CURATE.APPRECIATE.CELEBRATE.
OUR VISION
A journey of discovery awaits – the Grand Cru wine selection is focused on our favourite European winemakers, both small producers and the most revered within the wine world. Explore the vineyards of Europe and enjoy broadening your tastes to beyond the familiar varietals and methods that dominate everyday wine choices.
FRANK CIORCIARI
Frank’s 25-year love affair with hospitality has encompassed a journey of hard work, passion & humility. From humble beginnings at a local restaurant, the industry has taken him around the world and back again to his roots in Melbourne.
Frank’s passion for all things European has created Settebello Restaurant (Glen Waverley), Riserva (East Malvern), and Baia Di Vino (Sandringham), restaurants that are known for their diverse pan-European menus and much-admired wine lists.
Grand Cru wines give Frank the opportunity to share his experience of the great and renowned wines of Europe through a trusted experience, presenting a curated selection of wines, coupled with the values of great service and value for money. “There is no doubt that a great wine makes life better and that’s what Grand Cru is all about.”
PETER & ELVIS CHIARAVALLE
With a combined 50 years of experience in hospitality, brothers Peter and Elvis have won over an enviable clientele who appreciate the true old-style professional and personalized service. From their early days at Cheralini’s (Camberwell), Sapore (St Kilda), and Settebello Restaurant (Glen Waverley), this duo live and breathe good food and wine.
Peter and Elvis also have a true appreciation of fine wine with a bias towards the great wines of Europe which can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. They are often heard debating the attributes of a French Chablis v Chardonnay.
Grand Cru wines present a selection of their favorite wines – individually tasted and carefully selected. “We noticed a real gap in the market for well priced, ready to drink, quality European wines,” says Peter. “Many online stores offer cheap wines, but we are all about making quality European wines accessible to all and available to share and enjoy in the comfort of your home”.
ANTHONY SILVESTRE
Anthony’s hospitality journey began over 10 years ago under the tutelage of Frank, Peter & Elvis during which time he developed a true and authentic appreciation of all things food & wine.
His experiences saw him entrenched in many facets of the industry across the Melbourne hospitality scene. But it was after a trip to Italy’s northern wine regions where Anthony’s fascination and passion for European wines truly flourished. “This experience really opened my eyes to how apparent it was that wine, winemaking, and viniculture was intertwined in their everyday lives, it completely changed the way I regarded wine, food, and life in general.”
Grand Cru wines not only appreciate and highlights the vast selection of amazing wines and winemakers across Europe, but it allows Anthony and the team to share the joy and the whole experience of this world of wine – to open the door to these great cellars and tell the story behind them. “We want Grand Cru to create meaningful, unforgettable moments. It’s not just about what’s in the bottle – it’s about the story, the people, and the environment you enjoy it in.”
DANIEL GALEA
With over 20 years of experience in importing and distribution in high performance goods, and a deep appreciation for consumer behaviour in the luxury goods and services sector, Daniel prides himself on his superior client servicing and people skills.
When Daniel made the move into the Melbourne Real Estate market almost 10 years ago, his professionalism and success earned him National award winning Auctioneer status – a testament to his commitment to always put the customer first.
The opportunity to join the Grand Cru team to spearhead logistics and customer service has excited Daniel to no end. “Consolidating my skills and passion into the premium wine space feels like a natural complement to my craft. Growing up I was spoilt by my Nann’s Maltese cooking, and I would be lying if I said European food and wine is not my weakness! Grand Cru brings me the best of both worlds.”
VIVIAN
RANDAZZO
Vivian’s background in Marketing began at Global Retail Brands, one of the largest retail companies in Australia. After 20 years of creating, nurturing and consolidating numerous high profile brands in the homewares and lifestyle sector, she made the move into consulting and has worked with some well known names in food retail and hospitality including LaManna and Sons, and Brunetti Oro.
With a good understanding of branding and the customer journey, Vivian did not hesitate when asked to bring the Grand Cru dream and vision to life. “A love for creating a brand as unique and premium as Grand Cru was so appealing, and making these amazing wines available to all wine drinkers has made it even more exciting. It would be a shame to keep this a secret. After all, drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures” Vivian loves nothing more than a great glass of wine or two enjoyed with good company, something she feels that Grand Cru will engender in all its customers.
