Natural Wine Bars Florence
Natural Wine Bars Florence
From Renaissance "fiaschetterie" to vinyl-spinning listening bars, explore Tuscany's natural wine renaissance in the heart of Chianti country
What to Expect
Florence is experiencing a natural wine revolution, with historic "buchette del vino" (wine windows) serving orange wines next to avant-garde listening bars spinning vinyl and pouring pét-nat. The Oltrarno district leads the charge with natural wine "gastronomie" while San Lorenzo's historic enotecas keep tradition alive.
Oltrarno (Santo Spirito & San Frediano)
A Florentine institution and the beating heart of the city's natural wine scene. This tiny "gastronomia" wine bar is the informal sibling of Il Santo Bevitore restaurant next door. The cave-like atmosphere features just a handful of small tables and bar stools, but drinkers happily spill onto the sidewalk daily. The curated selection focuses on Italy's best natural and artisanal wines—expect organic Chianti, biodynamic Verdicchio, and unfiltered Sangiovese from small Tuscan producers. The food is exceptional: burrata with 'nduja toast, hand-cut prosciutto on artisanal bread from nearby bakery Sforno, and anchovy plates. Arrive before 6pm for a quiet glass; after that, it becomes a lively local hangout.
The new face of Florence's natural wine scene—opened in 2022 by siblings Nicola (sommelier) and Irene (chef) Schirru. Located in the hip Oltrarno near Palazzo Pitti, this white-painted wood-beam space with endless bottles lining the walls has become the go-to for Slow Food Presidia meats and cheeses paired with artisan French and Italian natural wines. Nicola knows every winemaker personally and will guide you through volcanic Etna whites or zero-sulfite Bourgogne. Irene's kitchen produces handmade agnolotti stuffed with francesina (Tuscan beef braised in red wine), creamy baccalà mantecato on toasted brioche, and game ragout with fresh tagliatelle. The vibe is "slow food meets natural wine"—educational but never pretentious.
A 30+ year institution just around the corner from Ponte Vecchio, this is Florence's most internationally renowned wine bar. Founder and enologist Emilio Monechi pioneered the city's natural wine movement long before it was trendy. The chalkboard menu changes constantly, featuring one of the city's most extensive by-the-glass selections—11 reds, 7 whites, and 3 sparklings from traditional bottle fermentation. The selection spans Italy and France (Chablis to Vouvray), with particular attention to small organic and biodynamic producers. Share plates of French and Italian cheeses, truffled crostini, and warm breads with truffle sausage. Saturday nights mean waiting for the coveted outdoor tables or bar stools, but the people-watching on Piazza dei Rossi is worth it.
A vintage-style bistro hidden behind Piazza Pitti featuring minimal decor with fruit and vegetable boxes on display. This is Florence's premier destination for vegetarian and vegan natural wine pairing—the weekly-changing wine list focuses entirely on organic and biodynamic bottles from small producers. The menu is entirely plant-based and km 0 (zero kilometer), featuring vibrant quiches, seasonal soups, fresh pastries, and creative smoothies alongside natural orange wines and pét-nats. The relaxed atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd of Pitti Palace visitors and local regulars. Perfect for a light lunch of organic vegetables and skin-contact Tuscan Trebbiano.
Directly opposite the imposing Palazzo Pitti, this wine bar represents youthful idealism in the historic center. Owners Edoardo, Zeno, and Manuele banned big names like Antinori and Frescobaldi from their list to focus exclusively on small-production, handcrafted Tuscan wines—many from the 1960s, '70s, and even '50s vintages you won't find elsewhere. The three Enomatic machines behind the bar preserve fine natural wines once opened. Try the "Forty Years of Chianti" flight (€20) or the "Discover Italy" tasting (€25). The menu features anchovies with smoked butter, nettle-and-taleggio risotto, and tortelli with squash and ricotta. Despite the tourist-heavy location, prices remain moderate and the crowd is a mix of savvy travelers and local wine students.
The newest kid on the block—opened summer 2024 in the western Oltrarno, fifteen minutes from Piazza Santo Spirito. The motto says it all: "In un mondo pieno di troiai, noi facciamo meno e lo facciamo bene!" (In a world full of mess, we do less and do it well). This escape-from-the-masses spot offers inventive, internationally-inspired cuisine that breaks from standard Tuscan fare—think creative small plates rather than traditional ribollita. The natural wine list is adventurous, featuring obscure Italian varieties and experimental producers. The modern, minimalist space attracts Florence's young creative crowd and visiting wine professionals looking for something beyond the usual Chianti.
Sant'Ambrogio & Alfani
Florence's original "Listening Bar"—a retro-chic vinyl haven that exclusively showcases natural wines. Since 2018, owners Laura Giovinetti and Andrea Marsico (from Calabria) have combined their two passions: organic/biodynamic/orange wines and vintage records. The space features a record shop integrated with a bar-bistro atmosphere—expect to sip a local pét-nat while listening to rare grooves or attending a DJ set. The food menu emphasizes artisanal Calabrian specialties: roasted porchetta, wild boar lasagne, 'nduja crostini, and seasonal baked vegetables—all organic. Across the street, their shop "Lato B" sells records, books, and gourmet specialties. The terrace fills quickly on warm evenings with natural wine enthusiasts and vinyl diggers.
Probably the oldest operating wine bar in Florence—founded in the early 20th century by Gianni Migliorini's grandfather (the family acquired it in the 1920s). Now run by fourth-generation Gianni, Nicoletta, and their children Bianca and Nicola, this historic "fiaschetteria" near San Lorenzo Market remains true to its ethos. The tiny wood-carved space with checkered marble floors offers natural wines from small artisan producers alongside legendary sandwiches: Chianti cold cuts with house-made salsa verde, burrata with cherry tomatoes, and cold tripe salad. They're one of the few spots serving prosecco "col fondo" (unfiltered, ancestral method) alongside orange wines from amphora. No freezer in the kitchen—everything is fresh daily. A true piece of living Florentine history.
San Lorenzo & Santa Maria Novella
The epicenter of Florence's natural wine movement—an iconic bar, shop, and tasting room led by Italian-American Carmela Batacchi, natural wine specialist Cosimo Giuntini, and sommelier Jean Marco Palmieri. Located near Santa Maria Novella station, this sleek yet understated spot boasts one of the city's largest selections of orange wines made in traditional amphora vessels. The 5-glass tasting (€25) includes sparkling, white, orange, and two reds, guided by experts passionate about low-intervention winemaking. The cheese selection is exceptional—Italian, French, and British artisanal varieties including "Pacasassi" sea fennel from Conero. They ship worldwide, making this a great spot to discover bottles to take home. The atmosphere is hip but welcoming, with knowledgeable staff who can geek out on volcanic Etna whites or chillable Lambruscos.
A fine dining restaurant and wine shop just outside the city center (40 minutes walk from the Duomo) run by brothers Stefano and Alberto Bruni. The eclectic selection features over 3,000 natural wines—claimed to be Italy's largest selection—including rare and unique labels that make choosing a bottle a sommelier-guided experience. The creative gourmet cuisine is purely seasonal: beetroot and goat cheese risotto, guinea fowl ravioli, and specialty cheeses and hams. Multiple tasting menus are available with optional wine pairings. The space is modern and sophisticated, attracting serious wine collectors and natural wine enthusiasts who want to explore deep cuts from Jura, Champagne, and obscure Italian appellations. Reservations essential for dinner.
Hidden behind the Arena di Verona (the name means "funnel" in local dialect), this is where owners Ilaria Prodomi and Gianluca Manara funnel their passion into a tightly curated list of Italian and French natural wines. The place for prosecco col fondo (unfiltered) and zero-dosage Crémant. The laid-back vibe features intimate indoor seating and street tables perfect for watching the Arena crowds. Pair your glass with homemade pumpkin lasagna or simple cheese boards. Ask for Corte Bravi wines—small natural producers from the Veneto hills. Open until 2am, it's where Florence's wine industry insiders go after their shifts.
Historic Centre (Duomo & Santa Croce)
A hidden love story between a librarian (Melisa Di Nardo) and a chef (Sacha Sandri Olmo)—this is an art library, vegan restaurant, and natural wine bar blended together. The entrance on Via dei Vagellai (where ancient Florentine fabric dyers worked) is surrounded by flowering branches. Inside, find over 1,000 volumes on contemporary art and poetry, plus a scenic internal courtyard with 5,000 fabric strips creating a canopy overhead. The 100% natural wine list features boutique Italian labels selected by sommelier Giulia. The vegan menu includes potato and ginger tortelloni, seitan masala, kofta, and dosa with roasted feta. No freezer in the kitchen—everything is seasonal and fresh. A truly unique Florentine experience where culture and natural wine intersect.
A gorgeous little restaurant with a strong emphasis on wine, located in a space that was originally a wine shop. The "marriage of food and wine" philosophy means both menus receive equal attention. The food is simple but distinctly Italian—quality local cheeses and meats, homemade tagliatelle with wild boar ragù, cheese and pear raviolini, and spaghetti carbonara. The wine list is exceptional with a strong emphasis on Tuscan greats and little-known natural gems. Sommelier Nicola Schirru (now of Enoteca Spontanea) earned his reputation here. The bistro-style furniture is welcoming and perfect for romantic dinners or evenings with friends. Also visit their Fiesole location for views over Florence.
A trendy natural wine bar near Santa Croce that doubles as a library—perfect for solo travelers seeking cultural exchange. Books line the walls alongside bottles from small Italian wineries; more than half the wine list is available by glass. The coolest feature is the wine cellar-style living room space where you can sip while listening to soft jazz and browsing art books. The wine selection includes exclusive rare gems for those feeling like splurging, alongside affordable natural options for casual drinking. The menu features Burro con Acciughe del Canabrico (butter with anchovies and capers) and Pane con Baccalá Montecato (bread with creamed cod and caramelized onions). An intellectual's wine bar.
Serving up elegance since 1885 on Florence's most exclusive shopping street (Via Tornabuoni), Procacci is the historic "fiaschetteria" that once supplied the Italian royal family with truffles. The art nouveau interior with marble, brass, and dark wood creates a Belle Époque atmosphere. While traditionally focused on classic Tuscan wines and truffle panini, Procacci has evolved to include natural and biodynamic selections alongside historic vintages. The truffle butter sandwiches are legendary—simple but perfect. It's a gourmand's dream where you can taste the history of Florentine wine culture while exploring contemporary natural wine additions to their historic cellar.
