Welcome to Bottivino, a retail and hospitality business by sommelier Paul Robinson.

The online shop is a tightly curated selection of wines paired to the flavors of the season. I work with small family-run wineries who care deeply for the land and consumer health. I offer a monthly wine subscription visiting important regions across Italy.
As a sommelier and lifelong hospitality professional, I've spent a career building authentic beverage experiences. I apply this approach to business hospitality with branded gifts and tailored events.

Paul Robinson

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Where does the name come from?

Bottivino roughly translates to “wine cask”. The name is in reference to large vessels coopered with wood from the forests of France or Eastern Europe. ‘Botti’ are used by some of the world’s great winemakers to shape and elevate the expression of their wines. I spent time visiting cooperages in Italy, charting the process from forest to barrel. I am drawn to wines aged in these great vessels.

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I have been been in hospitality for almost 20 years. My career began in the private events business in NYC. I worked for Splashlight Studios (fashion photography + events), Danny Meyer's Hudson Yards and Daniel Belud's Feast and Fetes. As a freelance captain/maitre d, I led large-scale galas, product launches, expansive multi-course dinners and fashion events across the city. After a meaningful trip to Italy, I pursued certification as a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. I then moved into restaurants full-time, first in Yountville then to SF, where I led an extensive wine and cheese program at a local Italian restaurant Chiaroscuro under chef Alessandro Campitelli. I returned to NYC after several years to work as a sommelier for the acclaimed restaurant Del Posto. After, I led an educational program of classes and events at New York Vintners, an experience that would plant the seed for a future business. CA beckoned my return and I opened Bottivino while working as a sommelier for various retailers and restaurants. Today, I curate gift and event experiences for business, run a bottle shop and teach classes.
I am a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a member of the Cavalieri del Tartufo e Dei Vini di Alba. I currently live in Marin and work out of an office/warehouse in the East Bay.