Aperitivo Et Al Wine Bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Place for the Spirit, Not Just the Glass

Aperitivo Et Al describes itself as a wine bar, but also as "a place of the spirit" — a pause from the ordinary, set in the heart of Bellagio on Lake Como. Run by Aurelio Gandola, the bar has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a distinction it has received three times, placing it among Italy's most seriously considered wine destinations.

The Wine List

The selection here goes well beyond what most bars attempt. At any given moment, guests can choose from 40 different wines by the glass — not a rotating handful, but a stable list designed for genuine exploration of Italian labels. Behind that is a cellar of over 600 labels and more than 1,500 bottles available for purchase, spanning small local producers to established names. The approach is deliberate: the team is always searching for new excellence, and the depth of the list reflects that ongoing commitment.

Food and Pairing

The food menu draws on the best of the local gastronomic culture of the Lake Como area. Beyond the classic menu, the in-house sommelier has developed four specific food-and-wine pairings, each carefully studied to complement the Italian cuisine on offer. It is a thoughtful touch that elevates a simple visit into something more considered.

Outdoor Seating and the Bellagio Setting

With outdoor seating available, the bar makes the most of its Bellagio address. Guests can sit, take their time, and work through the list without any sense of rush — the philosophy of the place, as the owners put it, is that there is "no limit to the best." Bottles can also be purchased on-site or ordered online for home delivery, making Aperitivo Et Al as much a shop as a bar.