1140 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573 - T. 707-967-5500 - info@alexitalianrestaurant.com

Stay tuned for upcoming events! Coming soon: "Pasta Night" ! 

MEET THE OWNERS: Alessia and Alessandro Sbrendola:Alessandro Sbrendola, a native of Forli’ in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, has always had a “big passion” for restaurants and hospitality. Everything started when he saw a picture of “La Tour d’Argent” in the prestigious magazine “Wine Spectator”. He was only 12 years old when he fell in love with that restaurant and decided he had to go there. Attending the best Restaurant Management and Hospitality School in Italy he became soon one of the best student and a Master of Sommelier by the age of 25. While studying for his diploma Alessandro worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy such as “L’Albereta” with Gualtiero Marchesi in Franciacorta, “La Frasca” in Castrocaro, “Enoteca Pinchiorri” in Florence without forgetting “La Tour d’Argent” in Paris.In January 1997 Alessandro moves to California. Summoned by Piero Selvaggio he starts working at the prestigious “Valentino Restaurant” in Santa Monica where every year he achieves the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award and from 2000 to 2002 he brings the titles of “Best Wine List in America” and “Best Wine Cellar in America” to Valentino. His work has also been honored with the “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” at such notable restaurants as “Enoteca Drago”, “Dolce Group” and “L’Orangerie”. In addition to training professional sommeliers through his Wine Street operation, Sbrendola also served as wine manager at two of Steve Wynn’s hotels in Las Vegas. With nearly 25 years of experience he wanted to bring his passion for fine food and wine to the Napa Valley and the beautiful space in the heart of Rutherford has finally given him that opportunity.Alessia Sbrendola, a native of Liguria, Italy, a land of beautiful inspiring landscape view and tradition, shares with Alessandro the “big passion” for restaurants and hospitality. She started her training by obtaining a Sommelier diploma in 2005 at “AIS” Italian Sommelier Association, acclaimed as the biggest sommelier association in the world. She then decided to deepen her wine and spirit knowledge by gaining a barman diploma in 2005 from “AIBES” Italian Association Barmen and Supporters, the biggest Barmen Association in Italy. In 2006, during a wine training in Rome, she met Alessandro, her future husband and decided to follow him to California where she pursued the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service certificate at the USBG United States Bartenders Guild, recognized by the International Bartenders Association IBA. She worked for some of the most renowned L.A restaurants following her husband path to achieve great hospitality.