Vakkaru Maldives Hosts 'Sip and Savour Tuscany' in Collaboration With Banfi Vineyard, Chef Domenico Francone & Divine Cellar

9 January 2023

Baa Atoll, Republic of the Maldives

Vakkaru Maldives is thrilled to offer a taste of Tuscany to the island paradise with an ultra-exclusive wine supper on 22 January 2023, in conjunction with the renowned Banfi vineyard, one-Michelin-star Chef Domenico Francone, and Di-vine Cellars Maldives.

Chef Domenico will prepare a five-course meal featuring the finest Italian flavours, along with a handpicked selection of wines from the Banfi portfolio, for the one-night-only dinner on Isoletta beach.

A unique wine evening with renowned vineyard Banfi and Michelin-starred chef Domenico Francone

John and Harry Mariani, two Italian-American brothers, launched Banfi in 1978. Banfi has created a successful and distinguished history over the last four decades via four essential pillars: pioneering, research, innovation, and sustainability. These pillars have shaped the company's history and contributed to its success. The Banfi is undoubtedly the brand's most renowned Italian winery. It produces world-class Brunello's, Rosso's, and Super Tuscans and is situated just outside the hilltop hamlet of Montalcino in Tuscany, one of the most renowned wine-producing areas in the world. Banfi maintains other vineyards in Tuscany and Piedmont that produce a variety of red, white, and rose wines.

Castello Poggio Alle Mura, a magnificent, walled, and turreted 13th-century castle, is the centrepiece of their enormous vineyards in Tuscany. It has a hotel, a glass museum, an enoteca, and two restaurants, notably La Sala dei Grappoli, Chef Domenico Francone's domain, which holds one Michelin star.

Chef Domenico Francone, a native of Puglia, was raised in a family with a rich culinary history. After graduating from the IPSAR Antonio Turi in Matera, he worked in various prominent Italian and foreign restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Apsleys in London, owned by German superchef Heinz Beck. On his return to Italy, he was given the position of executive chef at La Taverna, the second restaurant of Castello Banfi. Then he oversaw the development of La Sala dei Grappoli, a restaurant that serves seasonal menus of classic Tuscan foods with a contemporary touch and will get its first Michelin Star in 2020.

Chef Domenico will create an exceptional dining experience for visitors at Vakkaru by using his culinary knowledge and traditional Tuscan flavours.

"I am awestruck by Vakkaru island's natural beauty and the fantastic experiences it provides. "I anticipate enjoying them while on the island," he adds.

Chef Domenico is excited to offer the unique flavours of Tuscany to Vakkaru and share his love for Italian food with the visitors.

"The combination of my hallmark dishes, such as 'Tortelli like Eggplant Parmigiana' and 'Tenderloin, artichoke, vegetable caponata, and Brunello di Montalcino Jus,' with the great wines from Banfi will produce a dining experience that is absolutely remarkable.

Regarding the forthcoming evening, Iain McCormack, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives, says,

"We are constantly looking for ways to improve the Vakkaru guest experience and provide them with improved culinary options. This cooperation with Chef Domenico and Banfi is only possible because of Di-vine Cellars. At Isoletta, we cannot wait for our visitors to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and great wines."