La Storia Vergani
The dream of a family
The over 130-year-old family business Vergani is one of the leading Swiss direct importers of Italian wines and grappas.
Wine connoisseurs will find real treasures and excellent advice in the wine shop and grapperia, which is run by the fifth generation. Whether in District 3 or on Löwenplatz. With the highest quality standards and the proverbial anima - the soul of a good wine - on the trail, the Vergani's and their employees maintain close relationships with the most important producers in Italy.
The company supplies a wide range of customers in the catering industry and offers private wine lovers the opportunity to embark on a completely individually tailored journey of discovery for fine wines online through its web shop, which has won the Swiss E-Commerce Award. Wine seminars and tasting events at Löwenplatz round off the offer.
Today's innovation is tomorrow's tradition. Our family has lived by this credo for 5 generations.
Vergani: 1892 to today
The first step
1892
In the 1980s - when the whole of Italy was looking for work - Carlo Vergani from Cisano-Bergamo set out on a journey. With the active support of his wife Adele, he opened a comestibles shop with Italian specialties at the current company headquarters in Zurich Wiedikon.
In the spirit of the founding years
1915 - 1920
The son Giovanni Vergani founded a wine import company with a winery, which his children Carlo and Vera joined in 1950.
A milestone in the history of Vergani
1950
Under our Nonno Carlo Vergani, the Vergani house experienced a very decisive phase. Friendliness and correctness, straightforwardness and perseverance characterized his personality. These attributes made many important producers his friends over the course of his life.
The first Grapperia in Switzerland
1975 - 1982
Nadia, Leila and Reto Vergani are the representatives of the 4th generation. Reto Vergani, the current Chairman of the Board of Directors, maintains close contact with producers and customers. Thanks to his passion for grappa and the constant search for undiscovered wine treasures, we can open the first Grapperia in Switzerland.
The 5th generation enters the business stage
2008
With Luca, a qualified wine technologist, Flavia, BA in communication and accounting, and Gianni Vergani, BA HSG and MA Bocconi, the new 5th generation is being introduced into the company. They will continue to cultivate the partnerships with our producers and customers.
New large warehouse in Stallikon
2020
After several years of planning, the new external warehouse with over a thousand pallet spaces is completed in Stallikon.
Thinking in Generations
2021
Vergani has received organic and Demeter certification and is committed to supporting winemakers who practice sustainable winegrowing. In addition, the company has reduced and offset its entire carbon footprint retroactively as of January 1, 2021 in order to offer its customers a climate-conscious enjoyment experience.
Grazie per 130 anni
2022
Thanks to you, our family business was able to celebrate its 130th anniversary.
Opening of the Concept Store at Löwenplatz
2023
Vergani opens the first concept store for Italian wines, where experience, design and love come together. Wine shop, wine bar, wine training and wine events: all under one roof. A meeting place. For existing and new customers. La Grande Bellezza .
Vino e Pane success story
2024
What began a good 12 years earlier with a good 20 guests, has already thrilled a good 2500 Amici in 2024. With wine, the best food and live Italian music, they transformed our courtyard and the central street into a festival site and provided magical moments and goosebumps.
The film
Find out all about our beginnings in the 19th century and the first 125 years of our company in 5 minutes.
video