How did we get our name, Navigli Italian Wines & Spirits?
The Navigli is a system of five canals in Milan designed and built between the 11th and 17th century and improved by Leonardo Da Vinci in around the 1400’s to enable the transportation of goods such as the marble used for building the Duomo, Milan’s famous gothic style cathedral.
At the beginning of the 1930’s the canals were partially covered over and today the Navigli has become one of Milan’s most vibrant nightlife districts with its many wine bars, cafes and characteristic Milanese restaurants.
We chose Navigli as the name for our wine company in honour of where we met and fell in love.
Just as the Navigli was used, historically, to transport goods, today Navigli Italian Wines and Spirits continues its mission but on a global scale!
All that remains is to wish you “buon viaggio” (have a good trip) along the banks of the Navigli and across the pages of our website.
Founder
Born and raised in Australia by Italian parents, it was commonplace while I was growing up to be surrounded by good food and wine.
As my passion for travel, languages, music, fashion, art and culture developed and wanting to discover my roots, in 1994 I moved to Italy where I immersed myself in the Italian culture and customs. Living and working in Milan and Rome, plus extensive travel throughout Europe ripened my interest in food and I learned to savour a glass of wine.
My interest was broadened further after I completed a wine course in Milan, then in 2009 I returned to Sydney where I completed (WSET) Wine & Spirits Education Trust certification in Wines & Spirits.
Having met Andrea in Milan, we quickly discovered our mutual passion for food and wine, which led to establishing Navigli, our boutique wine importing business, based in Sydney.
An essential part of our business is to keep up-to-date with new trends, so every year (Covid permitting!) we travel overseas to meet our producers, attend wine trade fairs and source and taste different wines. These trips enable us to keep abreast of frequent new wine releases and our customers often comment on the absolute passion we have for our business.
Founder
Born in the fashionable, trend-setting city of Milan where I lived for 38 years, I gained many years experience in the Italian wine industry selling various top quality brands.
Because the Milanese are an extremely discerning and demanding people who are always searching for perfection without necessarily wanting to an spend exorbitant amount, they make an excellent testing ground for wines.
In 2009 Louise and I relocated to Sydney where we have since tasted a great many amazing Australian wines. However, over time I realised I missed Italian wines for two main reasons:
1: Variety: Italy has over 2000 grape varieties and produces thousands of different wines, each evoking an infinite number of aromas, tastes and sensations.
2: Taste: Upon first taste, Italian wines may not be quite as immediate as Australian wines, because they have a complex yet balanced structure that perfectly combines with and complements food without overpowering it.
Being extremely passionate about Italy, I feel it’s my vocation to introduce the Australian public to many of the lesser-known varieties in order that they may discover there’s more to Italian wines than the popular Chianti, Pinot Grigio or Prosecco!
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