Nestled in the heart of Rome's Rione Monti historic district, Libro di Vino (Book of Wine) is a book and wine bar that allows guests to experience historical Rome as they enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the Italian people. The wine bar, located at Via Degli Zingari 49, is within easy walking distance of Julius Caesar's birthplace, the Colosseum, Forum and Palentino and is an excellent place to relax after a day of site-seeing and/or shopping in Rome.
My Experience
We stayed in Rione Monti while we were in Rome. On our 4th night, my sister and I were wandering the streets when we passed a little shop. Two young men were smoking cigarettes and talking. Jazz music drifted into the street. After saying hello, I looked into the establishment and was drawn by the ambience. I noticed the sign Libro di Vino, which I thought meant Books and Wine and was fascinated. Two hours later, my tired sister went to sleep and I set out on a mission to find Libro di Vino again.
I found it and was greeted by Danilo del Luca, an Italian man with brown curly hair and the face of a Roman statue. Danilo, a Sicilian by birth, lives in Rome with his girlfriend, Eva and daughter, Gaya. He along with his visiting Sicilian friend, David Mauceri, were running the shop. Danilo is the owner of the wine bar as well as a professional artist and building restorer. While he showed me a portfolio of his work and achievements we talked about life, writing and art.which led to a conversation about life, writing and art.
Danilo and Davide were easy and fun to talk to. They laughed easily, sang and shared stories. I loved the atmosphere of the wine bar and meeting the interesting people that came in and out of the establishment. Before I knew it, it was 2 AM. I knew I would go back to visit often during my time in Rome.
Beginnings of Libro Di Vino
Founded in 2007, Del Luca originally called his wine bar Dom Champagneria (Sun Champagne). Believing that it is important for people to "unify around food, art and wine", Del Luca set out to create a place where people from different walks of life could enjoy comics and books while they ate, listened to good music and drank good wine. In order to better capture the unique essence of the wine bar, Del Luca changed the name of the company to Libro di Vino in 2010.
Libro di Vino
You don't want to leave when you visit Libro di Vino. The atmosphere is inviting and peaceful. When you come in the doors you know your time will be enjoyable. The three levels of the wine bar are beautifully decorated and impeccably clean. I browsed books about American jazz musicians, wine, history and even an Italian translation of Dram Stoker's Dracula. Jazz and other easy listening music played on the sound system while people wander around the establishment.
The white and red walls, black counters and beige chairs are minimalistic in design and gives the wine bar a serene, classy ambiance. Four TV screens add to the vibe as old black and white Italian films play on them. The wine bar is associated with the Italian Wine Philosophy of Italy, an organization that supports small business owners who are in the wine business.
Once an old shop, Libro di Vino has enough space to fit the needs of most guests. Those who are more social can choose to stay on the main floor and spend time with the friendly, charming proprietor and other patrons while those who would like more quiet and privacy can choose to take their books and drinks to one of the lower levels. If one finds a book he likes, he can buy it.
Events at Libro Di Vino
More that just a place to sit and drink wine, Libro di Vino holds a variety of events for its patrons. One of these , "Shakespeare in Wine", which was directed by Annabella Calabrese, allowed patrons to enjoy a Shakespeare performance while drinking wine. Newly published authors can present their work at the wine bar and musicians perform live at this establishment. Parties for many occasions are also held there.
Getting There
It is relatively simple to get to Libro di Vino. The Cavour stop on the Metro's B Line allows riders to get off in the heart of Roine Monti. Other options are the 117 bus and/or a cab. If one is in the Colosseum, he can simply walk to the Roine Monti area and find the establishment..
Why Visit
For those who would like to see past tourist Rome and associate with Italians, Libro di Vino is the ideal place. The Italians, like Danilo and Davide, that gather there are warm, friendly and fun. They interact easily with the foreigners and make their visitors feel at home. Because they are Italian, they are able to give insight into Rome and Italian culture that is hard to find elsewhere.
Learn More
Libro di Vino's website gives more information about the company and its services. The bar is open from 11AM - 3PM and 6 PM-12 AM everyday except for Sunday. Email services are available at info@librodivino.it. Those interested in speaking to a person may call the wine bar at: +39 06 455 960 93 or through cell phone at: +39 340 8656 296.
Tamara McGee Andersen - Tamara McGee Andersen lives with her husband, Allan,and dog,Coco. She loves traveling, especially in Italy, writing, music and dancing.
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