Rome is known for its vivid nightlife; however, the club-scene is not for everyone. If you want to enjoy a quieter but still entertaining evening, head to one of Rome’s many wine bars. Over the past few years, wine bars, or enotecas {enoteche if you want to be a stickler on the Italian language}, have been becoming more popular. These enotecas are wine shops in which the owners allow the guests to taste the wines in hopes that they will purchase them at the end of their meal. This fashionable new restaurant genre is for all age groups, and makes a great place to get a full meal, a snack and to try a fabulous selection of wine by the glass.
Though I have reviewed Cul de Sac as one of my favorites, here are five other wine bars in Rome to add to your list!
1. Trimani Wine Bar
This enoteca is the oldest wine shop in Rome, opening in 1876 on Via Goito and supplying wines, champagnes, liqueurs, and snacks. It was not until the early 1990s when the wine shop expanded and joined Trimani Wine Bar. From 5 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, stop in for Happy Hour and get two glasses of wine for the price of one! (Prices range from 2 to 9 euro a glass).
Trimani Wine Bar also has a delicious bistro-style dinner menu, and the prices are reasonable. If you can’t seem to choose a wine, just ask one of the staff, who are always knowledgeable and willing to help. Reservations are suggested. The wine shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM to 8 PM. You can also visit their website and order the same wine they serve at the bar. Orders over $150 qualify for free shipping.
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Trimani Wine Bar
Via Cernaia 37b (on the corner with Via Goito 20)
Metro: Repubblica or Castro Pretorio
2. Casa Bleve
Casa Bleve is a chic wine bar located in the ground floor of a 16th century palazzo near Rome’s Pantheon. In the dining area, small tables line the walls, which are filled with wine bottles. While you eat, you can choose a wine from the bar’s French and Italian wine selection. Again, if you have trouble choosing from the extensive wine list, the staff always has great suggestions. The good portions and savory taste make it worth the price. After your meal, if it’s not too busy, ask to see the historic wine cellar. Casa Bleve is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3 PM, and 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
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Casa Bleve
Via del Teatro Valle
Metro: Largo di Torre Argentina
3. Enoteca Ferrara
Go to Enoteca Ferrara, in the area of Trastevere, to pamper yourself. The bar opened a decade ago with the dedication of two sisters—Maria who is the architect and chef, and Lina who researches and creates the wine lists. Located in a 15th century building, Enoteca Ferrara’s interior is modern, but still keeps its charm of the old with arches, wooden ceilings, and the visible wine cellar. The Mescita is the wine bar (and the entrance), where you can sample wines (of which there are 1200 labels!) and snack on food. Every night from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, enjoy a complimentary apertivo buffet.
Lina’s research has produced an extensive wine list, which takes the form of two thick binders, one for red wine and one for white. Wines range from 7 to 13 euro per glass and 15 to 390 euro per bottle. These lists show the pairing with exotic munchies—traditional dishes as well as revamped versions—prepared by her sister. In the winter, enjoy live jazz every Tuesday! The bar is open from 6 PM to 2 AM. The restaurant is open from 8 PM to midnight.
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Enoteca Ferrara
Via del Moro
Piazza Trilussa 41
4. La Barrique
If you prefer champagne to wine, visit La Barrique (‘the barrels’) enoteca. In the Monti neighborhood, La Barrique is known for Italian and French wines, and especially their extensive champagne list. Enjoy a glass of champagne at the bar while munching on one of the many types of bruschetta and apertivi. You may even get lucky by going on a night when there is live jazz and blues music. In the wine shop, you can also find a decent supply of rum, whisky, and other liqueurs. La Barrique is open from Monday through Saturday from noon to 2 AM.
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La Barrique
Via del Boschetto 41b
5. Tastevin
Tastevin may be a small wine bar, but it has a wonderful list of wines. About 1005 labels of French and Italian wines from large and smaller manufacturers line the wooden shelves, including the notable Barolo and Brunelli. Since it is away from the busy life of Prati, it is still undiscovered by tourists and has a comfortable family atmosphere. Daniele Catalani, the owner of Tastevin, is extremely helpful and personable, giving suggestions and advice to make his customers happy.
Tastevin serves a variety of hot and cold dishes including meats, cheeses, and gourmet salads. The enoteca is open on Mondays from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and 7 PM to midnight.
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Tastevin
Via Ciro Menotti 16, Prati
Bus: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini
What’s your favorite wine bar in Rome?
Written by: Laura Photo Credit : VinoFamily / Antti Simonen
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