Nicolo Bennati Merged Wine And Art To Create The Newest Social Hot Spot In Miami

Wine bars have been around for decades but used to be more of a novelty. Considering the United States is ranked number one for wine volume consumption, it is evident why wine bars are popping up like corner bodegas. These drinking spots appeal to the mid-twenty-something-year-olds and far beyond because it serves a reputation for maturity. Wine bars are not typical bars where people are fighting to get a drink or acting disorderly. No, wine bars breathe class and elegance, and the people that gravitate towards this specific type of establishment tend to be more convivial. That is probably a byproduct of the warm, comfortable, relaxed, yet whimsical vibe of a wine bar. By the end of this month,

Nicolo Bennati, a member of the Marzotto family, famously known for their production of Santa Margherita, will open Ccool in Miami, Florida. Bennati, a Miami native, decided it was time to offer his city an experience unlike any other.

Bennati and co-owner Nickolas Conde partnered with Rudolf Budja, a successful gallery owner, to infuse art into their venue. Ccool is a fresh flare on a classic city staple because it will allow customers to enjoy their beverages while admiring the works of old and new artists. Bennati, Conde and Budja hand-selected pieces from Budja’s gallery, including work from RETNA, Noah Becker, Andy Warhol, Nychos, and Jeff Koons. So, maybe after the wine flights or bottles recommended by Bennati, you will feel bold enough to take home more than a buzz because these pieces are for sale.

“I have been in the business for years and received my sommelier certification in the process of traveling all over the world to gain access to distribute every brand in the world,” Bennati said. “I have tasted wines from nearly every major vineyard and hand-selected Ccool’s wine list myself. We offer over 100 brands by the glass, but our list of bottles for purchase is much more extensive. I wanted to maintain the basics of a traditional wine bar, but add a unique experience, and since I am an avid art buyer and Rudolf saw mine and Conde’s vision, it clicked.”

The Miami native bonded with Budja and Conde over their love of wine and art. They decided to merge their industries for a cultural journey. For centuries art and wine have paired well; at gallery showings, an alcoholic beverage is nearly always served, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres. The concept has been prevalent but not properly executed. Ccool is essentially a gallery with a full kitchen and exquisite wine cellar. This space emerges people into an unpredictable feel, much like the first sip of a flavorful glass of wine.

“I believe the atmosphere, food, wine, everything about Ccool will speak for itself and will keep people coming back,” Bennati said. “Also, I am always branching out and researching new wines to incorporate into my selection. Our features and art will be different so that it never gets repetitive. I am learning much about the new world and the wines developed today, especially the biodynamic ones. I like experimenting with these because I enjoy that you can drink those wines and never feel any type of sickness.”

Ccool really has it all…serving wines that eliminate the hangover, that is elite. Also, for those who are not wine enthusiasts, Ccool celebrates hybrid vigor and will have a full bar selection. Ccool is set to open at the end of this month and is located at 1330 18th street off Dade Boulevard.