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.
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.
