| Some
may ask why – with such a successful business already established
– did they decide to get into the grape-selling business?
“I
guess it’s in our blood,” says Mario Giannetti. “It
also helps bring people down to the [Preston Street] area.”
He continues to explain that Preston Hardware was involved in selling
wine equipment for a number of years before they began importing grapes.
They wanted to become a “one-stop shop” for winemaking,
so it was only a matter of time before they began importing grapes.
These
men have made it possible for people of all origins to make their
own wine in the comfort of their own homes. Examining their success,
it is evident that Ottawa definitely loves to make their own wine.
In fact, Giannetti explains that during the grape season, which runs
from the beginning of September to the third week of October, they
import over 25 tractor trailer loads of grapes. During the season,
Preston Hardware has over 20 different varieties of grapes in stock
at all times. And, Giannetti explains, hey can also special order
grapes from particular regions.
Winemaking
is an important part of Italian culture, yet it’s not only the
Italians that are making wine. Giannetti explains that there is quite
a number of Anglo-Saxon and French people who come to purchase grapes
for wine as well.
“There
has been a steady increase in the number of people interested in making
their own wine,” says Giannetti.
Many of these same people come down to Preston Street during the weekend
of the Vendemmia (Little
Italy’s wine festival).
Mario
Giannetti, who is also past president of the Preston
Street BIA, endorses the festival and organizes different events
in front of Preston Hardware. People can even attend a wine seminar
by co-owner Mario Frangione on how the popular drink is made.
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