Ambrosi & Sons Celebrates Grand Opening at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt, Bringing Authentic Italian Culinary Tradition and Boutique Wines to Southwest Florida
Ambrosi & Sons, an Italian specialty retail store and wine bar dedicated to celebrating the true culture of Italy, is now open at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt. Located at 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Units 602 & 604, the concept introduces a refined yet approachable destination where guests can experience authentic, artisanal food and wine sourced from small, family-owned producers across Italy.
Blending a thoughtfully curated Italian marketplace with a relaxed wine bar, Ambrosi & Sons invites guests to taste, learn, and discover products rarely found in traditional retail settings. Rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and family heritage, the concept offers a modern interpretation of Italian culinary culture while staying true to its origins.
“At Ambrosi & Sons, we believe that great food and wine come from passionate farmers, artisans, and vintners who dedicate themselves to quality and authenticity,” said owner Rudy Ambrosi. “Our goal is to create a space where people can connect over a glass of wine, through conversation, and by experiencing the incredible diversity of Italian cuisine through our curated Italian specialties.”
The Ambrosi family’s deep connection to Italy, particularly the regions of Trentino and Sardinia, serves as the foundation of the brand. Through longstanding personal relationships, the store offers rare access to boutique wines, including small Sardinian producers often only available locally in Italy or at select Michelin-starred restaurants. Family ties in Trentino also provide access to historic wines crafted by generations of winemakers.
Food and wine have always been central to the Ambrosi family’s way of life, shaped by large gatherings, shared meals, and extensive travel throughout Italy. This heritage is reflected in every aspect of the store, from its product selection to its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
That same philosophy extends to its sourcing approach. Ambrosi & Sons partners with small Italian producers who often lack access to large distribution channels, giving customers the opportunity to experience exceptional, small-batch products made with integrity and care. Each item is carefully selected for its authenticity, clean ingredients, and adherence to traditional production methods.
The retail offering includes premium Italian staples such as estate-produced extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, specialty pastas, cheeses, risotto rice, authentic San Marzano tomatoes, and charcuterie essentials. Signature products include boutique Italian wines, frozen artisan ravioli, premium dried pasta, and specialty pantry items sourced directly from Italy. Featured producers include Rustichella d’Abruzzo, Filotea, and Pastosa, alongside specialty offerings such as Gennari Parmigiano Reggiano, Frescobaldi olive oil, Leonardi aged balsamic vinegar, and Sclafani pantry staples. Many items, such as guanciale, Umbrian lentils, Puglian taralli, and artisanal flours, are difficult to find elsewhere.
In addition, Ambrosi & Sons continues a five-generation family tradition of knife sharpening, a craft dating back to the Ambrosi family’s roots in New York’s Lower East Side in the early 1900s.
Balancing those time-honored traditions with a modern sensibility, the concept is anchored by a vibrant wine bar offering a rotating selection of nearly 20 Italian wines by the glass. Using an innovative wine dispensing system, guests can enjoy tasting pours or full glasses, encouraging exploration of boutique vineyards and lesser-known regions.
The wine program emphasizes small producers and natural growing practices, with selections rotating regularly while maintaining a few signature favorites. The experience blends education with social interaction, embracing Italy’s aperitivo culture in a relaxed, elevated setting. Guests are encouraged to explore, engage with knowledgeable staff, and enjoy a genuine sense of community.
Looking ahead, Ambrosi & Sons plans to expand its offerings to include house-made items such as fresh pasta and prepared foods, as well as grab-and-go selections—continuing its commitment to authentic Italian culinary craftsmanship.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Gift cards are available, and a wine club will be available soon offering exclusive, rare, limited-production wines through two membership tiers - Nobile and Superiore - with seasonal releases in the spring and fall.
About Ambrosi & Sons
Ambrosi & Sons is an Italian specialty retail store and wine bar dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the real culture of Italian through authentic, artisanal food and wine from small family-owned producers across Italy. Created by longtime Naples resident Rudy Ambrosi, Ambrosi & Sons works with small Italian producers who often lack access to large distribution channels, giving customers the opportunity to experience exceptional products rarely found in traditional retail settings or restaurants. They continue a five-generation family tradition of knife sharpening, a craft dating back to the Ambrosi family’s roots in New York’s Lower East Side in the early 1900s. Ambrosi & Sons is located at Shoppes at Vanderbilt at 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Units 602 & 604 and is open daily from 9am to 6pm. For more information visit www.AmbrosiandSons.com or 239-304-9782.