Our history
Panebianco, which is located in the dynamic heart of New York’s Flatiron District, was founded by Palermo-born Livio Panebianco in 1997. His initial aspiration was to make the American palates familiar with a stimulating collection of fine wines, produced by small Italian wineries and referred to as “my little jewels”. Over the span of the years the company was successful in building a book of unusual and interesting wines: varietals such Arneis, Müller Thurgau, Tocai , Pigato, Refosco and Gutturnio, found their way on the shelves of American restaurants and wine retailers. Today our portfolio has featured unique and remarkable wineries from every corner of Italy, including Marisa Cuomo from Campania, La Togata from Tuscany and Musso from Piedmont. Our selection of wines reflects not only the diverse territories of Italy, but also the passion, the dedication and the hard work of the producers who make it possible. Each producer of our collection is not just a contributor to business: he is a custodian of a unique story hidden in every bottle of wine.
Our mission
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, our boutique-quality Italian wine importer and distributor, was established by Livio Panebianco in 1997. Following the passing of Livio, Nunzio Castaldo – a seasoned veteran of the wine industry – assumed ownership and management of the company. After almost three decades at Winebow, Castaldo has distinguished himself as a a professional in the import and export of Italian wines in the US. Castaldo’s dedication to the wine industry is emphasized by his membership in the Italian Trade Commission’s Wines of Italy Hall of Fame. The prestigious award honors his commitment over the years in the wine business.
I was a devoted fan of Livio portfolio.
I used to drink his wines prior to acquiring
his business. Panebianco was already
very close to my vision.
The pursuit of small wine productions
and our dedication to family-owned wineries
are the keys of the success
of Panebianco Wines.
Today, Panebianco Wines proudly represents almost 50 wineries and offers a carefully selected collection of 270 Italian wines, serving the seasoned professionals of New York and New Jersey culinary scene. Panebianco team is a collective of individuals who excels in knowledge and experience. At the core of our company’s philosophy are two fundamental principles: the pursuit of small wine productions and our dedication to family-owned wineries.
We strongly believe that confidence comes with experience. Selling wine is a hand-shake business, that embodies the shared joy flowing from the hearts of winemakers to the passionate palates of our clients. This exciting journey ends with the conviviality of the drinking experience for consumers, that transforms every sip into a celebration for everyone's commitment.
Just like the resilient winemakers celebrated in our portfolio, we too evolve and thrive amidst changing conditions. We navigate with ability, adapting to the demands of the market and establishing long lasting relationships with the seasoned professionals of the wine business across New York and New Jersey. While maintaining strong connection with the established professionals, we also continue to extend our research to connect with the new generations of wine lovers. Our mission is to introduce them to the stories, the culture and the traditions of the diverse and often undiscovered territories of Italy.
Each producer of our portfolio is not just a contributor to business: he is a custodian of a unique story hidden in every bottle of wine.