Terra Enoteca by Brunelli Ann Minciacchi Set within a 16th Century Palazzo in Fano.

Is there a better way to enjoy wine than among those who are also passionate about it? Designed by small Italian practice Brunelli Ann Minciacchi, Terra Enoteca is a bar and wine shop residing within a historical building refurbished with locally sourced materials. Consisting of two rooms, this humble interior is dedicated to introducing artisan wine and food in the most relaxed manner.

Located in Fano, a city within the Marche region of Italy, the winery is tucked inside the 16th century Palazzo Tomani Borgogelli. The existing masonry building is a part of the architecturally rich urban façade overlooking the intersection of Piazza Costanzi and Via Garibaldi and has undergone historical transformations in two different periods. These include a cloister and courtyard which can be seen from the alcove window stationed in the first room.

Brunelli Ann Minciacchi made very little disturbances to the existing interior. Aged doors at the entrance only had their hinges replaced, while the windows with rusted bars above remain untouched. Of the two spaces, the first area is drawn up by existing vaults repainted in white for a sophisticated touch. Though the brief requires the spaces to be reversible, the vaults feel like a natural integration into the interior of the bar – it’s a beautiful pattern to look at, but also an effective shell for music to circulate.

Maintaining a level of freshness, the architects selected a simple palette of white and green for the walls. Parts of the statement walls are green, and parts are lined with locally crafted Alpine Green Marble. Complementing the simple palette is a screen print of Enzo Mari’s Apple framed opposite of the low threshold between the two rooms. Overall, it’s a tasteful reminder of the vineyards, and the complementary green guarantees an accentuation of colour and taste of red wine.

The first area of the winery is grounded by the mossy forest green wine cellar. The bar counter is built in a similar fashion except for the green marble border denoting the classy Paffoni’s two counter sinks. Mutina’s Celosia textured terracotta tiles decorate the wine cellar and bar counter respectively. The unique v-shaped tiles form rows of intense waves, complementing the simple arrangement of the wine bottles.

The second room features bespoke oak tables and refurbished Thonet 811 chairs purchased from an antique market. Tall green cupboards line the back end of the room, disguising Edone designed toilets and additional storage. Along with Miniform’s Milk bar stools and carefully selected tiles from the first room, all of the furniture and materials are reflective of the past when things were made laboriously by hand. It’s an ensemble that melds nicely with the client’s mission to share artisan wine with rustic charm.

Good food, good company and good music will always make an excellent companion to a good drinking experience. But with added perfect imperfect moments and nods to the architecture’s history, Brunelli Ann Minciacchi have transformed wine appreciation into a unique experience for all senses. It’s not just about looking at the colour of the wine but enjoying the feel of the walls, the aroma and echoes of the conversations… Saluti to that!

[Images courtesy of Brunelli Ann Minciacchi. Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.]