The Enoteca Sileno, a renowned Italian store that has been operating in Melbourne for over 70 years, is set to close its doors.
The business was founded by Luigi Di Santo, who was an Italian immigrant.
His daughter, Rosemary Portelli, and her husband, John, have managed it for the last 40 years.
The restaurant will close its doors on June 1. The couple decided to retire after they both reach their 70th birthday.
The Enoteca has been a vital part of the Italian food scene in Australia, and their joint statement said their journey had been an epic adventure.
The Portellis noted that their passion for the Italian food scene in Australia grew from their humble origins.
They also praised the many talented individuals who work in the local market. The Enoteca will continue to sell its products online until they run out of stock.
Apart from importing various food items, the store was known for its strong connections with Italian suppliers.
During the Christmas season, the Enoteca Sileno caught the public’s attention due to its selection of unique items, such as panforte and rare Italian chocolates.
During the 1950s, Luigi Di Santo started importing various equipment and goods from Italy, such as espresso machines and gelati makers.
After establishing the store in 1982, it was regarded as the first establishment in the country that specialized in Italian wines.
The store relocated to its current location on Lygon St in 2004. The original address of the Amess St property, which has been owned by the Portelli family for over half a century, was put on the block in 2019. Despite the closure of the Enoteca, the family still plans on continuing to work in the business world. They will continue to import and distribute products and expand their wine storage business, Vintage View.