Our Story
The Heart BehindVinum Cena
The Founder
Born in Bari. Shaped by Florence. Brought to your table.
Born in Bari, Italy, and now dividing his time between Florence, Italy, and Chatham, New Jersey, Raffaele founded Vinum Cena with a simple mission:
To introduce Americans to the extraordinary wines that most Italians never let leave their villages.
Throughout the year, Raffaele travels across Italy, meeting families, walking vineyards, tasting vintages, and discovering exceptional boutique wineries that rarely export beyond their local communities.
Every wine is personally selected — not because of a famous label, but because of the people, passion, and story behind it.
A Personal Experience, Every Time
When Raffaele is in Italy, the experience never misses a beat.
When Raffaele is in the United States, he personally hosts many of our private wine dinners and tasting experiences.
When he's in Italy searching for the next remarkable winery, your evening is led by one of our carefully selected Vinum Cena Wine Ambassadors.
These hosts are personally trained by Raffaele and share the same passion for Italian culture, hospitality, and storytelling. They don't simply pour wine — they guide guests through the regions, traditions, and families behind every bottle, ensuring every Vinum Cena experience reflects the warmth and authenticity on which our company was built.
Whether your evening is hosted by Raffaele or one of our trusted ambassadors, you'll receive the same personalized attention, exceptional wines, and unforgettable experience.
01
Authenticity
Every wine we bring to your table comes from a family that has been making wine for generations — not a corporation, not a brand. A family.
02
Intimacy
Our events are small by design. We believe the best experiences happen around a table where everyone can hear each other's stories.
03
Family
You don't simply become a guest. Every person who shares a Vinum Cena evening becomes part of something larger — a community built on wine, warmth, and Italy.