136 Years of History, 4,700 Labels, and the Professionalism of the Sommelier Team Define the Global Oenological Benchmark
As Vinitaly reaches the milestone of the 58th edition, Antica Bottega del Vino celebrates 136 years of history under the current name—dating to 1890—though the roots of the establishment extend to the 16th century, during the era of the Venetian Republic. The institution represents a temporal constant in Veronese hospitality, serving as an essential landmark for producers and professionals. While the international exhibition consolidates the role as a platform for global trends, the aforementioned venue remains a certainty within a market characterized by rapid transformations.
A Legacy of Prestige: From the Sterzi Brothers to the Famiglie Storiche
The path toward global recognition began in 1890 with the Sterzi Brothers, who established the 19th-century style, warm and characteristic, which remains visible today. At the time, the Bottega became a a crossroad for the cultural scene. Umberto Boccioni, a leading figure of Futurism, was a regular patron, alongside the painter Angelo Dall’Oca Bianca, the poet Lionello Fiumi, and the journalist Renato Simoni.
The rooms echoed with the voices of Nobel laureate Giosuè Carducci and the visionary Gabriele D’Annunzio. International figures such as Ezra Pound frequented the establishment, while the proximity to the Arena drew legends of the opera world, including Maria Callas and Beniamino Gigli. Writers such as Riccardo Bacchelli sought refuge here after hours spent in local newsrooms or artistic studios, creating an unparalleled intellectual atmosphere.
In 1957, management passed to the Rizzo-Grigolo family, who focused on high-quality dining. A crucial turning point occurred in 1987 with the arrival of Severino Barzan, a charismatic figure who elevated the depth of the cellar and later exported the Bottega model to New York with partner Giovanni Pascucci. Since 2010, ownership has resided with the Famiglie Storiche (Historical Families)—Allegrini, Begali, Bertani, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, and Zenato. These thirteen iconic Amarone producers acquired the site to safeguard the oenological tradition and cultural heritage.
The Vault of Wonders: 4,700 Labels and 18,000 Bottles
The impeccable professionalism of the Sommelier team ensures the management of a cellar containing over 18,000 bottles representing a selection of 4,700 labels. The oenological heritage includes historical verticals of inestimable value, with particular focus on rare vintages of Amarone and great Veronese reds produced by the owning families.
Among the rarest labels sought by international connoisseurs are world icons such as selections from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, rare Champagnes from prestigious houses, and the great names of Italian collecting including Sassicaia, Monfortino by Giacomo Conterno, and the historical reserves of Biondi-Santi. Such depth allowed the venue to obtain, continuously since 2003, the Grand Award from Wine Spectator, the highest global recognition for a wine list, following specific attention from the magazine since 1996.
Familial and High-Performance Hospitality
Familial hospitality underpins the rigorous coordination required to manage the peak volumes of the fair. Supported by a core team of 28—expanding beyond 40 during Vinitaly—meticulous planning begins months in advance to ensure service consistency. During the four days of the exhibition, the rhythm remains intense: approximately 1,500 bottles are uncorked every twenty-four hours, resulting in over 9,000 glasses poured daily. Such operational scale manages the arrival of over 120,000 annual guests without compromising the historical identity of the venue.
“Vinitaly represents a significant responsibility: satisfying the expectations of a demanding international audience,” notes Luca Nicolis, Director of Antica Bottega del Vino. “In a complex market, the objective remains to be a stable point where producers and patrons find coherence and depth.”
As the engines for the 2026 edition are already running, Antica Bottega del Vino—also present in the new location in Cortina d’Ampezzo—confirms its status as a temple of fine drinking, proving authentic excellence remains indifferent to the passage of centuries.
Photo Courtesy of Antica Bottega del Vino