Ancona’s Wines & Liquors

Specialties

Family owned since 1933, Ancona’s Wines specializes in an extensive selection of wine, beer and spirits from around the globe. Their knowledgeable staff is matched with unbeatable customer service. Other services include: wine tastings, party planning, online ordering and their signature wine of the month club.

History

Established in 1933.

My grandfather left Italy in 1912 destined for America and in search of a better life. After passing through Ellis Island he headed north and settled in the Branchville section of Ridgefield, Connecticut. With money earned from working in a local wire mill he purchased property and opened a general store. My Grandmother joined him from Italy and they soon started a family. When prohibition ended the wine and liquor section of the general store had to become a business of its own and Ancona’s Wines & Liquors opened its doors. After my Grandfathers passing my father took charge of the wine shop and my uncles and aunt watched over the food store. In 1980 we moved the store from its original 500 sqft location to its current 4000 sqft building. In 2009 we opened our second location and the first package store in Wilton, CT. Today, my wife, Deb, and I continue to carry on the family tradition with our two daughters by delivering a unique, enjoyable experience with every bottle.

Meet the Business Owner

Mitch A.

Business Owner

Now third generation owner, Mitch got his start in the the family business in 1980 at the ripe old age of 13. Back then his duties included the ultra exciting sorting of beer empties, dusting the wine bottles and of course, taking out the garbage. «My father stressed the importance of learning every aspect of the business, including the less glamorous ones.», says Mitch. In the late 1980’s Mitch was given the chance to test his marketing/​merchandizing skills when he helped expand the stores beer selection. «It was the beginning of the (first) micro beer boom.», reminisces Mitch. «Brands like Pete’s Wicked and Sam Adams were just starting to appear.» It wasn’t long before the beer selections grew from 100 offerings to over 500. «This is when I really started to become fascinated in the flavor profiles and back stories of our products. I started traveling to visit breweries, and wineries to learn as much as I possibly could about the items we were selling.»