Enoteca La Fortezza di Montalcino ★ 4.6
30 by the glassMontalcino
Inside Montalcino's 14th-century fortress, founded 1980 by Mario Pianigiani and Marzio Giannelli. Five-glass Brunello flights, blind tastings and panoramic ramparts.
The list: Wide-ranging Brunello di Montalcino vertical with around five regular tasting flights and five top-shelf flights, plus cheese, salumi and pasta pairings
Tip: Climb the fortress staircase before the tasting; the panoramic ramparts run around the medieval walls and overlook the Val d'Orcia.
Move On Italian Pub and Record Store ★ 4.4
Duomo (Florence)
Front-row table service across from the Duomo and Baptistery, a record store upstairs and Italian craft beer and wine pours below. Closed Mondays.
The list: Italian craft beers, regional cured meats and pecorino plates plus a small but well-chosen Tuscan red and white list
Tip: Vinyl shopping while drinking; the front-row view of the Baptistery turns golden after sunset.
Mad Souls and Spirits ★ 4.4
San Frediano (Florence)
San Frediano cocktail spot run by Neri Fantechi and Julian Biondi. Tiny brick-walled room turns club-like after midnight when the DJ takes over.
The list: Cocktail-led, with a tight by-the-glass list of Tuscan small producers as supplement
Tip: The Soul Warmers section of the menu is the bar's signature; arrive early to claim a wooden table by the brick wall before the DJ starts.
Tenax ★ 4.2
Peretola (Florence)
Florence's longest-running club, opened 1981 near the airport. International techno and house DJs on weekends, with a wine bar room for slower pours.
The list: Cocktails and Italian craft beers; modest by-the-glass list
Tip: Plan a taxi back; Tenax sits near Florence airport and runs latest of any Tuscan club.
Rasputin ★ 4.5
Oltrarno (Florence)
Florence's original speakeasy, hidden behind a faint blue light on Borgo Tegolaio. Forty-five seats, candlelight, no standing and a strict reservation policy.
The list: Cocktail-led; a small reserve wine list with Tuscan and Champagne bottles
Tip: No walk-ins; ring the doorbell only after a reservation made through the bar's site, otherwise expect to be turned away.
Officina della Bistecca, Dario Cecchini ★ 4.6
Panzano (Chianti Classico)
Dario Cecchini's upstairs steak house in Panzano. Single seating, communal table, parade of beef courses paired with house red and Panzano bottles.
The list: House Carne Diem wine plus Panzano-vintner bottles available to BYO or to buy from the shop downstairs
Tip: One dinner seating only at 20:00 in Panzano; book months in advance through the official site.