Introduction — The Art of the Turin Aperitivo
Turin (Torino) is a city where the aperitivo isn’t just a prelude to dinner: it’s a social institution, a refined pause that blends conversation, good food and local wines. The city’s wine bars range from tiny, intimate cellars to modern spots pouring carefully curated glasses. In this guide, we spotlight the best places to enjoy an aperitivo “the Turin way”: from traditional enoteche serving nebbiolo and dolcetto to contemporary vinerias pairing natural wines with creative sharing plates. You’ll find practical details — exact addresses, prices in euros, opening hours — alongside immersive descriptions and local tips to make the most of each visit.
The Turin aperitivo sits within a rich regional culture: Piedmont is one of Italy’s great wine regions, home to prestigious appellations like Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti and Moscato d’Asti. But in Turin the aperitivo is also a light, sociable moment — small plates of antipasti, tramezzini, cheeses and cured meats — often accompanied by a glass of vermouth, a historic city specialty. The venues we recommend combine wine quality, warm service and atmosphere: some boast impressive cellars, others focus on organic or natural selections. We also offer practical tips (reservations, best times, food-wine pairings) to help you pick the right spot whether you’re after a romantic evening, a lively afterwork or a contemplative tasting.
This guide goes beyond a simple list: each entry includes a detailed description, a price range (glass and aperitivo board), the exact address, typical opening hours and local tips (when to arrive, what to order, how to avoid crowds). Suggested images, included as image markers, will help you picture the vibe: historic facades, wooden counters, shelves full of bottles and small candlelit tables. Get ready to wander arcaded streets, lively squares and cellars where time seems to stand still — and most importantly, to raise your glass the Turin way.
1. Enoteca Rabezzana — Historic Cellar with a Sharp Selection
Name: Enoteca Rabezzana
Address: Via Roma 14, 10123 Torino
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–23:30, closed Monday.
Prices: Glasses from €4.50 (local wines), aperitivo board €10–18, guided tasting €25–40 depending on number of wines.
Located in the heart of the historic center, Enoteca Rabezzana blends elegance with education. Inside you’ll find oak shelves stacked with bottles, a long marble counter and small tables ideal for conversation. The menu focuses on Piedmont’s classics — Barolo, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto — but also offers rarer Italian labels and a few international wines for comparison. The team is knowledgeable: the sommelier takes time to explain terroirs and suggest pairings with antipasti boards featuring local cheeses (toma, robiola), salumi (prosciutto crudo, salame) and small crostini.
Local tip: arrive between 18:00 and 19:00 for a relaxed aperitivo before the evening rush. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights. For a deeper experience, choose the “tasting” option at around €35, which includes three glasses from different vintages accompanied by small bites.
2. La Cantinetta di Torino — Intimate, Romantic and Cosy
Name: La Cantinetta di Torino
Address: Piazza San Carlo 10, 10121 Torino
Opening hours: Daily 12:00–01:00 (kitchen until 23:00).
Prices: Glass €5–9, aperitivo board (tagliere) €12–22, spritz/vermouth €6–8.
Set just off the elegant Piazza San Carlo, La Cantinetta di Torino is perfect for a romantic aperitivo or a polished break after sightseeing. The atmosphere is soft: dim lighting, linen tablecloths and a wine selection displayed on a chalkboard. Staff give tailored recommendations and the menu rotates frequently based on arrivals of artisanal cured meats and cheeses.
What sets Cantinetta apart is its glass selection from small producers, often transitioning to organic farming, plus several chilled artisanal vermouths. For a typical aperitivo, order a glass of Barbera d’Asti (around €6) paired with a tagliere of cheeses and homemade jams (about €18). The terrace on the square is a summer favorite — it fills up fast, so reserve and arrive early on weekends.
3. Barolo & Co. Wine Bar — Piedmont Classics, Reimagined
Name: Barolo & Co. Wine Bar
Address: Via Garibaldi 45, 10122 Torino
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 16:00–00:00, Sunday 16:00–23:00.
Prices: Glass of Barolo €9–16, glass of Barbera €5–8, degustazione board €15–25.
Barolo & Co. is a contemporary wine bar that highlights Piedmont’s great reds, with a special focus on Barolo. It appeals to seasoned wine lovers and curious newcomers alike: the menu clearly lists tasting profiles for each bottle and offers small portions of traditional dishes (tajarin, vitello tonnato) served in aperitivo-friendly sizes. The decor mixes exposed stone and industrial metal, creating a modern vibe that still honors local roots.
Tip: if you want to taste Barolo without breaking the bank, go for the half-pour (smaller glass) usually priced €9–12. Their tasting board, often featuring four cheeses and four cured meats, is ideal for sharing between two. The bar also hosts themed evenings and meet-the-winemaker events; check their Facebook page for the calendar and reserve for special sessions.
4. Vineria del Quadrilatero — Lively Afterwork and Generous Boards
Name: Vineria del Quadrilatero
Address: Via Carlo Alberto 3, 10123 Torino
Opening hours: Daily 11:30–02:00 (Happy Hour 18:00–20:00).
Prices: Glass €4–7, vermouth-based cocktails €6–9, mixed board €10–20; Happy Hour deal: glass + small board from around €9.
Vineria del Quadrilatero sits in the lively Quadrilatero Romano district, known for its buzz. Here the aperitivo is an afterwork ritual: low-key music, a young, cosmopolitan crowd and generous plates. The wine list is broad and approachable, featuring local labels and biodynamic options. The evening specialty is the “mercato” board: regional cured meats, marinated vegetables and warm focaccia.
Local tip: take advantage of the happy hour (18:00–20:00) to enjoy a glass with a small board at a great price (often €9–12). Weekends get packed, so go on a weekday for a more relaxed vibe. For a perfect pairing, ask for a light, fruity wine suggestion (dolcetto) which complements the salty and slightly spiced flavors of the boards.
5. Contrà Vino e Cucina — Natural Wines and Creative Small Plates
Name: Contrà Vino e Cucina
Address: Via Roma 62, 10123 Torino
Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday 17:00–00:30, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Prices: Glass of natural wine €5–10, small plates €8–16 each, aperitivo sharing menu €20–30 per person depending on selection.
Contrà Vino e Cucina is a haven for natural wine enthusiasts and market-driven cuisine. The menu changes weekly with arrivals, and plates are designed to support the wines rather than overpower them: fermented vegetables, inventive crostini, tartares and house-preserved jars. The vibe is friendly, with a bar area for counter seating and a small dining room for groups wanting a longer shared aperitivo.
Tip: if you’re new to natural wines, ask for a mini tasting of three wines (tasting format) which typically costs €18–25 and lets you compare different grapes and winemaking methods. The producers featured are often small and passionate; the staff will happily tell you each bottle’s backstory. To round out the aperitivo, pick two to three small plates (for example: foie gras crostini, fermented vegetables, polpette) totaling about €20–30 to share between two.
Conclusion — Picking Your Aperitivo in Turin: Final Tips and a Suggested Route
To wrap up this tour of the best wine bars for an aperitivo the Turin way, remember each spot offers a distinct experience: Enoteca Rabezzana for education and great vintages, La Cantinetta di Torino for romance and elegance, Barolo & Co. for immersion in Piedmont classics, Vineria del Quadrilatero for a lively afterwork, and Contrà Vino e Cucina for natural wines and creative plates. Match your choice to your mood — discovery, romance or a night out with friends. The listed prices give a clear idea: a full aperitivo in Turin can cost anywhere from €10 (light happy hour) to €35 or more for a deeper tasting.
Practical tips: book for Friday and Saturday evenings, arrive early if you want a terrace table, and don’t hesitate to ask the sommelier for recommendations — Italians love sharing their knowledge and can guide you to unusual bottles or surprising pairings. For a typical evening route: start around 18:30 at Vineria del Quadrilatero for happy hour, head to La Cantinetta di Torino at 20:00 for a more formal tagliere, and finish late at Barolo & Co. with a glass of Barolo. For a more intimate experience, choose Contrà Vino e Cucina or Enoteca Rabezzana and book a guided tasting.
Finally, remember that the aperitivo in Turin is meant to be savored slowly: take time to listen to the sommelier’s stories, compare two wines side by side and enjoy the local products. That way your Turin aperitivo will be not just a taste experience but a true cultural immersion in a city where wine tells a long, delicious story.