The 5 Best Wine Bars in Rome

For the full Roman experience, you have to visit a wine bar. The concept of the modern wine bar is quite simple: choose from a wide selection of wines (which the Italians do extremely well), and if it’s available, pair it with some delectable food.

I’ve tried some of the tastiest wines and been knocked off my feet by delicious Amarone and punchy Baralo that I sampled along a little cobblestone side street in the Eternal City close to the Vatican. Many times, I’ve bought a bottle and brought it home with me. 

You’re not alone in thinking that a wine bar can sound somewhat ostentatious. Yet, Rome’s wine bars range from exclusive and high-end to low-key and casual. In this piece, I’ve detailed my picks for the best wine bars you can visit on our food and wine tours in Rome, which are worth raising a glass of vino to!

Il Goccetto

My affinity for Il Goccetto may have something to do with the fact that it’s housed in an ancient riverside building near Ponte Giuseppe Mazzini dating back to 1527. Or it could be its staggering natural wine selection from the enoteca that stretches from floor to ceiling. 

Every time I step inside this cozy, wood-paneled wine bar for an apertivo, I question why I’ve waited so long since my last visit. This includes the handful of occasions I’ve had to wait in line for a table, which speaks volumes of how highly I rate this place and the always accommodating staff.

There’s nothing quite like coming here with a bunch of pals while enjoying Rome’s nightlife, picking the staff’s brains for wine recommendations, and ordering a selection of cheese and cold cuts. The slight sweetness of prosciutto against the tangy mozzarella has always been a winning combination for me.

Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of Il Goccetto is that a glass of wine starts from just €5 a pop. Trust me when I say that the Franciacorta, a refreshing sparkling wine with gentle apple and pear tones and a sharp finish, is simply exquisite. Seeing the fizzle coming from the glass of bubbly always excites me.

Many large bottles from their wine cellar go for between €21 and €46 a piece here, placing Il Goccetto high on my rankings of affordably-priced wine bars. You can come here any night of the week for a wine tasting without spending your evening focusing on the bill you’re racking up!

Il Goccetto (€€) – Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy, Monday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am

Mimì e Cocò

Small and intimate, with only around ten tables in the venue, Mimi e Coco somehow manages to always get everything just right for wine lovers, from the elaborate selection of biodynamic wines and mouthwatering food pairings to the warm environment with the friendliest team of staff.

Located a short walk from Piazza Navona, Mimi e Coco oozes charm. I’m not sure whether it’s the rustic wine cabinets or the compact outdoor seating area where I’ve positioned myself during every visit, but this place seems to become more endearing each time.

Primarily featuring Italian wines from winemaking regions like Lazio alongside a handful of imported alternatives, including champagnes such as Moët & Chandon from France, Mimi e Coco offers select varieties by the glass. But their most tantalizing wines are only available by the bottle. 

I should be more adventurous, but their citrusy and oh-so-light pinot grigio from Veneto was always going to be my first choice. At this point, I have to mention that the team here also whips up divine Italian favorites, and the pungent, creamy cacio e pepe pairs harmoniously with the pinot grigio.

If you’d prefer some light bites to complement your wine, they’ve got a myriad of options. The parma ham and melon appetizer was fresh and crisp, with the salty ham and the sweet melon making for a lovely sidenote to a pinot grigio, though a prosecco would also go down a treat.

Mimì e Cocò (€€) – Via del Governo Vecchio, 72, 00186 Roma RM, Italy, Every day, 10:00 am to 1:00 am

Casa Bleve

Given how upmarket and elegant Case Bleve is today, you’d have a difficult time believing that this sought-after spot had quite a humble beginning as a tiny wine shop in Rome’s famous Jewish Ghetto. 

Run by married couple Anacleto and Tina Bleve (he’s in charge of the wine, she takes care of the food), Casa Bleve is now positioned between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in a lavish 16th-century palazzo. The high ceilings and grand marble archways perfectly set the scene for what’s to come.

I can’t say I’ve frequented Casa Bleve too many times for no other reason other than my wallet would never recover, but, there’s no place quite like it for thoughtfully selected wines and beautifully cooked dishes.

Although they carry a blend of wines from Italian and premium international wine producers, I generally stick to locally produced goods wherever I am. 

Their collection boasts some rare and hidden gems. Unsure what to order? Ask Anacleto; his knowledge is incredible and he has always helped me choose.

The wine list was incredibly impressive, but the granbussia barolo blew me away. Needless to say, this bottle didn’t come cheap, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to indulge in such an intense red wine that had the most beautiful blend of spice, and licorice notes.

Casa Bleve (€€) – Via del Teatro Valle, 48, 00186 Roma RM, Italy, Monday to Saturday, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Ai Tre Scalini

Tucked away among the overgrown ivy along a quaint side street in the Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum, Ai Tre Scalini is among the best wine bars in Rome. If you’re on a quest to find a laidback spot for a glass of wine or an apertivo, this is one spot that also takes its wine collection seriously.

With its eclectic and slightly boho-influenced interior and warm team of waiting staff, Ai Tre Scalini always seems to give off a super relaxed vibe, which makes me feel at home right away. As gorgeous as the quirky indoor area is, sipping on a flavorful glass of wine al fresco is a dream.

Despite my numerous visits to Ai Tre Scalini, I’ve yet to sample some of their snacks and sharing plates, opting instead to grab a quick glass on occasion when I’m in the area. One of my go-tos happens to be available for just €6 a glass, and that’s the pecorino.

If I were to describe the pecorino, I’d say it’s almost like summer in a glass, as the zesty lemon aroma that lures me in with each mouthful is followed by subtle hints of apricot and pear.

It’s the almost spicy undertone that really adds something special, and I have Ai Tre Scalini’s reserve to thank for adding this seriously good wine to my list of all-time favorites.

Ai Tre Scalini (€€) – Via Panisperna, 251, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, Every day, 12:30 pm to 12:15 am

Trimani

Founded in 1821, Trimani is considered one of the oldest wine bars in Rome and is renowned for its extensive selection of French and Italian wines from some of the Europe’s best wine regions. Around the corner is Trimani’s wine store if you find any of the wines from the bar have made a lasting impression on you.

Don’t let the tables of tourists fool you – Trimani is the real deal. Understated, slick, and frequently packed with happy customers, Trimani is treasured for a reason, though its proximity to the train station and the Museo Nazionale Romano can sometimes make it seem like a tourist trap.

Don’t write this place off. Between the cured meats, the wide range of cheeses, and the pitted olives, you’ll have plenty of savory snacks to accompany your wine. I couldn’t fault a thing, but the spicy salami and the earthy blue Sancarlone cheese were the stand-outs.

Now, most importantly, onto the open stellar assortment of wines, of which I had to sample a few. First, on the advice of my highly knowledgeable waitress, I went for the de fermo le cince cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, a delicate Italian rose. Fresh and acidic, I picked up a bottle on my way home.

Next was a fabulous red from southern Italy, the ruby-colored Maffini Kleos. With its cherry-like aromas, soft and fruity flavor palette, and lingering aftertaste, I was stunned to find this dry wine was just €6 a glass. 

Trimani (€€) – Via Cernaia 37, Rome, Italy, Monday to Saturday, 11:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 12:30 am

Conclusion

Next time you find yourself in the Italian capital, cast your mind back to this failsafe round-up of the best wine bars in Rome, and you’re sure to find at least one sublime spot near you for a glass or a litro.

I’m not a sommelier, but having tried and tested a lengthy list of Rome’s great wine bars, I can say with some confidence that these five haunts are among the best in the business.

Don’t take my word for it, though, and discover the dreamy wine collections, enchanting atmospheres, and irresistible culinary delights of each of these wine bars for yourself. Want to learn more about the city’s wine culture? Join our Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour.