“Life is too short to drink bad wine” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
And time may be too short to search out the best wine bars and wine shops in the Castelli. Therefore I’ve put together a list where it is guaranteed to enjoy an excellent glass of wine, paired with local specialties, served by knowledgeable staff.
Want to take a bottle home? This list is also a reference point for buying quality wine, bubbles and liquors, along with specialty products perfect for gifts.
L'EMPORIO di CAGNOLI ELIA - CASTEL GANDOLFO
Located in the picturesque Piazza della Liberta in the heart of Castel Gandolfo, this enoteca/cafè offers outdoor seating and the chance to admire the Papal Palace, San Tommaso di Villanova Church and fountain (both designed by the Gian Lorenzo Bernini) and catch a glimpse of Lake Albano. A well curated wine list with an impressive selection of quality local wines.
PHOTO: L'Emporio di Cangoli Elia - Piazza della Libertà, 18, Castel Gandolfo
IO VINO – ALBANO LAZIALE
Right of the main street in Albano, this excellent wine shop has a wide choice of wines, along with a variety of goodies from top quality brands. Owner Claudio has an immense knowlege of wine and will guide you to the exactly what you are searching for. Stop in for a glass, a bottle and ask about the organized wine tastings.
Io Vino, Piazza Antonio Gramsci, 4, Albano
ENOTECA I CASTELLI – GENZANO DI ROMA
A selective wine list, a creative chef and welcoming owner Eric make this wine bar/ restaurant a winner for an aperitivo, lunch or dinner. The aperitivo includes a glass of wine together with an elegant plate of local products. Quality wines pair with the dishes, made from the best prime materials and chef who know how to make the most of them. Dining is available in the bar area, outside in the courtyard or in their dining room.
Enotoca I Castelli, Via Italo Belardi, 31, Genzano di Roma
IL CONVIVIO - GROTTAFERRATA
Fairly new to the scene, Covivio is run by the young, dynamic and super friendly Danile Mancini, an expert sommelier with certifications from both FIS and WSA along with a passion for searching out boutique wines. A wine bar that also pays attention the quality wine movement found in Lazio and in the Castelli. Stop in for a glass of wine paired with exceptional local meats, cheeses and breads.
Il Convivio, Corso del Popolo, 90, Grottaferrata
ENOTECA VERDESCURO - MARINO
This cozy, intimate wine bar with a relaxing vibe, is the perfect place to enjoy a top selection cured meats and cheese, not to mention great wines. The owners are so nice and welcoming. Be sure not to miss their Sunday brunch!
Entoeca Verdescuro, Corso Vittoria Colonna, 68, Marino
STUZZICO & VINELLA BISTROT - NEMI
Located in the adorable town of Nemi, be sure to stop in thier excellent choices of
wine by the glass, porchetta, bruschette and quality cheese and salami boards.
Stuzzico & Vinello Bistrot, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 21, Nemi
IVO – NEMI/VELLETRI
Described as “a pearl in the woods”, this wine bar also doubles as a cafè. Located above Nemi, it’s a stop to make when you traveling among the Castelli on Via dei Laghi. Along with an impressive collection of wine, you will find local specialties and pastries.
PHOTO: Ivo Bar & Enoteca, Via dei Laghi, 261, Velletri
Not sure what wine to order once you arrive at one of these wine bars? Ask for my wine!
Jacobini Wine
- an organic, fresh, white wine, with tropical aromas on the nose, bursting with minerality. Taste our territory in every sip!