Our Story

It all started in 1963, when two brothers Bruno and Tony D’Anna opened the doors to Boccaccio Cellars in Balwyn. With a love of good wine, authentic food, and the flavours of their Italian heritage, they set out to create something special for their local community. What began as a modest family bottle shop quickly grew into a trusted destination a place where people came not only to buy a bottle of wine or fresh pasta, but to be welcomed like family.

Over the decades, Boccaccio Cellars became more than just a store. It built a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most respected wine and food institutions, drawing people from across the city for its exceptional selection of imported and local wines, artisanal deli goods, and the warmth of its service. Tony and Bruno’s passion, hard work, and values set the foundation for a business that has stood the test of time.

Today, more than sixty years later, the story continues with the next generation. In the shop, you’ll find Belinda, Anthony, and Stefano running the day to day operations and carrying on the family tradition of warm service and expert knowledge. Meanwhile, their brother Franco runs the family vineyard and winery, Hoddles Creek Estate, in the Yarra Valley producing wines that now sit proudly on the shelves all around the world, and don’t worry you’ll still see Tony and Bruno around the store every day, just as they always have been.

Boccaccio Cellars is home to one of Australia’s largest and most carefully curated wine collections, alongside a gourmet grocer and deli brimming with Italian and local specialties. In recent years, the family opened Enoteca Boccaccio upstairs a wine bar and dining space that captures the essence of Italian hospitality, offering guests the chance to enjoy great food, great wine, and great company under one roof.

At its heart, Boccaccio remains what it has always been: a family business built on passion, tradition, and community. From 1963 to today, and with the next generation leading the way, the D’Anna family continues to share their love of food and wine with Melbourne  just as Tony and Bruno dreamed more than six decades ago.