The Best Bars in San Gimignano, Italy

With a name like D!Vineria, you’d be right to expect heavenly wine. At this enoteca in the heart of San Gimignano, you can enjoy a glass of vernaccia and other Tuscan labels under a canvas umbrella in a quintessential square, accompanied by a platter of local cheese, salumi and the scent of geraniums. If you’re lucky, you might meet the enthusiastic owner, Massimo Delli.

Medieval-style chandeliers illuminate the barrel vaulting at Bar Boboli. Here, you can enjoy everything from coffee and a croissant for breakfast, to an after-dinner grappa. Located on a sidestreet just off the main drag, it’s a great place to recharge your batteries with your tipple of choice. In true Italian style, there are plenty of cakes and ice cream to be had.

This cafe bar is located by the park in Piazzale Montemaggio, just outside the main gate of San Gimignano. Once inside, however, it’s not the view of the park, but of the rolling Tuscan countryside that you’ll be admiring. Enjoy a cold beer in summer and hot chocolate in winter, accompanied by the cafe’s signature light bites.

Named after San Gimignano’s most impressive feature, this bar is found right in front of the cathedral in the main square. Sit outside with an espresso and bask in the Tuscan sunshine, or kick back with an Aperol spritz or Italian craft beer. The prices are a little higher here, but they come with an astounding view.

Stop by the shady patio area at Enjoy and take in the sunset after a long day of exploring the town – it’s a short walk beyond the city walls with views back towards the towers. Expect a long list of expertly mixed cocktails, ranging from Italian favourites like Campari soda to long island iced tea. Billed as a ristopub, it also serves hamburgers, poke bowls and pizza.

Piazza della Cisterna is one of the best places to admire San Gimignano’s towers from inside the walls; Bar La Cisterna is the best place to have a drink while doing so. The house white is a very well-chosen vernaccia, and with ample seating in the square, it’s a real people-watching venue. In winter, the outdoor heaters keep you toasty.

Although it’s pretty much the first place you pass as you enter San Gimignano, this bar is worth a visit. As well as all the usual drinks, I Combattenti is famous for porchetta (traditional roast hog), which is often displayed in the window. A few slices wrapped in a fresh bread roll make the perfect foil to a glass of chilled beer on a summer’s day.

Gustavo Mescita Vini is a small, impeccably run wine bar with a large selection and expert advice on what to try. As always, the wine can be paired with local cheese, cold cuts, bread, olive oil and other products from Tuscany’s rich bounty. Make sure you buy a bottle to take home with you – it’s a great alternative to a wine tour if you don’t have time.

If you’re serious about wine, a good place to sample it is at the cellar door. Tenuta Torciano, a short drive outside San Gimignano, offers a wide range of tasting experiences with an even wider range of Tuscan wine. There are food and accommodation options too, with panoramic views of the countryside and, of course, the skyline.