Enoteca

Enoteca is an Italian word that is derived from the Greek word Οινοθήκη, which literally means 'wine repository' (from Oeno/Eno-, Οινός, 'wine', and teca, Θήκη, 'receptacle, case, box'), but it is used to describe a special type of local or regional wine shop that originated in Italy.

Often, an enoteca stocks rather small amounts of each wine, and customers who wish to purchase large quantities after tasting are referred directly to the producers.

In some cases, an enoteca will also sell other local foodstuff and/or serve small snacks to go with the wines.

Casual visitors will have an easier time discovering an enoteca, and the producer will not have to keep an outlet open in his winery just in case someone passes by to purchase a few bottles.

In the past bottiglieria was commonly used, but is now falling into disuse and doesn't have the same connotation of quality.

Interior view of an enoteca in Tambre , Veneto, Italy
Cellars of the Vinothek in Bernkastel-Kues in the Mosel wine region of Germany