No one does aperitivo quite like the Milanese. While all of Italy loves its evening ritual, in Milan, it has become a daily essential. The moment when busy locals close their computers, head out of the office and meet up with old friends – all while being ready to meet some new. And what better way to wind down from a day of exploring Milan than by exploring Italian wines at one of the many wine bars in Milan.
While aperitivo is often buffet “apericena” style in Milan, many of these wine bars focus less on quantity and more on quality, especially in their wine selection. They keep a long list of excellent bottles – from Lombardy vino and beyond, even reaching into neighboring France and other international wine regions.
Just a note that this selection of wine bars in Milan is not exclusive to aperitivo, swing by anytime you have una voglia – a craving for a glass!
Our favorite wine bars in Milan
N’Ombra de Vin
Via S. Marco, 2
An essential when you are wandering the artistic neighborhood of Brera. N’Ombra de Vin offers an elegant stop, carrying that cobble-stoned historic beauty of the area right into the cellar.
This enoteca (wine bar) is located beneath the 13th-century San Marco Basilica, using elements of the original structure in their decoration. Tables are built into the ancient supporting columns, enhancing just another glass of wine to a whole encompassing experience.
The bar was founded in 1973, and while they carry the best of Italian wine, they also give special attention to wine from France, allowing you to try a little taste of both. With over 2500 labels to choose from, every visitor will find their perfect wine.
While here, don’t miss a delightful selection of cured meats and small bites. All artisanally crafted in Italy and prepared by the N’Ombra de Vin Salumeria, they make the perfect pairing with your vino.
Cantine Isola
Via Paolo Sarpi, 30
A true local favorite since 1896, Milan wouldn’t be the same with Cantine Isola. Nestled in a small shopfront on Via Sarpi, Cantine Isola offers bottles to take home, to open on the spot, and a few select ones being poured by the glass.
Head here early in the day – it’s small but well-loved, meaning you’ll always find it full in the evening!
Walking in the small corridor of the shop either side is lined with bottles from floor to ceiling, and personal notes are scrawled over each one describing the wine, year, and price, with quotes for wine-lovers hidden throughout the shelves. And while it may get busy, the staff is always ready to hear you out and help you find the perfect wine for your taste.
Since 1991, it has been owned and managed by the Sarais family, who you will often see advising clientele on the best bottles, and serving the perfect pour. In fact, Luca Sarais was just named the Best Wine Shop Owner (Enotecaria) in Italy for his selection of wines. You can’t go wrong with any bottle in the collection!
Here you’ll find it is more about the wine than the food – but no great enoteca would ever let you starve! You’ll find a small selection of finger foods to enjoy with your wine.
Tannico Wine Bar
Via Savona, 17
Moving away from historic Milan into the present day with a newcomer – the Tannico Wine Bar. An establishment that has by no means given up the classic Milanese style, nor the wine tradition of Italy from the Alps to the islands.
While named a wine bar, you’ll find this more of a restaurant – with delicious food to complete your wine experience. Founded by the Milanese eCommerce Tannico, the go-to online wine shop offers visitors to Milan the opportunity to select bottles from their extensive collection and pair them with delicious cuisine.
The Tannico Wine Bar is open only in the evenings, and reservations are recommended, book your spot here.
Traveler’s tip: While planning your trip to Milan, keep an eye on Tannico’s event calendar! They often have guided tastings and even masterclasses.
Signorvino
Via Pattari, 2
Looking to sip some delicious wine while enjoying an incredible view? You’ll want to head straight to Signorvino behind Milan’s iconic Duomo. Located on multiple floors, you can choose a spot below to be surrounded by the busy Milanese life, or upstairs with a more intimate setting, looking down on the piazza.
You’ll find multiple Signorvino wine bars around Milan and Italy – all offering the same select, yet delicious collection of wines. You’ll find some classics – like Berlucchi Franciacorta or a Donnafugata, but also some more niche labels and wines – like the Malvasia Puntata from Lazio.
For you red wine lovers, we highly recommend keeping an eye out for Villa Spinosa’s Red Label Amarone. If not available by the glass, it is absolutely worth the bottle.
Vinoir
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 93b
The must-go for natural wine lovers, Vinoir takes us to the Navigli district of Milan. An area known for a busy aperitivo scene and night-life, Vinoir stands out as one of the best spots for an easy glass of wine.
Even though they have a smaller selection, every bottle has been carefully picked. Everything that is on selection comes from small-producers from Italy, and nearly every one is a natural wine. The owners are ever-present and enthusiastic to tell you just what is going into your glass.
If you are new to the world of these funky natural wines, this is a great place to start. Try a glass or two and learn more about Italian wine production.
La Cieca
Via Carlo Vittadini, 6
Put your wine expertise to the test with La Cieca, which meanins “blind” in Italian. Here you can let yourself be pleasantly surprised by trying out a blind tasting. While not for everyone, the mystery of not knowing what wine will fill your glass can add a little fun to your aperitivo hour.
Every day is a competition – if you correctly guess the wine, vintage, and producer you’ll win a bottle! Don’t be intimidated, however, feel free to stick around for the fun and just enjoy exploring new wines.
Nestled in the Porta Romana area, La Cieca offers just small finger foods, so be sure to make dinner plans for after to enjoy some of Milan’s fantastic culinary scene.
