If you’re interested in vino sfuso in Bologna, you’ve uncovered one of the city’s best-kept secrets—buying quality local wine by the liter at neighborhood bulk wine shops. Known as vini sfusi, these shops offer an affordable and sustainable way to enjoy regional wines, just like the locals do.

Before you head out, it’s helpful to understand a few basics about the local wines and how the refill process works. We visited many vini sfusi during our stay in Bologna. We’ve included a brief guide below to get you started.

Pro tip: Bring an empty 1-liter water bottle to get filled at the shop. If you don’t have one, most shops sell reusable bottles you can bring back for refills. It’s not only a great way to save money but also reduces environmental waste—making vino sfuso a deliciously eco-friendly tradition.

There are several bulk wine shops in Bologna! All of them sell numerous different local wine varietals. Here is a list of the shops that are most convenient to reach from the Old Town:

Medulla Vini offers an extensive selection of bulk wines, perfect for those looking to stock up on quality wine at an affordable price.

Address: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 18a, 40126 Bologna BO

Vinoteca's bulk wines are chosen from cellars that guarantee freshness and quality. The wines are young and drinkable but, at the same time, balanced and refined. The bulk wines are quality wines you can consume in the store or take home.

Address: Via Giuseppe Grabinski, 2d, 40122 Bologna BO

Address: Vittorio Veneto, 14/F, 40131 Bologna BO, Italy

Il Vinaio vino sfuso has many bulk wines including Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet, Rosato, Barbera, Lambrusco, Montù, Grechetto Gentile, Pignoletto, Prosit "Prosecco type", Albana, and Chardonnay.

Address: Via Bellaria, 42B, 40139 Bologna BO, Italy

Vini Sfusi WineHouse sells quality bulk wines directly from genuine Italian vineyards. Prosecco, Franciacorta, Champagne, Amarone, Pignoletto, Passerina, Ribolla Gialla, Sangiovese, Lambrusco, Valpolicella, and Lagrein are just some of the names you can find in the shop.

Address: Via S. Donato, 112/3c, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy

Address: Via Ferrarese, n. 18/E, 40128 Bologna BO, Italy

Address: Via Beniamino Gigli, 17/F, 40137 Bologna BO, Italy

Most bulk wine shops are primarily selling to locals. Because they are not part of the traditional tourist industry, the owners and employees do not always speak English. For this reason, it helps to know what you're looking for when you go in. Don't get me wrong, you don't need to speak Italian, and you don't need to be a sommelier, but you increase your chances of success with a bit of information.

The bulk wine shops have a wide variety of wines. Most are local wines from Emilia-Romagna. Importantly, bulk wines are often identified by the grape variety rather than the wine varietal. Consequently, it helps to know what grapes are used to produce the common wines.

• Albana
• Pignoletto
• Trebbiano
• Ortrugo

• Lambrusco
• Sangiovese
• Bonarda

If you get lucky, you might find bulk wines identified by the wine varietal. Here's a list of the most common.

• Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC
• Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC
• Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC
• Lambrusco Reggiano DOC

• Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto
• Albana di Romagna

• Albana di Romagna Passito

Check out the Bologna Wine page for more information about these grapes varieties and wine varietals.

Shopping at the local Italian bulk wine shop is not a tourist activity but a local activity. Our experience with the local bulk wine shop owners is that they sometimes speak limited English. Although we speak limited Italian, we have always been successful and left the shop carrying the type of wine we wanted.

Our experience has been universally positive, with everyone being extremely kind and patient. But, there are a few Italian words that will make it much easier:

• • Red Wine – Vino Rosso
  • White Wine – Vino Bianco
  • Semi-Sparking Wine – Frizzante
  • Dry – Secco
  • Sweet – Dolce
  • Bulk Wine– Vini Sfusi
  • One liter – Un litro
  • Two liters – Due litri
  • Bottle – bottiglia
  • Please – Per favore
  • Thank you very much – Grazie mille!

Medulla Vini and Vinoteca are conveniently located in the historic district. Il Vinaio, Vini Sfusi WineHouse, Il Vino in Bottega, La Cantinetta Bologna, and La Vineria Friulana Veneta are located a little further away, but are worth a visit if you're looking for a bargain.