In the vibrant atmosphere of Paddington, London, in the 1970s, Mario De Giuli Botta was on a wine delivery mission when his son, Simon De Giuli Botta was born in 1973. Simon was the only child of Pamela and Mario De Giuli Botta's marriage. Mario De Giuli Botta took it upon himself to leave his son Simon a great legacy of knowledge of the wine world, letting wine flow through Simon's veins.
As a devoted European family member, Mr. Mario felt it was his duty to pass on knowledge about the world of wine to his own son through stories, experiences, and flavors. Since childhood, Simon had a direct connections with the great masters of wine, past and present.
The Pedrini family, stewards of the Pravis brand, have been part of Simon's life since he was seven, when his father, Mario, first imported his wines to the U.K. Simon fondly recalls that at the tender age of 7, his favorite wine was Stravino di Stravino. This lovely memory resonates today as 8 Vini proudly imports this prized label. Pravis, a jewel from Trentino, constantly adorned with 3 Gambero Rosso glasses.
Medici Ermete is recognized as one of the best D.O.C. from Italy; produces Reggiano, creation of the Mederfil Lambrusco that today occupies a special place in the 8 Vini portfolio; Don Mario, having an excellent relationship with the Medici Family, put Simon to work for a month on the production of this winery, acquiring invaluable knowledge about the complexities of the bulk wine process. Also, Simon includes in his memoirs the exploration of the back of the Medici Ermete cellar, where the secret stash of Aceto Balsamico vinegar was made.