Fiore del Vino, a women-owned wine window inspired by the historic buchette del vino of Florence, is set to open in September at 1121 L Street, Suite 101, in downtown Sacramento, just a couple of steps away from the State Capitol. Co-owner Melea Martinez told What Now Sacramento that the concept name means “flowers and wine” in Italian, and they will serve a curated selection of European and local wines, beers, and artisan small bites through a walk-up window with a spacious patio for guests to settle in and linger.
“It’s gonna be a great concept for sure,” Martinez said. “We’re right there by the Capitol, in between so many businesses. We’re going to have a great happy hour, glasses of wine, bottles of wine, great bites.”
The wine window format traces back centuries to Florence, where family-owned vineyards used small openings carved into the walls of their homes to sell wine directly to passersby. The tradition faded over time but was famously revived during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Florentine wine bars began using their historic windows for contactless service. Fiore del Vino is bringing that same spirit to Sacramento with its own modern twist.
Behind the concept are three women whose combined backgrounds make for the perfect, balanced team for exactly this kind of venture. Suzanne Ricci brings decades of restaurant industry experience and a deep commitment to hospitality. Melea Martinez has spent years building business relationships throughout the East Sacramento community. And Sheena Takher contributes expertise in event management, design, and marketing, giving the brand its visual identity and creative direction.
Together, they have created more than a place to enjoy wine—they’ve created a destination where guests can step away from the pace of the day, slow down, and unwind. Whether you’re stopping in after work or gathering with friends. Fiore del Vino plans to operate Monday through Friday, 11 am to approximately 6 pm, making it a natural destination for state workers, lobbyists, and downtown regulars.
