Fine Wines in Cambodia: Bringing Italian Elegance to the Kingdom
A new wave of fine wine appreciation is taking root in Cambodia, and it may surprise you. Once long associated with its French colonial past, a fresh and exciting movement is emerging—one that highlights the diversity and richness of Italian wines. Leading this effort is Luca, an Italian wine connoisseur and brand ambassador for Fantini Wines, who has made it his mission to introduce Cambodians and expatriates alike to the refined world of Italian vintages.
From Fashion to Fermentation: Luca’s Journey to Cambodia
Luca’s journey to Cambodia is as unique as the wines he represents. Having spent 25 years living and working across the UK, US, and Europe—primarily in the fashion industry—he found that the world of wine shares many similarities with luxury fashion, particularly in marketing, storytelling, and cultural prestige.
“I’ve always believed that fashion and wine have a lot in common,” Luca explains. “Both industries revolve around heritage, craftsmanship, and the ability to evoke emotions through quality and experience. Wine tells a story, and I love being the person who shares that story with others.”
His passion for wine led him to work as a winemaker in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Stellenbosch in South Africa, Chianti in Italy, and Mosel in Germany. With his WSET Level 3 certification in wine tasting, Luca arrived in Cambodia ready to share his expertise and help shape the country’s developing wine scene.
Fantini Wines: A Taste of Italy in Cambodia
Through Buonissimo Trading, an Italian import company that has been operating in Cambodia since 2016, Luca now represents Fantini Wines, a distinguished Italian brand committed to quality and tradition. The company’s philosophy is rooted in supporting small, family-run vineyards in southern Italy, combining generational expertise with modern oenological techniques.
“Fantini is not just another wine brand; it’s a company that believes in empowering small producers,” says Luca. “We work with families who have cultivated their vineyards for generations, and we support them with modern technology and expertise. This is what makes our wines special—they have history, character, and soul.”
Creating a Wine Culture in Cambodia
Since arriving in Cambodia, Luca has been actively working to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Italian wines. Over the past few months, he has organized exclusive wine dinners, tasting events, and training sessions for restaurant and hotel staff. He has even hosted masterclasses, including a unique Women’s Day event at a fashion boutique that seamlessly combined wine, design, and community.
“One of my proudest moments was the masterclass for Women’s Day,” he says. “It was a beautiful blend of culture, where fashion met fine wine, and people got to experience the depth of Italian wine alongside Italian design.”
Why Italian Wine?
While many Cambodians associate fine wine with France, Luca believes that Italian wines bring something distinct to the table.
“Italy is the world’s largest wine producer in terms of volume, but the real magic lies in our diversity,” he explains. “Italian wines come from a rich variety of microclimates, grape types, and production techniques. People here in Cambodia are just starting to realize how much Italy has to offer beyond the usual big-name regions.”
Fantini’s team includes 25 young oenologists and agronomists who work with cutting-edge technology to enhance both vineyard management and cellar techniques. This commitment to quality over mass production sets them apart and allows wine lovers in Cambodia to experience the best of Italy’s diverse wine regions.
Enriching Cambodia’s Hospitality and Lifestyle Scene
The impact of Luca’s work goes beyond just introducing new wines; it’s about enriching Cambodia’s growing hospitality sector. By training restaurant and hotel staff, he is helping elevate service standards and knowledge, making high-quality wine experiences more accessible to locals and visitors alike.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 9 678 01791 |
Popular Posts
Recent Posts
- Empowering Women and Children in Rural Cambodia: A Conversation with The Sorn Foundation
- Fine Wines in Cambodia: Bringing Italian Elegance to the Kingdom
- Celebrate Khmer New Year with Purpose at the Songkran Heritage Charity Event 2025
- Showcasing Cambodia to the World: A Conversation with Serva Travel Founder, Savath Mao
Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
