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.
