Rude Wines recently took a short break to the land of the selfie stick. That’s Florence to the uninitiated. It may be jam-packed with art treasures but the conveyor belt of tourists wielding their phones in full jousting mode can put a dampener on a relaxing stroll, especially if you’re desperate to find a suitable spot for a glass of wine. Which of course we were. Florence’s prime position in Tuscany and its historical links as a trading post for Chianti and other Tuscan wines mean there’s a whole host of vinous riches on offer. So lay down that selfie stick, grab a glass and imbibe Florentine culture in a different, but equally civilised form. Here’s our guide to the best wine bars in Florence.
Best Snack Spot: All’Antico Vinaio, Via dei Neri
Had your dose of museums for the day? Trip out of the Uffizi Gallery in a daze of Renaissance splendour and head down the Via dei Neri. Within seconds you’ll find yourself metaphorical miles away from the tourist caffs on the main drags. Not that tourists don’t find their way here, but there are enough locals to tell you that you’re in the right place. All’ Antico Vinaio is a sandwich bar to beat all sandwich bars. To satisfy the appetite of the hungry hoards, three outposts of the bar operate on opposite sides of the street, each one vying for the longer queue.
As with all good fast food outlets, they know their stuff and how to do it quickly, cramming a schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread) full of local ingredients faster that you can say ‘Michelangelo woz ere’. Choose from porky delights such as porchetta or prosciutto with red onion, artichoke cream, mozzarella, rocket and truffle cream. And the vino? For a mere 2€, the trusty folk behind the bar will hand you a proper wine glass and let you pour your own red from a self-service section at the front. So that’s 7€ for a super-sized Tuscan snack and glass of Sangiovese. Who said Italy was expensive?
Best for Service: Note di Vino, Borgo dei Greci
We stumbled across Note di Vino (almost a hole in the wall) on the Borgo dei Greci in the shadow of Piazza Santa Croce, drawn in by the music and the sight of enormous platters groaning with Tuscan antipasti. The seating is street-side on just a few wooden tables but service is fast and very friendly and the wine choice is small but well-priced and served in fine glassware (the Morellino was spot-on). The platters are good value, with a choice of Tuscan meats, cheeses, crostini and chutneys (a mixed platter for two will set you back about 25€). A free mini choc ice with our bill was a nice touch. It’s the little things that count…
Best for wine choice: Signorvino, Via dei Bardi
This enoteca and restaurant on the banks of the Arno is part of a larger Italian chain but don’t let that put you off. There’s an enormous range of wines from all over Italy, including a fine wine store. Buy a bottle to take away or perch on high stools around wine barrels in the shop and enjoy from a selection of wines by the glass or bottle along with a bowl of olives. If you’ve been pounding the streets for a few hours, bag yourself a table on the terrace for a light lunch or dinner and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Ponte Vecchio. Prices range from around 5€ for a standard glass. We toasted the view with a glass of sparkling Franciacorta, Italy’s answer to Champagne.
Best location for outdoor drinking: Piazza Santo Spirito
Wander over the river to the relative calm of thePiazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district. Despite housing one of the city’s architectural masterpieces, the church of Santo Spirito, many tourists don’t make it this far south. All the better for those who do… The extra five minutes’ walk is worth the effort, with a handful of trattorias and hipster-ish bars which spill out on to the square in the later hours. Try Pop Café or Cabiria for a glass of wine during aperitivo hour when you can fill up on free antipasti (more of this at home please!). If that doesn’t quite hit the spot, don’t leave without trying a bistecca Fiorentina, as we did at the Osteria Santo Spirito: a huge T Bone steak that will happily feed two (38€) washed down with a glass of Chianti Classico Riserva.
Three more wine destinations in the city:
Enoteca Fuori Porta: a great brunch spot just outside the city walls on the main walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, stop here for a refuel before completing the climb.
Colle Bereto: an American style bar in prime central position in Piazza Strozzi, come here for wine, cocktails and, of course, a great aperitivo hour.
Mercato Centrale: bringing Tuscan food and wine to the masses, this renovation of the San Lorenzo covered market opened in 2014. The first floor is given over to artisan food and drink producers showcasing their wares in a huge food hall.
By: Rachel
***Grabbed from: https://www.rudewines.co.uk/blog/the-best-wine-bars-in-florence/