Drinking wine in Italy is practically a birthright – well, they are the world’s largest producer of the stuff – and the capital has many charming enotecas where you can sit and sip. We love these spots in particular for their attentive label selections, knowledgeable staff, and relaxing atmosphere. Raise a glass with us to the best wine bars in Rome.
Possibly Rome’s most famous wine bar thanks to its gorgeous vintage ‘Vino e Olio’ sign outside, Il Goccetto is well known among locals and tourists in the know. Its strategic location in the historic center means it can get busy so be prepared to wait at peak times or just congregate on the street outside, drink in hand. There’s ample choice of wines by the glass, starting at just a few euros, and an extensive selection of labels available by the bottle – just check out the collection lining the walls for inspiration. A small menu of meats, cheeses, and other delicious snacks, provides the perfect accompaniment to your tipple.
This pretty little wine bar in the residential neighborhood of Monteverde specializes in natural and biodynamic wines from across Italy. The cellar is stocked with interesting choices that go beyond the usual red and white, and into rosé (which, actually, is not always well represented in Italian wine bars) and even orange wines. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations either – they’re passionate about what they do and happy to find the perfect match for your tastes. Litro also offers a small but exceptional food menu.
Located in the Trieste area of Rome, Brylla is well worth the trip outside the centro storico. This modern wine bar opened in 2016 with a unique selling point: every one of the more than 150 wines can be ordered by the glass thanks to Coravin, a new design of bottle opener that allows wine to be poured through a tiny hole in the cork, which is then resealed. With no wastage from spoiled, only half-empty bottles, Brylla can offer guests absolute choice of wines at any price point, including the most prestigious vintages.
Ai Tre Scalini has been an institution in the Monti neighborhood since 1895. This rustic bottiglieria is frequented by a laid-back, artsy crowd who love the informal atmosphere as well as the extensive Italian wine list. There’s also a selection of craft beers, both on tap and bottled, from some of the peninsula’s best microbreweries. Pair your drink with light bites, such as olives or lupin beans, or dive into a generous platter of cured meats and artisanal cheeses.
If you want to whet your whistle, Enoteca Ferrara is the place to do it. Their wine list is less flimsy pamphlet and more hardback, two-volume novel. With over 1600 labels to choose from, even the most knowledgeable enophile will discover something new. If that’s too much choice, let the sommelier select a bottle for you – there are labels for every taste and budget. Not just a wine bar with an impressive collection of bottles, Enoteca Ferrara is also an elegant restaurant, traditional osteria, and birreria, making this locale a great choice for any occasion.
The Roscioli brand is well known in Rome for its restaurant and historic bakery, both located in one of the most beautiful parts of the city center. In recent years, they’ve added to their empire with a coffee shop and a wine bar. Rimessa Roscioli focuses on accessible wine tastings, showcasing not just the best Italian vini but the production techniques, history, and culture that goes into every glass. Tasting sessions should be booked online in advance but you can also stop by without a reservation for a glass or two at any time.
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