My Top 4 Wine Bars in Florence

1. Vino al Vino: For wine lovers who want to ship bottles home

Vino al Vino is both a wine shop and a wine bar, which can make it a little bit dangerous if you're anything like me and my husband Shawn and are very good at using the phrase "oh go on, just one more!" (bottle or glass I'll let you decide!).

Step inside and you're greeted by a warm environment, with shelves full of wine bottles and a big focus on natural wines. It's somewhere you can perch with a glass and end up on a journey through sustainable, Italian wine.

What I also really liked about Vino al Vino was that they can ship a crate back home if you'd like them to, so you don't have to worry about squeezing them in your suitcase.

2. Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: Book ahead for a relaxing evening of people watching

Directly opposite the grand Palazzo Pitti, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina manages to feel intimate, even though you're sat right opposite one of the most famous landmarks in the city, with people and coaches going past.

It's a small wine bar which is incredibly popular so I'd recommend booking in advance like we did for our final night in Florence. Inside the shelves are stacked with wine bottles and their food menu is absolutely delicious.

Sitting here on our final night with a delicious meal and a few glasses or a bottle of wine between us felt wonderfully Florentine.

3. Enoteca Bellini: Authentic, local and absolutely joyful

Enoteca Bellini is one of those places that stays with you, not because it's glossy or grand, but because it feels so wonderfully real.

It's so authentic, the staff are a joy and it's full of locals - it really felt like the place to be! Seating is very limited, but on the night we went it turned into a blessing: we ended up standing outside, glasses in hand, sipping wine and laughing together. It is one of my favourite memories from the trip!

There's something special about being in a place where Italian is the main language you hear - although there were plenty of others too! People were coming in, greeting staff like old friends and spilling out onto the street with a sense of easy joy. If your ideal night is all about atmosphere, then this one is for you.

4. Le Volpi e l'Uva: My favourite hideaway

Le Volpi e l'Uva is my favourite wine bar in Florence. Tucked away just around the corner from Palazzo Pitti, it feels like a peaceful little escape from the busier streets. The owner is wonderul, warm and knowledgeable, with great recommendations. This is the place to trust the list, say what you usually like and let them guide you towards something new.

The cheese pairings here are excellent, turning a glass of wine into a relaxed, indulgent tasting. What was supposed to be a quick glass of wine soon became 3 hours of fun, starting off sat at the bar inside and then moving to the outside seating as tables became available. Both seating areas were a joy!

It's a place for wonderful moments of pause, time to breathe and really enjoy Florence at a slower pace.

How I recommend enjoying Florence through it's wine bars

For those who love food and wine, I'd suggest:

First evening: Start gently at Vino al Vino, ask for some recommendations and sit back and enjoy

A special night out: Reserve a table at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina for a more structured, wine-focused experience

A local night out: Head to Enoteca Bellini for an authentic night

A quiet afternoon/evening: Slip away to Le Volpi e l'Uva for wonderful conversation and delicious cheese pairings

Florence is one of my favourite cities, it's absolutely beautiful from the Duomo, to the bridges, to the amazing people, and it's also beautiful from a table for two, a wine glass in your hand and the soft murmur of Italian life around you. These four wine bars are where I'd send anyone who wants to fall in love with the city, one glass at a time.

If you'd like some help getting your next Italian getaway booked in, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!