Hi there! Nice to e-meet you. My name is Gianluca, born to a Puglian father and a Brussels-born mother, and I’ve dedicated over two decades to the world of fine dining.
Since 2003, I’ve worked full-time in gastronomy as a sommelier and wine director, beginning at my family’s restaurant Spiga d’Oro in Mechelen. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of Europe’s most acclaimed establishments, including Zilte*** and The Jane** in Antwerp, Osteria Francescana*** in Modena, Piazza Duomo*** in Alba, and the Sanglier Durbuy Adventures* group in Durbuy.
In addition to my restaurant career, I’ve spent the past decade deeply involved in the wine industry. My credentials include the Sommelier-Conseil Diploma, WSET Diploma, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador (one of only two in Belgium), ASI Gold Diploma, Best Sommelier of Copa Jerez 2025, Best Winelist of BeLux in 2025, Gault & Millau Best Sommelier in 2018 and the title of Best Sommelier of Belgium in 2019 and 2020. I am also the author of the “Wine Class” book series, published by Lannoo in the Belgian market.
These combined experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of the wine world, both from sourcing and curation to strategic development and market insight.
I am now fully preparing to open my own project: Ca’Vista, a concept that brings together an import and wine shop, restaurant, wine bar, event space, and boutique B&B under one roof - all with a deep focus on both hospitality as on wine. Ca'Vista will be located in Keerbergen, a central and elegant municipality near Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven and Mechelen. Ca’Vista is set to open in January 2027.
Happy to share my passion with you!
