Since opening last October in San Diego’s Bay Park neighborhood, Romanella Cucina Romana has quickly established itself as a destination for authentic Italian cuisine. Created by chef and restaurateur Vincenzo Loverso, whose culinary journey began at age 14 as a pastry chef in his native Palermo, Romanella recently celebrated an important milestone with its first-ever wine dinner, a sold-out evening featuring iconic Tuscan producer Ruffino Wines.
Co-owner Gio Gargano and manager Giancarlo Guttilla ensured flawless execution for the 55 guests in attendance. Elevating the significance of the event was the presence of Sandro Sartor, Ruffino president and managing director, who was in the United States from Tuscany on a two-week business trip, joined by Caterina Corvino, Ruffino’s director and brand ambassador for North America. Throughout the evening, the pair shared Ruffino’s rich history while providing tasting notes and insights into each wine pairing.
Prior to dinner, I had the opportunity to spend time with Sartor discussing Ruffino’s remarkable history, a conversation I look forward to continuing next year during a planned visit to the winery in Tuscany. Founded in 1877 by cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, the winery became the official supplier to the Kingdom of Italy, introduced the first Chianti exported to the United States, and later secured the first DOCG certification strip issued for Chianti. Today, Ruffino remains one of Italy’s most respected wine producers…