Let’s face it: if you’re in North Beach, you’re probably there for some of the best trattorias, pizzerias and cafes in the city but soon, you might also find yourself gravitating to Convivium Enoteca. This new Italy-centric wine bar is currently under construction at 516 Green St., where it is also waiting for approval of a beer and wine license.
Convivium Enoteca is brought to us by Sofia Scarpone, who told What Now San Francisco via phone call this week that she hopes to be open this fall. Scarpone is no stranger to the industry, having grown up in a world of wine and hospitality.
Her father is Italian-born Lorenzo Scarpone, who built a career as a sommelier working in the finest Italian restaurants of London and San Francisco. The latter is where he and his wife raised Sofia and her siblings, and also where he founded Villa Italia in 1989 to import and distribute obscure regional artisan Italian wines throughout the U.S.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Sofia worked on and off for several years at A16 in the Marina District, in between stints living in Rome. Returning to San Francisco, she opened specialty Italian grocery Sotto Casa in late 2019 which, of course, was bad timing.
Despite the short-lived venture, Sofia still wanted to find a way to bring her heritage and passion for Italy’s wine and food culture to the city she grew up in. Convivium Enoteca is her answer. It will primarily pour wines, beers, and bubbles imported from Italy, though Sofia does have a few local offerings in mind that speak to her story.
There will also be a small bites menu featuring regional cheeses, meats, and produce. The 1,350-square foot space will be able to accommodate around 40 to 50 guests in the main dining area and bar, but there will also be two private dining rooms on reserve.
Convivium Enoteca is meant to be a space where people can be together and enjoy food, wine and friends — or as the Italians say, cibo, vino e amici. Follow @conviviumenoteca on Instagram for updates and more information.
