30 by the glassSan Marco, Venice
Founded in 1936 near the Rialto Bridge, Al Volto pours from a list of over 1,000 bottles with a strong Veneto backbone. Wooden-panelled interior plastered with wine labels; traditional cicchetti served alongside regional selections.
The list: Over 1,000 bottles from Veneto and beyond; traditional cicchetti; founded 1936; one of Venice's oldest continuously operating wine bars
Pours: Soave Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso, Prosecco Superiore
Tip: Open 10:00-16:00 and 18:00-22:00; arrive early evening to find a spot at the bar before the tourist rush.
30 by the glassCannaregio, Venice
Opened 2014 by Matteo and Mara Bartoli, Vino Vero was the first natural-wine-only bar in Venice. Over 600 labels from artisanal producers; creative cicchetti with unusual ingredients. Canal-side position on Fondamenta della Misericordia.
The list: 600+ labels from small producers; Venice's first bar dedicated solely to natural wine (opened 2014); biodynamic and organic selections; Veneto, Friuli, and Champagne growers
Pours: Biodynamic Veneto reds, Grower Champagne, Pet-nat Prosecco
Sommelier: Matteo Bartoli
Tip: Check the chalk-board for the daily col fondo Prosecco pour - usually a different producer each week.
20 by the glassRialto, San Polo, Venice
Venice's oldest bacaro, established 1462 and hidden in an alley near the Rialto. Double entrance from two narrow calle; an institution for ombre (small wine pours) with traditional cicchetti mini-sandwiches. Mon-Sat 8:00-19:30.
The list: Traditional Venetian ombra (small pour) culture; cicchetti served all day; strong Veneto wine selection; founded 1462 - oldest bacaro in Venice
Pours: Soave, Valpolicella, Prosecco DOC
Tip: Go at 11:00 when the freshest cicchetti are laid out; Sunday is closed.
25 by the glassCannaregio, Venice
Hidden corner of Campo San Felice in Cannaregio; La Cantina prepares all cicchetti to order using the highest-quality local ingredients. Cosy interior, outdoor campo seats, and staff who greet regulars as old friends. Phone +39 041 522 8258.
The list: Made-to-order cicchetti with premium ingredients; strong Veneto and Friuli wine list; outdoor campo seating; knowledgeable staff
Pours: Natural Veneto whites, Friulian orange wine, Valpolicella Classico
Tip: The tartare cicchetti changes daily depending on what arrived at the Rialto fish market that morning.
20 by the glassDorsoduro, Venice
Known as 'Al Bottegon', this historic Dorsoduro bacaro dates to 1800. Standing-only wine bar and enoteca with 500+ labels from Italian producers. Sandwich cicchetti prepared to order at lunch. A neighbourhood institution beloved by locals and wine lovers.
The list: 500+ labels predominantly Italian; standing-only historic bacaro; Mon-Sat 8:30-20:30; also a retail wine shop
Pours: Soave, Valpolicella, Tocai Friulano
Tip: Arrive at 12:30 for the best sandwich selection before the lunch crowd depletes the board.
40 by the glassDorsoduro, Venice
Opened 2014 by brothers Alberto and Dario Spezzamonte at the Dorsoduro / San Polo boundary. MICHELIN Guide Good Cooking designation 2025. Over 700 ecologically sustainable wines from small European producers; cicchetti and full dinner menu.
The list: 700+ natural wines from Europe; Michelin Guide Good Cooking 2025; contemporary Venetian cuisine with Japanese inflections
Pours: Natural Veneto reds, Orange wines, Biodynamic Burgundy
Tip: Closed Tuesdays; open Mon and Wed-Sat 11:00-midnight.
20 by the glassVerona centro storico
Wine bar and osteria on Verona's ancient Corso Porta Borsari owned by Buglioni winery. Exclusive Buglioni list at affable prices; simple cicchetti, charcuterie, and cheeses. Sun-Thu 11:00-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:00-01:00.
The list: Exclusive Buglioni winery list - Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone, sparkling; house wines at accessible prices; lively Roman-street setting
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso, Buglioni Valpolicella Classico
Tip: The Amarone by the glass is a rare bargain - Buglioni keeps house pricing far below comparable Amarone bars in Verona.
25 by the glassBorgo Trento, Verona
Established 1958, now in its third generation with Mattia Dal Zovo. Situated across the Adige from Verona's historic centre on fashionable Via IV Novembre. Ask to see the cellar and the sommelier will guide selections from the deep Veneto and Italian list.
The list: Family-run since 1958; deep cellar; sommelier-guided selections on request; third-generation Mattia Dal Zovo at helm; Veneto and international list
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Soave Classico, Custoza Bianco
Sommelier: Mattia Dal Zovo
Tip: The cellar visit is free for serious wine-seekers - just ask Mattia.
15 by the glassSoave, Verona Province
Founded 1980 in the medieval village of Soave; returned to direct management by Cantina del Castello in April 2024. The best point-of-access for Soave and Valpolicella wines by the glass, with private room available for groups upstairs. Contact enotecasoave@gmail.com.
The list: Soave Classico and abroad, Garganega-Trebbiano and pure Garganega; Valpolicella; Lessini Durello classic method; curated charcuterie boards
Pours: Soave Classico DOC, Garganega di Gambellara, Lessini Durello Metodo Classico
Tip: Order the Lessini Durello metodo classico - this Veneto sparkling made from Durella grapes is one of the region's best-kept secrets.
60 by the glassCentro storico, Verona
Verona institution combining restaurant, wine bar, and wine cellar. Wine Spectator Grand Award recipient since 2004; cellar deep in Italian and international labels. Daily from 11:00 to 01:00; serious wine list with knowledgeable sommelier team.
The list: Wine Spectator Grand Award winner since 2004; extensive Italian and international cellar; sommelier on duty daily; 11:00-01:00 Mon-Sun
Pours: Amarone Classico, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino
Tip: The private cellar tour (ask in advance) shows historic vintages going back to the 1940s.
20 by the glassSan Marco, Venice
Hidden in a quiet courtyard just behind the Rialto in San Marco, I Rusteghi is a sommelier-run bacaro where the wine list takes priority. Strong Veneto and Friuli backbone with thoughtful cicchetti pairings. A locals' favourite for serious ombre.
The list: Sommelier-run oasis in a quiet courtyard behind Rialto; curated Veneto and Friuli list; wine leads, food plays support; focused ombra selection
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Ribolla Gialla, Soave Classico Superiore
Tip: The courtyard is easy to miss - look for the small sign at the mouth of Calle del Tentor.
20 by the glassCentro storico, Verona
Family-owned enoteca in Verona's historic centre led by owner Bruno Baraldi, known for his organic and sustainably farmed selections with deep local knowledge. Also offers wine tastings through the Winedering platform. A retail and tasting hybrid.
The list: Organic and sustainably produced wine focus; knowledgeable owner Bruno; Verona region specialties; retail and by-the-glass service
Pours: Organic Valpolicella, Biodynamic Soave, Custoza Bianco
Sommelier: Bruno Baraldi
Tip: Ask Bruno about biodynamic Valpolicella producers - he sources directly from smaller estates not widely distributed.
10 by the glassSoave, Verona Province
Located at the foot of Soave Castle in the 13th-century Palazzo dei Conti Sambonifacio, Cantina del Castello has produced Soave Classico since the 1960s. Also operates the Enoteca del Soave retail outlet. Direct estate tastings in the historic cellar.
The list: Soave Classico DOC from medieval village cellar; cellar in 13th-century Counts Sambonifacio palace; Mon-Fri 8:00-18:30, Sat 10:00-17:00
Pours: Soave Classico DOC, Soave Pressoni, Recioto di Soave
Tip: The Pressoni single-vineyard Soave shows the volcanic basalt character that distinguishes the Classico zone.
15 by the glassRialto, San Marco, Venice
Founded 2001 near the Rialto by certified sommelier Lorenzo Menegus. Every bottle is personally tasted and selected by Lorenzo. Strong Veneto and Friuli backbone; also carries grappa, rum, whisky, gin, and balsamic. One of Venice's most acclaimed wine shops.
The list: Sommelier Lorenzo Menegus curates Veneto and Friuli selection with international wines; one of Venice's best retail shops; natural and conventional labels
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Ribolla Gialla, Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Sommelier: Lorenzo Menegus
Tip: Tell Lorenzo your flavour profile and budget - his personal recommendations consistently overdeliver.