The aperitivo slot is an institution in Italy. Particularly wonderful at this time of the year when the evenings are drawn out and you can sit comfortably outside enjoying the magical light as it falls away from the day. It is a time to enjoy with family and friends and is an essential part of social life in Italy.
It can be a prequel to dinner or a stand-alone evening event – when it is great, it often becomes an aperi-cena, the snacks keep rolling and replace the need to go to dinner all together. Both what you are eating and what you are drinking are of equal importance, one does not come without the other, offering a far more balanced and civilized approach to life.
As with many Italian traditions, the origins of the aperitivo can be traced back to Roman times. According to food historians, affluent Romans would begin their lavish banquets with a gustation – a small appetiser accompanied by a glass of honey-sweetened wine. The term aperitivo also dates back to this era. It comes from the Latin word aperitivus, meaning “To open” – a nod to its purpose of stimulating the appetite before a meal. This remains the essence of the aperitivo even today.
Should you be visiting Tuscany this summer, here are some of our favourite aperitivo places:
- Greve in Chianti, Enoteca Falorni. https://www.instagram.com/enotecafalorni/
- Panzano in Chianti, Enoteca Baldi https://www.instagram.com/enotecabaldi/
- Volpaia, near to Radda in Chianti, Bar Ucci https://www.instagram.com/bar_ucci/
- Florence, La Loggia Roof Bar https://www.palazzoguadagni.com/loggia-roof-bar or for a truly classic aperitivo experience, visit the historical Caffé Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica. https://www.instagram.com/caffegilli/
- Siena, Battistero https://www.instagram.com/battisterosiena/
