“The intrinsic problem was how to display a product that has a tendency to roll away,” said Trio Display Store Designer Bill Mondigo. Indeed, the stakes are tripled when said product is breakable and the content is premium wine. Such were the hurdles facing the Trio design team as they planned Bella Vino, a premium wine shop in Virginia.

As with many retail design projects, Bella Vino started as a long bare rectangular box. The task was to create a warm inviting store that would appeal to the upscale wine buyer. Through fixture choice and placement, the Trio design department tried to evoke an Old World feeling with some twists and turns through racks of fine wines, while providing a place for some premium food displays, wine gifts and accessories, in-store wine tastings, and fine cigars.

“The task was to create a warm inviting store that would appeal to the upscale wine buyer.”

The fixturing and design reflects the Mediterranean theme. “The owners wanted a Tuscan look,” said Mondigo, “so that translated into, among other things, the liberal use of mahogany and, wrought iron, as well as actual brick pavers in the entryway.” The rest of flooring is redwood vinyl. Wall displays combine slatwall and wrought iron, a melding of function and fashion. Crystal chandeliers say elegance while the walk-in humidor suggests a certain decadence necessary to seduce the high-end clientele.

Bella Vino is expected to pop the cork in the next few months.