"Florentines generally love and drink wine - white, red, sparkling," confirms Tiziana Frescobaldi. As representative of Italian winery Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, she certainly understands Florence's affinity for vino.

In fact, two of Florence's favourite aperitivos rely on Prosecco, Italy's sparkling wine, as a primary ingredient: The peach-flavoured Bellini and the orangey Aperol Spritz.

Among the places to enjoy these bubbly drinks, Frescobaldi recommends Rosati Caffè () in Piazza della Signoria. An al fresco tipple at the most iconic square in the city makes for a rather special experience.

Indeed, eating and drinking al fresco is one of the city's many great pleasures.

Additional picks for business travellers include Cibreo () in the San Ambrogio market; Fabio Picci's acclaimed restaurant; and the iconic Harry's Bar (). (Note: Harry's Bar in Venice, rather than Florence, is credited with creating the Bellini.)

Another pick, the Westin Excelsior () in Piazza Ognissanti is known for its exceptional view, but Frescobaldi warns that it is "mainly for foreigners; very few Italians around."

For a more local feel, seek out Caffè Giacosa (), owned by fashion icon Roberto Cavalli and frequented by stylish types. Some say the best cappuccino in town is to be found here - a high compliment in this espresso-fuelled city - and after dark during the warmer months, the venue transitions into a nightclub.

Frescobaldi also recommends the recently opened Rivalta Cafe () for a wine-based aperitivo in true Florentine style: Al fresco, of course.

RECIPE: APEROL SPRITZ

This is an easy recipe to remember thanks to its 3-2-1 format. If you've never tried Aperol, the flavour is lightly bitter - somewhere between orange and grapefruit. It's also the key flavour in a Negroni Bianco (Aperol, gin and white vermouth).

3 parts Prosecco

2 parts Aperol

1 dash Soda water

Orange slice, for garnish

In a wine goblet, mix together Prosecco and Aperol with ice. Finish with a splash of soda water. Garnish with orange slice.

(Kara Newman is the author of "The Secret Financial Life of Food", available on >. Any opinions expressed are her own.) (Editing by Peter Myers)

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