The best enotecas in Bologna

You should know that Bologna’s gastronomic heritage goes well beyond spaghetti Bolognese (which, by the way, is not even a real Bolognese dish). You should also know that great food is significantly enhanced when married to great wine. So I’ve compiled a list of the five best enotecas where you can find great wine in Bologna. They all have different characters and purposes; some serve food, some don’t, but all of them share the same genuine passion for wine.

Enoteca Faccioli was run by three generations of the same family since 1924, but they sold the business to the current owners in 2012 who turned it into a real mecca for natural wine lovers. The interiors haven’t changed, so the enoteca still looks like it did in the early twentieth century. The soul, on the contrary, is very much transformed. All the 450 labels on the list are natural wines, of mainly Italian and French provenance in equal shares. There’s also something to eat; charcuterie, cheese platters and the likes. Of course, food too is sourced from producers that share a similar responsible ethos. It’s cozy – just one room with a few small, round wooden tables. Ideal to fuel-up before walking up the Asinelli Tower or even for a never-ending chat after a long day sightseeing.

Natural wine is still very niche in Italy so it’s unlikely you’ll find a better selection within Bologna. When in the area you should definitely make the most of Faccioli’s passionate and knowledgeable owners. The location is also pretty unbeatable, being next to two of Bologna’s most beautiful towers, Azzoguidi and Prendiparte. You can’t beat that!

15/B Via Altabella, Bologna, 40126. enotecastoricafaccioli.it

This shop is over 100 years old, centrally located under the Porticoes in Strada Maggiore, just a few hundred meters from the Asinelli Tower. Unsurprisingly, Scaramagli gets a large number of customers from abroad. But the atmosphere is 100% Bolognese; gloomy interior, kind of quirky (in a good way) that will make you feel like you’re in a film by Federico Fellini. Don’t be fooled though – there’s a real sommelier to guide you in your choice, with wines from all over Italy and even a few from abroad. The selection of grappe is excellent, as are the whiskies and sweet and fortified wines.

33 Strada Maggiore, Bologna, 40125. scaramagli.it

Modern yet cosy, Enoteca Italiana has been one of the most successful of its kind since it opened in 1972. Today, it offers an excellent and well-kept selection of Italian wines, plus bits from elsewhere in Europe. A remarkable total of 2,000 labels; among them most of the better-known Italian bottles. It’s the ideal place for aperitivo, thanks to its tempting charcuterie and cheese counter – get some cheese, some ham and a glass of wine, then take a bottle with you when you leave. There’s also a collection of other products for sale, such as chocolates, preserves, pates, marmalades, olive oils, all of top quality. A room for private functions is available upon request.

2 Via Marsala, Bologna, 40126. enotecaitaliana.it