VCC is a family owned company with deep roots in Italian culinary history in Australia for over 50 years. My name is Secondo Vico - alias Sam Vico born in 1960, second son of pioneering kitchen dynamos Lina and Onorato ‘Ciccio’ Vico in Melbourne and Brisbane dating back to the 1950’s and early 60’s. In their time of being Restaurateurs, they opened Cortina Bar and Piccolo Mondo in Bourke st Melbourne. Milano Restaurant, Queens st Brisbane and Cortina Bar Whickham st The Valley. Later established Belvedere Restaurant and La Scala Restaurant in Griffith NSW in the 1970’s. We are one of the first Families to have introduced Italian Cuisine to Australia, that has now become a legacy that lives on throughout today’s dining scene.

At a young age a Chef was born, having been brought up in the industry the love of food ran through my veins. After being part of the family business for all my life I left in the mid 80’s to live in Italy for a couple of years with my wife Olga, together we lived ‘La Dolce Vita’ and settled seamlessly into the Italian lifestyle taking in all the flavors and culture Italy had to offer. By day I learned the Art of pastry making and worked under one of Northern Italy’s most esteemed Master Pasticciere in Bassano Del Grappa. An Art form only passed down by generation and kept within the family, we became good friends and I looked up to him with an eagerness to learn and much respect. We returned to Griffith in 1987 with a passion in our hearts for all things Italian and established Our own Pasticceria & Gastronomia ‘Bassano’ and later, a second establishment 2 doors up - Our Restaurant ‘Bassano’ During these years we won many prestigious awards, and set the standard for dining in Regional NSW, being the only Restaurant in country Australia to have been awarded six consecutive years with a SMH ‘one hat ‘ a rare honor in the 1990s. I was asked to be a member of the Federation of Italian Chefs in Australia, and have appeared on cooking shows on SBS and ABC television and radio, as well as featured in magazines and published books.

Since establishing ‘Dolce Dolce’ Cafe and Restaurant in 2004 together with my wife Olga and daughters Sofia and Giulia we have remained true to our roots and our love of La Vera Cucina Italiana. Nothing makes me happier than having my beautiful wife and daughters along with friends at the table, sharing stories having debates and laughing together, enjoying the spectacular food and wine that we are lucky enough to call our every day fare.

Throughout our lives, the wine that has accompanied our food continues to play a meaningful role and we have watched with interest the Italian wine industry grow, being what we are - Italo Australians. All of the wines we have chosen to sell online, are a reflection of our own personality- no snobbery. For us it’s about the wines assured quality versus the price, we understand and want to reflect the terroir in the glass. We have chosen a wide selection of wines to purchase at your convenience and also offer a monthly mixed box subscription to suit everyone, from the beginner to the aficionado.

There is no doubt Italian wine varieties are making an impact on the world stage and everyone in the wine world is asking, ‘what is the next newest wine to come out of Italy?’ We at VCC know that there has never been a better time for the Australian public to enjoy such a diverse range of tastes and styles, from new players in the industry as well as the old guard. Most of the wines we offer are well known and accredited by ‘Gambero Rosso’ Italia, now in its 32nd year of publication- the bible of Italian wine lovers.

We are serious and passionate about all our wines, Enjoy!