After bringing an authentic taste of Italy to Melbourne for 70 years, the iconic specialty grocer and cellar Enoteca Sileno is closing its doors.
The family-run business that brought gelato and imported panettone to Melbourne will close on June 1, with products remaining online until sold out.
Co-directors John and Rosemary Portelli wrote on Facebook: ‘We have decided to step back from the day-to-day management of the business and allow ourselves to retire and dedicate time for ourselves and our families.’
The business was founded by Rosemary’s father Luigi ‘Gino’ Di Santo in 1953.
Gino arrived in Australia in 1952 as an assisted passage immigrant from the Molise region in Central Italy.
With an extensive business background and a family history in wine and food, he saw the potential in Australia for Italian products.
‘We have loved our lifetime dedicated to working at Enoteca Sileno, building on Gino’s legacy, showcasing the most amazing Italian artisan products,’ the Portellis wrote.
Enoteca Sileno was founded by Rosemary’s father Luigi ‘Gino’ Di Santo in 1953 (pictured, John and Rosemary Portelli)
Capitalising on the influx of Italian refugees in Melbourne, Mr Di Santo imported everything from baby food, coffee and wine into Australia
The Enoteca Sileno brand launched In 1982 with an ‘enoteca’, or wine repository open to the public on Amess Street in Carlton North
Capitalising on the influx of Italian refugees in Melbourne after World War II, Mr Di Santo imported everything from baby food, coffee and wine into Australia.
This was followed over the years by introducing Australians to Italian mineral water and importing coffee machines.
Other premium Italian produce imported into Australia included preserved vegetable, durum wheat pasta, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian liqueurs.
In 1955 Mr Di Santo brought the first Christmas Panettone cakes to Australia and in the 1960s introduced Melburnians to gelato.
The Portellis took over the family business 40 years ago.
‘We have each enjoyed over four decades in this adventure of Italian wine and food and are proud to have seen Australia’s love of great Italian gastronomy grow so vibrantly.’
The Enoteca Sileno brand launched In 1982 with an ‘enoteca’, or wine repository open to the public on Amess Street in Carlton North.
In 2004 Enoteca Sileno relocated to its current home on Lygon Street in Carlton North, featuring a restaurant that closed after a decade, to make more room for their Italian produce.
The Portellis wrote they are working with their producers, retailers, and clients to find alternative reputable representation in Australia and will continue to meet all of their commitments.
They wrote they are extremely grateful for the support of their customers.
‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has supported us over the past 70 years.’
