Thank you for all your support.
In 2024 Rosemary and John Portelli made the life-changing decision to transition the operations of Enoteca Sileno with a view to their retirement. Over the course of many months, they gradually bid farewell to the moving parts and valued contributors that made Enoteca Sileno a leader in Australia's Italian quality imports and hospitality industry. John and Rosemary's genuine operating practices and impeccable taste in food and wine will hopefully allow Enoteca Sileno to remain in the memories of our valued customers for years to come.
The Beginning
The story of Enoteca Sileno began with the arrival of migrants from Italy and other European countries after World War II. Luigi “Gino” Di Santo arrived in Australia 1952 as an assisted passage immigrant from the region of Molise in Central Italy. With an extensive background in business and a long family history in wine and food he quickly saw the potential in Australia for Italian products. In 1953 Gino was the first Italian immigrant to have a stand at the Melbourne Exhibition Building Home Show, where he displayed a Borletti portable sewing machine, Venetian glass from Murano and Italian cigars and cigarettes.
That same year Gino returned to Italy to secure the agency for La Cimbali espresso machines and in 1954 installed the first one in Cafè Lexington in Exhibition Street, Melbourne. He also became the agent for Universal Coffee Machines installing the first one in David Jones department store in Sydney in 1955.
Panettone, Plasmon & Pasta
Enoteca Sileno's first food imports began with Plasmon—Italy’s most famous brand of baby food—which was in high demand among young migrant mothers in Australia. In the following years, Gino, and later Rosemary & John, would introduce Australia to Italian mineral water, gelati-making machines (La Carpigiani), preserved vegetables such as artichokes and sundried tomatoes, durum wheat pasta, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and famous Italian liqueurs such as Amaro Ramazzotti and Amaretto di Saronno.
In 1955 Gino imported the first Christmas Panettone cakes (Alemagna brand) to Australia, having them packed in zinc-lined wooden crates to maintain their freshness.
Gino is also credited with importing the first “calcio-balilla” table football game to Australia, which was installed in the L’Europeo Espresso Bar in Lygon Street.
In the 1960s Gino also played an important role as an ambassador for Australian products in Italy. He exhibited Carlton Draught, Swan Lager and Australian tinned fruit at Italian International Food Fairs. He was also responsible for what is possibly the earliest exhibit of Indigenous Australian artefacts in Italy, with a display that included bark paintings, carvings and tools.
Amess St to Lygon St
The first Enoteca Sileno retail showroom was officially opened by the Italian Ambassador at 21 Amess Street, Carlton North on 30 June, 1982. It had been Gino’s dream to give Melbourne a genuine enoteca - a place where people could explore Italy’s vast collection of indigenous grape varieties and regional styles. The shop attracted lovers of Italian food and wine from all over Australia and many customers still remember the cramped and cluttered Amess Street store with great affection.
In 2004 John and Rosemary opened Enoteca Sileno in 920 Lygon St. They had transformed the old Rising Sun Hotel pub building into an Italian gastronomic paradise which included a high-end restaurant that showcased their imported products, a cooking school and gourmet food providore.
John would travel to Italy every year to meet with suppliers and hunt for new fantastic products. Rosemary worked tirelessly to keep things humming operationally, and most recently their son Daniel was instrumental in managing technological and operational upgrades for the business over the last decade.
John and Rosemary's knowledge of regional Italian food and uncompromising ethos made a profound impact on Australia's gastronomic landscape over the last 40 years. We are proud of what was accomplished and so happy to have a rest. Salute!
Vintage View Wine Storage
Enoteca Sileno was the Australian agent for Vintage View wine storage solutions for over two decades. Architects, builders and home wine cellar enthusiasts would seek John's expertise on constucting sleek, contemporary wine cellar designs using the sturdy components from Vintage View. The label-forward design was especially favoured by restaurants for easy viewing and cataloguing.
