A new retail experience, Vini e Capricci (Wines and Whims), has opened within Abraham’s complex at the Gozitano Agricultural Village in Xewkija, Gozo.
The place, whose interior décor was entrusted to designer Paul Stellini, is divided into three main sections. On entering, one finds an array of coffee, teas and chocolate confectionery on display, including Saquella premium coffee, Guido Gobino premium quality, artisanal chocolate and confectionery, which can be bought by weight, and other dry food products, including dry pasta from Gragnano by Pastificio dei Campi and Alfieri.
Fresh pasta from Surgital is available over the counter in the second section, together with a selection of cured meats and cheeses. The delicatessen counter also offers antipasti and delicacies.
Genuine Gozitan products, including oil, conserves, wines and liqueurs, are also on display, along with a selection of Italian olive oils by Cuffrol and Poiana. A feature in this section is that one can bring one’s own bottle and have it filled with Gozo olive oil fresh from a stainless steel vat.
The third section includes a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages. There are no fewer than 12 brands of high-quality Belgian beer. The wine cellar contains over a 1,000 wines divided according to geographical region.
Vini e Capricci also offers a range of grappas, single-malt whiskies, Armagnacs, special rums and Calvados.
Extensive use has been made, especially in the wine cellar, of Gozo stone, sourced from the same quarry in Qala as the finishing blocks of the Valletta Parliament buildings.
Above the wine cellar is a multi-function room that may be used to host media launches, art exhibitions and pairings of food, wine and art. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen that may be used for seminars, demonstration purposes and to provide assistance to local restaurants for catering demonstrations.
A large 55-inch flat screen TV has been placed above the open kitchen so that guests can see close-ups of the food being prepared and any other visual content that needs to be shown.
This room, finished with American Pecan parquet flooring, and walnut doors and panelling, can host 26 people seated on four long tables. Alternatively, the room may be set up in theatre-style seating or cabaret table seating, depending on the occasion.
Vini e Capricci is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. For more information, visit www.abrahams.com.mt.