Retail, Gifting and Tasting Events

As a sommelier and lifelong hospitality professional, i've spent a career building unforgettable experiences with authentic products. I apply this to tailored gifts and tasting events. My clients share an abiding love of the old world, Italy in particular, and wish to fold this into their everyday life.
The online shop is a seasonal selection of 50 labels of Italian wine, vermouth and Champagne, sourced from family-run wineries with uncompromising standards.
Education flows through everything I do. I currently teach classes at venues across the city and offer a monthly wine subscription visiting important regions across Italy.
SHOP INFO

  • paul@bottivino.com

  • 917.379.1773

  • follow me @bottivino

Where did the name "Bottivino” 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.

Paul Robinson

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 San Pablo, East Bay.