Bologna Wine
Explore Bologna Wine: Wine Bars, Wine Shops & Wineries
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Its wine scene is deeply intertwined with its culinary traditions, making wine an essential part of the local experience. The region is best known for Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and Pignoletto—wines that pair beautifully with Bologna’s famous cuisine.
We spent a month in Bologna researching what local wines to drink and where to enjoy them. Here’s a summary of our findings so you can start sipping as soon as you arrive!
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Local Wine in Bologna
Bologna may be known for its rich pastas and hearty meats, but the local wines are just as integral to the dining experience. While the city itself doesn’t have vineyards within its historic center, it serves as a gateway to the wine-rich Emilia-Romagna countryside. Local wine lists typically highlight regional varietals that pair beautifully with Bolognese cuisine.
Lambrusco is the most iconic wine of the region, often enjoyed chilled and fizzy, while Sangiovese—with its bold red fruit and earthy notes—offers a more traditional Italian red. For something lighter, Pignoletto, a refreshing white wine with subtle bubbles, is widely available and a great match for antipasti or seafood.
To explore Emilia-Romagna’s wine industry, including grape varieties and regions beyond Bologna, be sure to check out our detailed Emilia-Romagna Wine page.
Emilia-Romagna Wine
The Emilia-Romagna region is a prolific and diverse wine producer. While Lambrusco—the fizzy red wine—is its most famous export, the region produces a wide range of red, white, and sparkling wines.
The region is home to:
- 2 DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines
- 19 DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wines
- 9 IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) wines
With so many DOC and IGT wines across styles, Emilia-Romagna offers something for nearly every wine drinker—from casual sippers to serious collectors.
Wine Bars in Bologna
Bologna is a paradise for wine lovers, with its cozy osterie and stylish enoteche offering local and regional wines by the glass. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual aperitivo or a full wine-and-dine experience, these wine bars deliver.
Historic & Classic
Cantina del Borgo
Address: Via Goito, 12/a, 40126 Bologna BO
Warm and rustic, this wine bar offers a welcoming atmosphere and a solid selection of Emilia-Romagna wines.
Osteria del Sole
Address: Vicolo Ranocchi, 1/d, 40124 Bologna BO
Osteria del Sole is Bologna’s oldest wine bar—dating back to 1465! Bring your own food and order wine by the glass in this no-frills, authentic setting.
Regional & Italian Focus
Enoteca Italiana
Address: Via Marsala, 2/b, 40126 Bologna BO
Celebrating the diversity of Italian wine, Enoteca Italiana is great for tasting wines from across Italy in a refined, modern space.
Antica Drogheria Calzolari
Address: Via Giuseppe Petroni, 9a, 40126 Bologna BO
Antica Drogheria Calzolari is a charming hybrid of wine bar and gourmet food shop. Perfect for a glass of wine and a few artisanal snacks.
Stylish & Contemporary
Enoteca Bar Des Arts
Address: Via S. Felice, 9a, 40122 Bologna BO
Combines wine with art in an elegant space. Browse paintings while sipping thoughtfully selected wines.
Signorvino
Address: Piazza Maggiore, 1/C, 40124 Bologna BO
Located right on Piazza Maggiore, Signorvino is a trendy wine shop and bar that offers stunning views and a vast wine list.
Enoteca Mia Cantina
Address: Via Saragozza, 43a, 40123 Bologna BO
A cozy and intimate wine bar, great for quiet evenings and discovering new Italian wines.
La Confraternita dell’Uva
Address: Via Cartoleria, 20b, 40124 Bologna BO
Part bookshop, part wine bar, this hip spot is ideal for relaxed sipping with a literary twist.
Neighborhood Favorites
Vineria la Fontana
Address: Via S. Felice, 83a, 40121 Bologna BO
Local favorite with a casual vibe, offering a good variety of regional wines.
Osteria del Podestà
Address: Via degli Orefici, 21a, 40124 Bologna BO
A traditional osteria in the heart of the city, serving wines alongside classic dishes.
Osteria Quadrilatero
Address: Via degli Orefici, 7a, 40124 Bologna BO
Another great stop in the Quadrilatero district—ideal for sampling local flavors in a lively atmosphere.
Osteria Angolo degli Orefici
Address: Via degli Artieri, 1g, 40125 Bologna BO
Tiny but atmospheric, Osteria Angolo Degli Orefici offers both indoor and street-side seating.
Tamburini Wine Bar
Address: Via Caprarie, 1, 40124 Bologna BO
Attached to one of Bologna’s top delicatessens, this spot is great for enjoying wine with cured meats and cheese.
Bar Ferri
Address: Via Pescherie Vecchie, 12a, 40124 Bologna BO
Family-run wine bar with traditional small plates and a neighborhood feel.
Bivio
Address: Via Urbana, 12b, 40123 Bologna BO
Modern and stylish, Bivio is a hidden gem just outside the city center.
Wine Shops in Bologna
Whether you’re picking up a bottle for a picnic or searching for a special vintage to take home, Bologna offers an impressive range of wine shops—both for bottled selections and bulk wine (vino sfuso). From historic enoteche to modern boutiques, you’ll find local favorites and international labels across the city.
Bottled Wine
Drogheria Gilberto
Address: Via Drapperie, 5/A, 40124 Bologna BO
Drogheria Gilberto is a charming old-world shop that feels like stepping into a time capsule. Known for its fine wines, spirits, and gourmet foods.
Enoteca Dioniso
Address: Via delle Belle Arti, 3/A, 40126 Bologna BO
A hidden gem offering rare and unique wines. Perfect for collectors or anyone seeking something off the beaten path.
Enoteca al Risanamento
Address: Via Zamboni, 57b, 40126 Bologna BO
Enoteca al Risanamento is a cozy boutique near the university district with a curated selection of local and imported wines.
Wine Passion
Address: Via del Borgo di S. Pietro, 4/a, 40126 Bologna BO
A central spot with a wide variety of wines and knowledgeable staff to help you find your perfect match.
Enoteca Historical Faccioli
Address: Via Altabella, 15b, 40125 Bologna BO
A wine shop with roots dating back to the 19th century. Offers an excellent range, including some rare bottles.
Scaramagli Vini e Liquori
Address: Strada Maggiore, 104/B, 40125 Bologna BO
A family-owned shop that features an impressive mix of regional wines and liquors.
Pezzoli
Address: Via S. Stefano, 7, 40125 Bologna BO
A historic store under the portico near Via Santo Stefano. Offers family-made wines and regional products.
Alla Porta Vini
Address: Via Castiglione, 79, 40124 Bologna BO
Small but well-stocked, this local favorite is located just outside the city center.
Vinologico
Address: Via delle Lame, 58d, 40122 Bologna BO
A stylish shop with a strong emphasis on organic and natural wines. Great for curious drinkers.
Fiaschetteria S. Stefano
Address: Via Santo Stefano, 53, 40125 Bologna BO
Fiaschetteria S. Stefano is an enoteca and deli offering a carefully chosen selection of wines, plus traditional food items.
Vineria Favalli
Address: Via Santo Stefano, 5a, 40125 Bologna BO
Vineria Favalli is located just off Santo Stefano, this wine shop and tasting space has an inviting, neighborhood vibe.
Eataly Bologna Ambasciatori
Address: Via degli Orefici, 19, 40126 Bologna BO
A gourmet superstore that houses a vast wine section—perfect for discovering both Italian classics and emerging labels.
Bulk Wine (Vini Sfusi)
Medulla Vini
Address: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 18a, 40126 Bologna BO
Offers a rotating selection of high-quality bulk wines from around Italy.
Vinoteca
Address: Via Giuseppe Grabinski, 2d, 40122 Bologna BO
Vinoteca is known for its well-balanced sfuso wines. You can enjoy a glass on-site or fill up a bottle to go.
Wineries Near Bologna
Explore these wineries around Bologna to taste Emilia‑Romagna wines close to the city. Each offers its own character, terroir, and wine‐tasting opportunities.
Umberto Cesari
Address: Via Stanzano, 2160, 40024 Castel San Pietro Terme, Bologna BO, Italy
A landmark winery in the hills just outside Bologna. Known for its Sangiovese, rosé and sparkling wines, the estate features a wine shop, tasting rooms (including a barrel cellar), and panoramic views over the Colli Bolognesi hills.
Tizzano Società Agricola S.r.l.
Address: Via Antonio Marescalchi 13, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna BO, Italy
Located in the first Bolognese hills above Casalecchio di Reno, Tizzano has ~230 ha of land (25 ha of vineyards). It offers visits and tastings, producing wines including Pignoletto among its varietals.
Manaresi Agricoltura e Vini
Address: Via Bertoloni 14‑16, Podere Bella Vista, 40069 Zola Predosa (BO), Italy
Small estate in the hills just west of Bologna. Known for careful vineyard work, organic practices, and a tasting room with panoramic views.
Cantina Terre Rosse Vallania
Address: Via Predosa 83, 40069 Zola Predosa (BO), Italy
Historic winery in the Colli Bolognesi area. Offers guided tastings in a traditional setting. Appreciated for its reds and whites near the city.
Corte d’Aibo
Address: Via Marzatore 15, 40050 Monteveglio (BO), Emilia‑Romagna, Italy
Corte C’Aibo is an organic and biodynamic winery located in the hills between Modena and Bologna. The estate includes vineyard tours, a restaurant, and even farmhouse accommodations.
Orsi ‒ Vigneto San Vito
Address: Via Puglie, 12, Località Pragatto di Crespellano, 40056 Valsamoggia (BO), Italy
Small family‑run biodynamic estate in the hills of Bologna. Practices spontaneous fermentation, minimal intervention; produces wines expressive of its terroir.
Nanni Grapes and Wines
Address: Via Don Carlo Gnocchi, 13, Bologna (Italy)
Boutique winery in the rolling hills of Bologna. Known for a combination of tradition and innovation in their wines.
Cantina Lodi Corazza
Address: Via Risorgimento, 223, 40069 Ponte Ronca (Zola Predosa), Bologna BO, Italy
A family‑run estate in the Colli Bolognesi wine region. Known for Pignoletto (still and semi‑sparkling), Barbera, and other regional varietals. The winery offers tastings, vineyard views, and tours in a picturesque setting.
Fattoria Monticino Rosso
Address: Via Montecatone, 10, 40026 Imola BO, Italy
Family‑run winery located among the hills near Imola. Produces a variety of regional wines, including Albana and Pignoletto, with a tasting room, vineyard visits, and a direct sales facility.
Palazzona di Maggio
Address: Via Panzacchi 20, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy
Organic estate in the hills between Bologna and Imola. Produces both native and international grapes; offers cellar tours and tastings through its vineyards in the Colli Bolognesi region.
Wine Tours from Bologna
If you’d prefer to let someone else handle logistics, there are a number of guided wine tours starting from Bologna. Tours are especially useful if you have limited time or prefer not to drive in vineyard terrain. Book in advance during harvest season or popular weekends.
Self-Guided Winery Tour from Bologna
If you have a car (or access to a driver), a self‑guided winery circuit around Bologna allows you to experience a variety of wine styles in one day. The Colli Bolognesi (Bolognese hills) are packed with wineries—many family‑run—with tasting rooms and scenic vineyard views.
Here is a suggested full‑day route:
- Start at Tizzano Società Agricola, close to the city
- Then Vini Botti
- Next head to Corte d’Aibo in Monteveglio, or
- Orsi – Vigneto San Vito
- Visit Cantina Lodi Corazza, or
- Continue to Manaresi Agricoltura e Vini in Zola Predosa
- Finish at Terre Rosse Vallania
With these stops, you’ll spend around 1‑1.5 hours driving total, leaving time for tastings, lunch, and enjoying the scenery. Most wineries require prior booking, especially on weekends.
Best Places to Stay In Bologna
Hotels in Bologna
There are many great places to stay in Bologna. For easy access to Bologna’s top wine bars, shops, and restaurants, stay in or near the historic center around Piazza Maggiore. This area is pedestrian-friendly, rich with local character, and central to all wine-related activities.
Use our interactive map to find hotels or apartments tailored to your travel dates and preferences.
FAQs About Bologna Wine
What wine is Bologna known for?
Bologna is best known for Lambrusco, a lightly sparkling red wine that pairs perfectly with local dishes. The surrounding region also produces excellent Sangiovese and Pignoletto, a crisp white wine from the nearby Colli Bolognesi hills.
What is Pignoletto?
Pignoletto is a white wine grape native to the Emilia-Romagna region. Often made in a frizzante (semi-sparkling) style, Pignoletto offers fresh citrus and green apple notes and is a popular local alternative to Prosecco.
Is Lambrusco sweet?
Not always. While Lambrusco was once associated with overly sweet wine, modern versions range from dry (secco) to semi-sweet (amabile). Today’s Lambrusco is a complex, food-friendly sparkling red that locals drink with everything from cured meats to tortellini.
Can you visit wineries near Bologna?
Yes! The countryside surrounding Bologna is home to excellent wineries, many of which offer tastings and tours by reservation. The Colli Bolognesi region is particularly accessible and scenic, ideal for a self-guided or organized wine tour.
Where can I buy wine in Bologna?
Wine lovers will find plenty of options, from upscale shops like Drogheria Gilberto and Enoteca Dioniso to bulk wine spots like Medulla Vini. Eataly Bologna Ambasciatori also has a wide selection of local and international wines.
What food pairs best with Bologna’s wines?
Lambrusco is a natural match for fatty, salty foods like mortadella and lasagna. Sangiovese complements tomato-based pastas and grilled meats, while Pignoletto pairs beautifully with seafood, cheeses, and light appetizers.
Is wine expensive in Bologna?
Wine in Bologna is generally affordable. A solid bottle in a shop often costs between €7–€15. In wine bars or restaurants, a glass of local wine typically ranges from €4–€8.
Bologna’s wine scene is as flavorful and down-to-earth as its cuisine. From lively wine bars in the medieval core to scenic vineyards tucked into the Colli Bolognesi, there’s no shortage of opportunities to sip and savor. Whether you’re popping into a cozy enoteca for a glass of Pignoletto or taking a guided tour of a family-run winery, Bologna offers something for every wine lover. Just remember—Lambrusco is meant to sparkle, and so is your trip.
Planning a trip? Don’t miss our full Bologna Travel Guide for more tips on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see.