Cantinone del Vino già Schiavi, Wine bar in Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy
Cantinone del Vino già Schiavi, also known as Vini al Bottegon, is a wine bar and shop on Fondamenta Nani in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. It has a wooden sign above the door, two display windows framed by stone pillars, and walls covered in wood, with no seating inside and a back room used as a storeroom and cellar.
The shop occupies a building that was redone in the 20th century, and by 1980 it was recorded as a bottega with a painted wooden sign. Over time it became known by several names, including Vini al Bottegon, and it continues to operate as a wine shop and bar.
This is a classic Venetian bacaro, a type of osteria where locals and visitors stop for an ombra, a small glass of wine, and a cicchetto, a small snack. The counter displays a changing selection of these small bites, and the shelves behind are lined with bottles that regulars browse while they sip.
The place is small and gets crowded around lunchtime and at aperitivo hour, so it helps to arrive early or be ready to stand. You eat and drink standing up, either inside or just outside along the fondamenta, and service is quick at the counter.
A public alley once passed through the spot where the back room now stands, and the walls inside are covered in wood, a detail that gives the space a warm, cabin-like feel. The place also sells wine by the bottle and delivers orders across Venice for parties and daily meals.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,173 contributors worldwide.
