Portland's Cinque Terre Launches Vignola, New Osteria In Historic Old Port

The owners of Cinque Terre, the popular Portland restaurant known for its authentic take on Italian cuisine and its Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, today announced the launch of "Vignola," their new Italian-themed restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Portland's historic Old Port neighborhood. Based on Italy's casual osterie and popular wine bars, Vignola celebrates its opening on July 7th, beginning at 5:00 pm. The new osteria features a first-rate international wine selection along with Italian cheeses, cured meats, stone hearth oven-baked pizzas, and numerous other shared plates.

Vignola, which means "little vine," takes its name from a small town in Italy's heartland known for its food culture. Vignola will continue Cinque Terre's trademark focus on an authentic Italian experience, and will use the best seasonal ingredients, and organic, naturally grown items from local Maine farmers, suppliers and producers.

"Cities and villages throughout Italy are known for their enoteca and osteria culture, where locals gather to relax and catch up in a low-key atmosphere, to enjoy a glass of wine, and to sample delicious antipasti," said Lee Skawinski, Co-Owner/Chef of Vignola and Cinque Terre. "We're excited that we'll be able to offer this same experience to Portland residents and visitors."

Skawinski looks forward to introducing patrons to wines and a selection of hand-crafted European beers not currently available in Portland. The restaurant will highlight the marriage of food and drink, so consistently prevalent in everyday Italian life. "Our wine and beer selection will showcase varietals from around the world that aren't available anywhere else in New England. We're really looking forward to sharing these 'secret finds.'"

The welcoming interior of Vignola was designed by Boston-based C & J Katz Studios. "Vignola will have a laid-back, European feel, one that we envision suiting everyone from dinner dates and business diners, to patrons who are new to the world of wine, to seasoned connoisseurs who stop by to enjoy a late-afternoon aperitivo," Skawinski noted. "In this new setting, we'll be able to maximize our still-growing connections with importers and food artisans who continue to introduce us to top-tier Italian cheeses, olive oils, vinegars and, of course, wines and spirits - items that play such a prominent role in everyday Italian living. We invite people to visit us to experience the exciting flavors, aromas and unique ambiance of Vignola."

Vignola is located at 10 Dana Street, and initially will be open from 5:00 pm until midnight, seven days per week. Lunch service will be added in the months ahead.

Gourmet Magazine, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Down East Magazine, The Portland Press Herald and Portland Phoenix already consider Cinque Terre as one of Portland's "Must-Dine" experiences, and Vignola is sure to follow suit. Serving dinner nightly. For reservations at Vignola, call (207) 772-1330. For reservations at Cinque Terre, call (207) 347-6154. www.cinqueterremaine.com

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