Genoa Wine
Explore Genoa Wine: Wine Bars, Wine Shops & Wineries
Genoa is the capital of the Liguria region—a coastal stretch famous for pesto, seafood, and steep terraced vineyards carved into hillsides overlooking the sea. Unsurprisingly, white wine dominates here. The coastal climate and cuisine go hand in hand with crisp, refreshing whites like Vermentino, Pigato, and Bosco.
If you’re set on a red, Rossese is the most prominent local option. But you’ll also find blends and bottles from neighboring Piedmont—a region just inland and one of Italy’s most celebrated red wine producers.
For a taste of Genoa’s wine culture, visit a local wine bar or enoteca in the historic Old Town, grab a bottle from a shop, or head out on a wine tasting excursion to nearby vineyards. Whether you’re pouring a glass at a scenic winery or sipping at a street-side bar with a plate of trofie al pesto, you’re in for something special.
We spent a month in Genoa exploring the local wine scene, and we’ve put together everything you need to know to enjoy Genoese wine like a local from the moment you arrive.
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Local Wine in Genoa
Genoa is an ideal place to begin exploring the wines of the Liguria region. Hugging the northern Italian coastline, Liguria is one of Italy’s smallest but most distinctive wine-producing areas. The steep, terraced vineyards that overlook the Mediterranean are not just beautiful—they produce wines with remarkable freshness, minerality, and character.
In Genoa, white wine is the clear favorite, especially when paired with the city’s famous pesto alla Genovese, seafood, and vegetable-based dishes. Vermentino and Pigato are especially popular local varieties, while Rossese is the go-to red for those who prefer something richer but still food-friendly.
Though wine production is limited by the region’s mountainous terrain, what Liguria lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in quality and uniqueness.
To better understand the grapes and wine styles you’ll encounter in Genoa and beyond, see the overview below.
Liguria Wine
Liguria’s wine identity is shaped by its geography—narrow valleys, steep slopes, and sea breezes. This combination creates wines that are typically crisp, aromatic, and saline, making them ideal companions to the region’s seafood and herb-driven cuisine.
Key grape varieties in Liguria include:
White Grapes
- Vermentino – Light to medium-bodied with citrus, almond, and herbal notes.
- Pigato – A genetic cousin of Vermentino, often richer and more aromatic.
- Bosco – Typically blended in Cinque Terre whites; adds body and structure.
- Albarola – Another Cinque Terre component, offering floral and acidic lift.
Red Grapes
- Rossese – Liguria’s most important red, known for its light color, juicy texture, and peppery finish.
- Dolcetto and Barbera – Grown in some inland zones, often for local consumption.
Genoa primarily showcases wines from Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC and Colli di Luni DOC, but wines from Cinque Terre, Val Polcevera, and Golfo del Tigullio also make regular appearances.
Wine Bars in Genoa
One of the best ways to experience Genoa’s wine culture is by visiting one of the many wine bars tucked into its historic streets. These intimate spaces offer curated selections of Ligurian wines—especially local whites like Vermentino and Pigato—often paired with regional delicacies like focaccia, cheese, and seafood.
Cantine Matteotti
Address: Archivolto Baliano, 4-6/r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Located in the heart of Genoa’s old town, this charming wine bar offers a cozy setting with a solid selection of local and Italian wines by the glass. It’s a great place to start your Ligurian wine experience.
Vizio Wine Bar
Address: Via al Porto Antico, 2, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
Vizio Wine Bar sits near the waterfront and pairs its wine list with light Italian fare, including cheese and charcuterie boards. It’s a convenient stop after a walk along the Porto Antico.
Altivini Enoteca Eroica
Address: Via Interiano, 11R, 16122 Genova GE, Italy
This standout wine shop and bar is dedicated to “heroic” wines—those grown in difficult terrain. Expect passionate staff and a chance to taste rare varietals from across Liguria and other unique Italian regions.
da Paul
Address: Via di Canneto Il Curto, 36R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Tucked into a narrow street near the historic center, da Paul is a welcoming wine bar with a relaxed vibe and an eclectic wine list. It’s a great spot for a casual glass before dinner.
Wine Shops in Genoa
If you’d rather enjoy your wine back at your apartment or bring home a bottle (or three) as a souvenir, Genoa has a great selection of wine shops. From bulk wine (vino sfuso) to carefully curated bottled selections, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Bottled Wine
La Vinoteca
Address: Via S. Luca, 48r, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
La Vinoteca is a local favorite in the heart of Genoa, offering a wide variety of Ligurian and Italian wines. The staff are helpful and happy to make recommendations based on your preferences or meal plans.
Enoteca Pesce Wine Bar e Bottiglieria
Address: Via di Sottoripa, 13, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
A historic bottiglieria with a small bar area, Enoteca Pesce is a great place to explore Genoa’s wine culture with a tasting before picking up a few bottles to go.
Bottled Wine
Rosso Rubino Cantina
Address: Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, 56, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
This is a gem of a local wine shop, offering bulk wine at unbeatable prices. During our stay, we made frequent stops here to refill our bottles with crisp whites and light reds perfect for everyday drinking.
Janua – Cantina Storica Culturale (Andrea Bruzzone)
Address: Piazza di S. Donato, 51r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Part bulk wine shop, part small museum, Janua is a must-visit for wine lovers. With roots in Genoa’s winemaking traditions, it offers tastings, wines to go, and even a few historical artifacts that make for a memorable experience.
Wineries Near Genoa
While Genoa is more famous for its seafaring history than its vineyards, wine lovers can still enjoy some excellent winery experiences within an hour or two of the city. The Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC, located to the west, is home to several wineries producing distinctive Ligurian varietals such as Pigato, Vermentino, and Rossese.
Bio Vio Winery
Address: Via Crociata, 24, 17031 Albenga SV, Italy
A family-run winery known for organic farming and a strong sense of tradition. Their Pigato and Rossese wines are excellent representations of the Ligurian terroir. Tastings are available by appointment.
Torre Pernice
Address: Regione Torre Pernice, 3, 17031 Albenga SV, Italy
This winery specializes in Ligurian DOC wines including Pigato, Vermentino, and Rossese, along with unique dessert wines like Passito di Pigato. The on-site wine bar offers tastings paired with Ligurian dishes.
Azienda Vinicola Durin
Address: Via Roma, 202, 17037 Ortovero SV, Italy
Durin offers multiple tasting experiences, from simple pours to full tours of their vineyards and cellar. They focus on native Ligurian varietals and have a strong reputation for quality.
Azienda Agricola Dell’Erba
Address: 17031 Reg. Marixe, Province of Savona, Italy
This winery offers vineyard tours and structured tastings, emphasizing sustainable practices and showcasing the unique flavors of the Ligurian coast.
Wine Tours from Genoa
While Liguria’s terrain makes large-scale wine tourism rare, organized wine tours from Genoa offer a great way to experience the region’s hidden vineyards. Most tours focus on the Cinque Terre and Colli di Luni areas, where steep coastal vineyards produce expressive white wines.
Self-Guided Winery Tour from Genoa
If you’re looking to escape the city for a day and explore Liguria’s wine country, a self-guided tour from Genoa can be both scenic and rewarding. The Riviera Ligure di Ponente wine region, located about an hour west of Genoa, is home to several excellent wineries. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a full-day wine tasting trip:
Suggested Route:
- Azienda Vinicola Durin – Start your day at this well-established winery known for its excellent Pigato and Vermentino.
- Azienda Agricola Dell’Erba – Just a short drive away, continue with a visit to this sustainable winery for a deeper look into Ligurian wine traditions.
- Bio Vio Winery – Head toward Albenga to sample organic wines that express the local terroir beautifully.
- Torre Pernice – End your tour with a visit to this estate offering both wine and Ligurian cuisine in their on-site wine bar.
Logistics:
- Driving Time: The entire roundtrip from Genoa and between wineries adds up to just over 3 hours on the road.
- Reservations: Some wineries require advance bookings and may charge tasting fees, so it’s a good idea to contact them ahead of time.
- Lunch: A midday stop at Torre Pernice is recommended, where you can enjoy a wine pairing with typical Ligurian dishes.
Note: A designated driver is strongly recommended. Alternatively, consider hiring a private driver or joining a local wine tour company.
Best Places To Stay In Genoa
Hotels in Genoa
If you’re planning a wine-focused visit to Genoa, staying in or near the historic center (Centro Storico) offers the best access to wine bars, restaurants, and public transportation. You’ll be within walking distance of:
- Enotecas serving Ligurian varietals
- The city’s top food markets
- Day trip connections to Cinque Terre and eastern Liguria
For the best wine experience, look for accommodations near Via Garibaldi or the Porto Antico, where many wine spots are concentrated.
Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
FAQs About Genoa Wine
What wine region is Genoa in?
Genoa is the capital of the Liguria wine region in northwest Italy. Liguria is known for its terraced vineyards along the coast and specializes in crisp white wines that pair beautifully with the region’s seafood-driven cuisine.
What is the best local wine to drink in Genoa?
The best local wine to drink in Genoa is typically a white wine like Vermentino or Pigato. These wines are aromatic, fresh, and complement dishes like pesto pasta and grilled seafood. If you prefer red wine, look for Rossese, a light-bodied red that’s also native to the region.
Can I visit wineries near Genoa?
Yes, while Genoa itself has few wineries, several are located within 1–1.5 hours west of the city in the Riviera Ligure di Ponente wine region. These include Durin, Bio Vio, Torre Pernice, and Dell’Erba, many of which offer wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Does Genoa produce red wine?
Yes, Genoa and the Liguria region produce red wines, but in smaller quantities compared to whites. The most notable red grape variety is Rossese, often made into light, fruity wines. Other red grapes include Ciliegiolo and Ormeasco.
Is wine from Liguria expensive?
Not necessarily. Many wines from Liguria are affordable, especially if purchased locally. Prices for a good bottle of Pigato or Vermentino can start around €8–12 in shops. Prices may be higher in restaurants or for boutique, organic, or small-production wines.
Can I buy bulk wine in Genoa?
Yes. Genoa has excellent bulk wine (vino sfuso) shops like Rosso Rubino Cantina and Janua – Cantina Storica Culturale. These spots sell local wine by the liter at very reasonable prices, often straight from the barrel.
Whether you’re sipping Pigato at a seaside enoteca or exploring Vermentino vineyards beyond the city, Genoa is an excellent entry point into Liguria’s distinctive wine culture. With its balance of accessibility and regional character, Genoa offers travelers the chance to enjoy local wines in a setting that’s both authentic and uniquely coastal.
Planning a trip? Don’t miss our full Genoa Travel Guide for more tips on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see.