From Milan to London: The Journey Behind Vitiamo's Italian Wine Selection

Meet Antonio Volpi: The Visionary Behind Vitiamo

When you browse through Vitiamo's expertly curated selection of Italian wines, each bottle represents not just the terroir of its origin, but also the passionate journey of the company's founder, Antonio Volpi. A Milanese entrepreneur with an eye for quality and authenticity, Antonio has transformed his love for Italian wine into a thriving business that brings the best of his homeland to wine enthusiasts across the UK.

Fashion Beginnings in Milan

Antonio's story begins in the fashion capital of Italy. At just 23, he found himself working as an assistant to a fashion photographer in Milan, immersed in a world of creativity and style. "It was an exciting time," Antonio reflects. "I learned so much about the industry and met some incredible people."

Despite the glamour and opportunity of Milan's fashion scene, Antonio felt a persistent calling toward something different. This intuition led him to a position at a luxury shoe boutique on the prestigious Via della Spiga, one of Milan's most iconic shopping streets. Yet, even surrounded by Italian craftsmanship and luxury, Antonio yearned for more.

The Spanish Turning Point

The pivotal moment in Antonio's journey came through a spontaneous decision – the kind that often shapes our greatest adventures. When a friend suggested taking over a seasonal bar in Spain, Antonio didn't hesitate. "Without thinking twice, I said yes," he recalls.

This leap of faith took him to the idyllic island of Formentera, where he spent two transformative years. The bar venture proved successful, but more importantly, it kindled what would become Antonio's lifelong passion: wine. Among the sun-drenched Spanish landscapes, the seed of Vitiamo was unknowingly planted.

London Calling: A Wine Education

Driven by a desire for personal growth and the challenge of learning English, Antonio's next chapter unfolded in London. Beginning as a bartender in a restaurant, he found himself increasingly captivated by the world of wine.

"The more I learned, the more fascinated I became," Antonio shares. "I was drawn to the stories behind the wines, the people who made them, and the way a single bottle could bring so much joy and connection."

Over the years, Antonio cultivated relationships throughout London's vibrant restaurant scene. Owners, sommeliers, and importers became both mentors and friends, generously sharing their knowledge and fueling his growing passion.

Building Vitiamo: From Dream to Reality

Ten years ago, equipped with industry insights and unwavering determination, Antonio began investing his savings toward his vision. While maintaining his full-time work, he meticulously built the foundation for what would become Vitiamo.

In 2018, that vision officially materialized with the launch of Vitiamo – a name derived from the Italian "viticoltura" (viticulture) and "amore" (love), reflecting Antonio's dedication to both the science and passion of winemaking.

Today, Vitiamo stands as a testament to Antonio's journey. His team scours Italy's renowned vineyards, hand-selecting exceptional wines that represent the diversity and excellence of Italian winemaking tradition. Each bottle in Vitiamo's collection carries not just the distinct character of its region, but also Antonio's commitment to quality and authenticity.

The Continuing Journey

What began as a curious spark during those Spanish summers has evolved into a thriving business that connects wine lovers with Italy's finest vintages. Antonio's story embodies the spirit of Vitiamo: passion, authenticity, and the belief that every great wine tells a story worth sharing.

For Antonio, the journey continues. With each new vineyard discovered and relationship forged, Vitiamo's selection grows not just in number but in depth and character – hand-selected and delivered to your door, bringing a taste of Italy's rich winemaking heritage to tables across the UK.