Rome exudes elegance—and while many reach for a frosty spritz come aperitivo hour, few things rival the simple pleasure of a well-chosen glass of wine against the backdrop of the Eternal City’s sunlit domes and sweeping hills.

And, as the capital of Italy, Rome offers no shortage of standout wine programs, from old-school enotecas down cobbled alleys to wine bars with sommelier-driven selections. These are the 20 best spots in Rome (plus one seaside escape) to savor the golden hour, glass in hand—whether its bubbles, a bold Piglio Cesanese, or a perfectly chilled San Greg rosé.

Rimessa Roscioli (Centro) – The wine-focused child of the beloved Roscioli family, Rimessa Roscioli (which translates to Roscioli Garage) on Via del Conservatorio combines the great food of its siblings with an equally impressive wine cellar. Though it’s nice for a quick glass at aperitivo, their signature wine tasting dinner is unbeatable, offering six wines paired with six dishes. Don’t be alarmed by their 64-page wine list… as Alessandro Roscioli used to say, “at the end, we’re just talking about bread and salami.” 

L’Angolo Divino (Centro) – Just steps from Piazza della Quercia, behind Campo de’ Fiori, this charming enoteca occupies a 19th-century building and has been a beloved destination for exceptional wines for over half a century. Massimo Crippa, the owner, wears many hats—as a sommelier, winemaker, and what he likes to call an “innkeeper” of wine. His shelves are brimming with a diverse range of bottles, from well-known labels to emerging local, organic, and international producers. The small, thoughtfully crafted food menu is designed to perfectly complement the wines.

Il Goccetto (Centro) – A true (and truly Roman) temple of wine hidden in the Ponte district, this is one of the city’s OG wine bars, open since 1983. You’ll spot it first by the old-school “Vino e Olio” sign and the crowd that reliably spills onto the street in front, transforming it into a sort of block party. The tiny inside is as crammed with people as its shelves are with wine bottles—they stock over 850. Choose from their rotating by-the-glass picks and pair it with some of their kitchen offerings, from cheese and sott’olio veggies to roast beef and cured salmon.

Il Charade Bar at Hotel dè Ricci (Centro) – Located inside Rome’s premier wine hotel, this bar has a cellar with over 1,500 labels and more than 10,000 bottles, mostly natural and biodynamic. Inside, the elegant space feels like a sophisticated speakeasy—eggshell blue walls, plush maroon couches, dark velvet curtains, and frescoes that nod to 1940s Rome. They also boast one of the city’s rare indoor cigar lounges, making it an ultra-chic pre-dinner spot.  

Piazzetta Ripetta at Palazzo Ripetta (Centro) – Palazzo Ripetta is a 5-star hotel housed in a former 17th-century convent. La Piazzetta, within the cloister of the Palazzo, has a charming, retro-inspired atmosphere that offers a refined break from the city’s pace. Aperitivo here leans classic—bubbles, Italian reds, well-made cocktails—served in a quiet, leafy courtyard with just the right amount of old-world charm. Definitely order a few cicchetti—spiedini, pane con burro e acchiughe, crocchette—to nibble on as the light fades. 

B24 at Cinema Barberini (Centro) – A new favorite among film buffs and wine lovers alike, the B24 rooftop terrace offers one of the most unique aperitivo settings in Rome. On multiple levels above the historic cinema just off Piazza Barberini, the terrace transforms at golden hour into an oasis above the traffic swirl. The wine selection leans thoughtfully Italian, and a signature cocktail list (with some great martini options) rounds out the picture. It’s the perfect pre-movie ritual, though truthfully, we’d come here even without the film.

Il Vinaietto (Centro) –  Decorated with wine bottles and children’s art, this charming spot is perfect for sipping a great bottle of wine from just about every region in Italy. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a table inside, or join the crowd of locals spilling out through the quintessential green door and onto the sanpietrini out front. You don’t come here for the food, but luckily enough, restaurants Roscioli, Piperno, Nonna Betta, and Pierluigi are all a short distance away.

Terrazza Borromini (Centro) – Terrazza Borromini and the adjoining rooftop serve up one of the most cinematic aperitivo spots in the city—perched on the top floors of the 17th-century Palazzo Pamphilj above Piazza Navona. With front-row views of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, the mood is quietly glamorous. The view alone is worth the visit—especially at sunset, when golden light floods the bar and the domes of Sant’Agnese in Agone feel almost within reach. The wine list and cocktails, however, more than hold their own.

Hotel Locarno (Centro) – Just off Piazza del Popolo, the garden at Hotel Locarno is lush, quiet, and shaded by big palms. The crowd is a mix of in-the-know Romans and out-of-towners, all lingering over glasses at golden hour. Service is old-school but warm, and while the setting may be grand, the vibe is anything but stiff.

RetroVino of Retrobottega (Centro) – Started by Alessandro Miocchi and Giuseppe Lo Iudice, the “Retro” project is a small ecosystem of ideas centered on experimentation, zero waste, and the integrity of raw materials. At its heart is Retrobottega, a counter-style restaurant near Piazza Navona where seasonal, mostly vegetable-led dishes take the lead. You can also stop in for a glass of something—think orange pet-nats and volcanic reds–from their natural and offbeat wine list. Giuseppe’s philosophy is that wine should be made ethically, sustainably, and “abbracciare tutto il palato”—embrace the entire palate.

Salotto Caronte (Esquilino) – A recent addition to the Esquilino neighborhood, this “dear living room” is a favorite for inventive cocktails, great food, and a steady wine list. Inside feels chic but cozy, with dim lights, leather sofas, a sea foam green bar, and curated artwork. Check the chalkboard for the wine and food offerings of the day, and settle in—you’re going to want to turn aperitivo into a longer affair.

L’Antidoto (Trastevere) – If you ask owner Flaviano Pizzoli about L’Antidoto, he’ll describe it as a “convivial space” above all else. The natural wine list features gems from lesser-known European vineyards, and the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern style. The kitchen serves up fresh, seasonal small plates with a creative twist—designed specifically to enhance the wines, not compete with them. For Flaviano, wine is about connection: “It’s like a good antidote,” he says. We agree. 

Latteria (Trastevere) – Latteria feels just as inviting inside as it presents from the outside: warm wooden booths open onto a twinkling terrace on a quiet cobbled street in Trastevere. The spot serves up natural wines by the bottle, paired perfectly with snacks like charcuterie, cheeses, crostini, and ever-changing hot dishes—think lasagna with pistachio pesto or tender grilled octopus. Every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced from Italy’s small-scale producers.

Enoteca Palombi (Testaccio) – Right in Piazza Testaccio, this local’s favorite has dark wood shelves practically overflowing with wine and beer. The crowd is a mix, drawn for great drinks and a lovely menu of things to nibble while you sip. The wine list is solid, featuring gems from the region alongside craft beers and a handful of cocktails. 

Latta Fermenti e Miscele (Ostiense) – Industrial-cool but never cold, Latta sits in a former factory space in Ostiense and has the kind of energy that makes you want to stay for one more drink. The name says it all: fermentation and mixology are the stars here, from natural wines and sour beers to kombuchas and sharp, inventive cocktails. The food leans bold and funky too—think miso butter, pickled things, and plenty of umami flavors.

Fischio (Prati) – Fischio is a buzzing hotspot where snagging a seat can be a challenge, drawing a trendy crowd to a parking lot near Cipro. This outdoor-only venue serves up bottles of natural wine, inventive house-canned cocktails, and quirky artisanal beers, all from a kiosk decked out with stickers from local friends, grassroots projects, and neighborhood favorites. Keep an eye on their Instagram for events that pop up here and there. 

La Mescita (Garbatella & Monteverde) – This refreshing wine bar, with two locations, packs in plenty of small wooden tables with a handful of seats outside—perfect for those who want to soak up some sun. The wine list favors Italian natural wines, with plenty of options for all palettes. We like to ask for a recommendation and pair it with a little nibble from their innovative menu. 

Mostò (Flaminio) – Though it’s a little outside of the center, this spot near the MAXXI museum is worth the jaunt for a superb wine list with labels spanning the whole book, plus France. The bar in the front room is super cozy, but the back room has some bigger, brighter tables for a larger group. Their selection of cold dishes pair perfectly with your label of choice, especially the pâté on toasted brioche, the tagliere, and the tartare. You can also pick up a bottle or two from their stocked-shelves to take home. 

Al Vino al Vino (Monti) – This enoteca’s name reads like a battle cry: “To the wine! To the wine!” And that’s exactly what you come here for. Tucked off the busy streets of Monti, this intimate haven knows its way around wine, courtesy of one Giacomo, who personally selects each of the many (many) labels that they serve to eager patrons of all ages. Snag a table in their outdoor courtyard and order the caponata to whet your appetite. 

Il Bagno Saint Tropez (Fregene) – Come summertime, the city’s streets begin to empty out and the locals head seaside, mostly to Fregene. Just a one-hour train ride from the city, this spot has the atmosphere of a classic Italian summer from the 1960s and ’70s—striped umbrellas, sun-faded loungers, and a carefree, slightly glamorous seaside mood. Aperitivo includes cold white wine and Campari sodas served right on the sand. It’s particularly nice at sunset.