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PhrasesAt the MarketVende vino sfuso?
B1

Vende vino sfuso?

Do you sell wine on tap?

Pronunciation

VEN-de VI-no ZFU-zo

When to use it

Asking whether a market vendor sells wine by the litre in bulk, to be taken in your own container.

What it means

Vino sfuso (bulk wine) is sold in many Italian markets and specialist shops (sfuserie). Customers bring their own demijohns (damigiane) or bottles, which are filled at the tap. Prices are typically 1–3 euros per litre. The tradition is strongest in wine-producing regions like Lazio, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna.

Variations

Quanto costa il vino sfuso?

How much does bulk wine cost?

Asking the price per litre

Porto la mia bottiglia?

Do I bring my own bottle?

Checking the container policy

Bianco o rosso — quale consiglia?

White or red — which do you recommend?

Asking for a recommendation between the two options

Mini Dialogue

— Vende vino sfuso? — Sì — bianco dei Castelli Romani e rosso Montepulciano. — Un litro di bianco, per favore. Ho la mia bottiglia. — Perfetto — un euro e cinquanta.

— Do you sell wine on tap? — Yes — white Castelli Romani and red Montepulciano. — A litre of white, please. I have my own bottle. — Perfect — one euro fifty.

Cultural Note

The Castelli Romani hills south of Rome have supplied the city with sfuso wine since Roman times. The area's volcanic (tufo) soil produces crisp, light whites ideal for everyday drinking. Vino sfuso remains a living tradition in Lazio's local markets.