Trieste Wine

Trieste isn’t just a port city with a rich history—it’s also a fantastic base for discovering the diverse and elegant wines of Friuli–Venezia Giulia. The local wine scene is shaped by its proximity to Slovenia and Austria, creating a blend of Central European and Mediterranean wine traditions. In Trieste, you’ll find wine bars, enoteche, and shops brimming with crisp whites, distinctive reds, and intriguing sweet wines.

The most popular wines in the city are made with Friulano, Pinot Grigio, and Ribolla Gialla grapes, all of which produce refreshing, food-friendly white wines that pair perfectly with local seafood, cured meats, and cheeses. If you’re a sparkling wine lover, Trieste has strong connections to Prosecco, made from the Glera grape originally named after a village just outside the city.

Local red wines tend to be earthy, herbal, and fresh, thanks to native grapes like Refosco, Schioppettino, and Pignolo. These are often lesser-known internationally but provide a rewarding alternative for red wine enthusiasts.

To fully understand what makes Trieste’s wine scene special, it helps to look more broadly at the Friuli–Venezia Giulia wine region as a whole.

Trieste serves as a gateway to the unique wine world of Friuli‑Venezia Giulia. This region is particularly celebrated for its whites—crisp, mineral, aromatic—and for its experimental and traditional reds. The geography is dramatic: Alpine hills, karst soil, and sea breezes all shape wine styles with freshness, complexity, and balance.

Here are some of the notable grape wine styles you’ll encounter:

• Dry Whites: Crisp whites (Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Ribolla) that shine with seafood, shellfish, or simply as an aperitivo.
• Sparkling Wines: Prosecco and sparkling whites are part of the lineup—fresh, fizzy, and good fun.
• Sweet Wines / Dessert Wines: Wines using Picolit, Verduzzo, etc., often sweet, crafted with care, sometimes from dried or late‑harvest grapes.
• Reds: Less dominant than whites in this area, but there are excellent red wines, often medium‑bodied and with good balancing acidity; ideal with richer food and cooler evenings.

With its blend of tradition and innovation, Friuli‑Venezia Giulia’s wines reflect the region’s distinctive cultural and natural landscape—making Trieste the perfect place to begin your exploration.

Explore the best places in Trieste to enjoy local wines by the glass. Whether you’re looking for a cozy enoteca, a lively bar, or a quiet neighborhood spot, these wine bars offer a great way to discover the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

If you’re in Trieste and looking to take home a great bottle (or find something special to enjoy while you explore), these wine shops—both bottled and bulk (vino sfuso)—are our favorites. Each offers something slightly different, from historic selections to everyday local wines.

Bottled Wine

Address: Via Giuseppe Mazzini 21, 34121 Trieste TS, Italy

One of the oldest and most well‑regarded wine shops in Trieste (founded in 1777), Bischoff offers a large selection of both Italian and international wines. The knowledgeable staff often help with recommendations—and the cellar is impressive for its range.

Address: Riva Tommaso Gulli, 1, 34123 Trieste TS, Italy

Part wine shop, part food hall. Good place if you want a mix: bottles, local food, gifts, and the chance to try various producers under one roof.

Bulk Wine (Vini Sfusi)

Address: Piazza Attilio Hortis 2/A, 34123 Trieste TS, Italy

Enoteca Hortis is a great all‑round shop offering both local and regional wines by the bottle, and often some bulk wine options. Ideal for discovering lesser‑known Friulian varietals.

Address: Riva Tommaso Gulli, 1, 34123 Trieste TS, Italy

Address: Piazza Edmondo Puecher, 9, 34100 Trieste TS, Italy

A bulk wine shop that locals use often. Good place for everyday wine, especially if you’re staying in and want something simple and local.

Address: Via Conti, 34, 34141 Trieste TS, Italy

Offers bulk wine alongside bottles. Helpful staff. Great for trying wines by the litre.

Address: Via Giosuè Carducci, 36, 34125 Trieste TS, Italy

Located in the market area (Mercato Coperto), good for picking up something after browsing around. Has a friendly neighborhood feel.

These are wineries close to Trieste that offer tastings, cellar visits, or simply great wine in beautiful settings. Good options if you have extra time for wine beyond the city.

Address: Località Dolina, 528, 34018 San Dorligo della Valle TS, Italy

A winery in the hills near the Italian‑Slovenian border, Rado Kocjančič is known for producing terroir‑driven wines that reflect the limestone soils of the Carso area. They are open for wine tastings on certain days.

Address: Via Fianona, 6, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy

Pitars combines a rustic wine cellar atmosphere with modern production. They often pair tastings with local foods like cheeses and cured meats.

Address: Località Bagnoli della Rosandra – Boljunec, 624, 34018 San Dorligo della Valle TS, Italy

Parovel is one of the better known wine estates near Trieste. Their vineyards stretch over the Rosandra valley; they offer multiple tasting experiences and a chance to explore both white and red wines in a tranquil setting.

Address: Prosecco‑Contovello, 460, 34151 Trieste TS, Italy

Located close to the coast, Azienda Agricola Verginella Dean benefits from maritime influences. It’s a good pick for those wanting to try wines that express both coastal freshness and local varietal character.

Address: Mont 173, 34018 Monte D’oro TS, Italy

A smaller, more intimate winery. If you enjoy boutique producers and a quieter pace, this is a nice option.

Address: Località Pisciolon, 37, 34015 Muggia TS, Italy

Lenardon Bruno is known for using native grapes and emphasizing the connection between vineyard site and wine. Close enough to Trieste for a half‑day excursion.

Address: Località Prepotto, 1/A, 34011 Duino Aurisina‑Devin Nabrežina TS, Italy

This winery is further into the Carso hills; good for more rugged, earthy wines, often with a strong sense of place.

Address: Località Prepotto, 21/A, 34011 Duino Aurisina‑Devin Nabrežina TS, Italy

A noted local producer; their wines frequently reflect the character of Carso terroir (rocky soils, strong diurnal swings).

Address: Località Prepotto, 23, 34011 Duino Aurisina‑Devin Nabrežina TS, Italy

Zidarich is well regarded in the Carso wine circle. If you’re willing to drive up into the hills, the views, vineyard walks and the wines here make it worth it.