa Fiesole – Elegant property with panoramic terraces, peaceful gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Read Also Our Full Guide On
14 Best Luxury Airbnbs in Florence, Italy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Bars in Florence
Whether you’re a serious wine lover or simply want a good glass of Tuscan wine after a day of sightseeing, choosing a wine bar in Florence can be a little confusing.
Here are some of the questions we’re most likely to ask before heading out for the evening.
What is the best wine bar in Florence?
There isn’t really one answer because it depends on what you’re looking for.
For discovering smaller Italian producers, Le Volpi e l’Uva is an excellent choice. For wine and food in a beautiful setting,
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is hard to beat. If you’re interested in natural wines, Enoteca Spontanea is worth considering.
Current Florence wine guides consistently include these among the city’s notable wine spots.
The best wine bar for you is really the one that suits the sort of experience you want.
What is the best area in Florence for wine bars?
Oltrarno is one of the best areas to start, particularly around Santo Spirito and San Frediano.
You’ll find several good wine bars within walking distance of each other, so you can explore the neighbourhood and stop wherever takes your fancy.
The historic centre, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella also have plenty of good choices, so you don’t necessarily need to cross the river to find good wine.
How much does a glass of wine cost in Florence?
It varies considerably depending on the wine and the wine bar.
A straightforward local wine can be relatively inexpensive, while premium Tuscan wines or wines from sought-after producers will cost considerably more.
Rather than choosing purely on price, we’d ask what’s available by the glass and see what the staff recommend. That’s often a better way to discover something interesting without committing to an expensive bottle.
Do I need to make a reservation at a Florence wine bar?
For a quick glass of wine, usually not.
Smaller wine bars can have limited seating, though, and popular places can become busy in the evening.
If you particularly want a table, are travelling as a group, or are planning to eat as well as drink, it’s sensible to check whether reservations are accepted.
What wine should I try if I’ve never had Tuscan wine before?
Chianti Classico is an obvious starting point if you enjoy red wine.
But don’t feel that you have to stick with the famous names. Ask the person serving you to recommend a Tuscan wine based on what you normally drink.
If you prefer white wine, try Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, ask about a smaller producer or a wine you’ve never heard of. That’s often where the fun starts.
Can I order wine by the glass in Florence?
Yes.
Many wine bars and enoteche offer wine al bicchiere, meaning by the glass.
This is one of the best ways to explore Tuscan wine because you can try different wines without buying a whole bottle.
If you’re visiting several wine bars during your trip, we’d definitely recommend ordering by the glass rather than trying to finish a bottle at every stop!
What food is usually served at Florence wine bars?
You’ll often find simple Tuscan foods designed to go with the wine.
Look for crostini, local cheeses, cured meats, olives and taglieri — mixed boards of meats and cheeses.
Some wine bars also have much more substantial menus, while others are really designed around a glass of wine and a few small bites.
This is another reason we like the smaller enoteche. You can keep it simple and have a little something to eat without turning the evening into a full restaurant meal.
What is an enoteca?
An enoteca is essentially a wine shop or wine bar specialising in wine.
In Florence, the distinction isn’t always clear. Some enoteche concentrate on selling bottles but also have seating and serve wine by the glass, while others operate much more like traditional wine bars.
So if you see enoteca on a Florence sign, don’t assume it’s simply a shop. It may be exactly the sort of place you’re looking for.
Are Florence wine bars good for people who aren’t wine experts?
Absolutely.
In fact, we’d encourage you not to worry about knowing anything about wine before you go.
Tell the staff what you normally drink, ask for something local and let them make a suggestion.
You might discover a wine you really enjoy simply because someone poured you something you’d never have chosen from the list yourself.
Can I visit Florence wine bars in the afternoon?
Yes, although opening hours vary considerably from one place to another.
Some wine bars open around lunchtime and continue through the afternoon, while smaller enoteche may open later in the day.
If you’re planning an afternoon wine stop, check the opening hours of the particular place you’re interested in before setting off.
Current listings show quite a range of opening patterns across Florence.
What is the best time to visit a wine bar in Florence?
For us, late afternoon into early evening is hard to beat.
You’ve finished most of your sightseeing, the worst of the day’s heat has usually passed, and you can settle down with a glass of wine and something to eat before deciding where to go for dinner.
That said, a leisurely lunchtime glass can be just as enjoyable — especially if you’re visiting Florence outside the busy summer months.
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Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations.
And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
As long-term travellers living in Italy, we’ve found SafetyWing to be a practical option for trips around Europe, offering coverage for medical care, travel delays, and lost belongings without complicated fine print.
SafetyWing
(Best for Long-Term Travel & Affordability)
We personally use SafetyWing, and have since 2019.
It’s perfect for travelling, spending multiple weeks or a whole year abroad.
You can get a Quote here.
It’s the kind of insurance you hope you never need—but you’ll be very glad you have if something unexpected happens.
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Custom Tuscany Itineraries Designed by Locals Who Live in Tuscany
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Favourite Wine Bar in Florence
You don’t have to know much about wine to enjoy Florence’s wine bars.
Sometimes the best way to experience them is simply to walk in, find a small table, order a glass of something you’ve never tried before and see where it takes you.
That’s what we like about wine in Florence.
It’s not all about expensive bottles or knowing the difference between every Tuscan wine.
It’s about sitting down after a day of walking, sharing a plate of cheese and salumi, and enjoying a little time without rushing off to the next sight.
And there are so many different experiences to choose from.
You might discover a tiny enoteca in Oltrarno, sit down for a glass overlooking a busy Florentine street, find a natural wine you’ve never heard of, or finally try that Brunello you’ve been meaning to taste.
You can also use Florence as the beginning of your wider Tuscan wine adventure.
Once you’ve discovered a wine you love, you can follow it beyond the city and into the vineyards of Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano or San Gimignano.
For us, that’s one of the best things about travelling through Tuscany. One experience often leads naturally to another.
So don’t worry about choosing the perfect wine bar.
Pick an area, wander a little, find somewhere that looks inviting and order a glass.
You might just find your new favourite place in Florence.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – OMIO – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.