Di Pietro's - Diamond Creek

Di Pietro's, formerly known as The Vines Cafe & Nillumbik Cellars, is a cherished family-owned bottega in the heart of Diamond Creek, Melbourne's northeastern suburbs. For over 50 years, this independent business has been a cornerstone of the local community, offering a warm and inviting space where neighbours and visitors gather to enjoy exceptional food, fine wines, and carefully curated artisan provisions.

The History of Di Pietro's - Three Generations

The Di Pietro family story spans three generations of dedication to the Diamond Creek community. The business was originally founded by Connie and Tulio Di Pietro, who established a grocery store serving the local neighbourhood. With hard work, genuine care for their customers, and a commitment to quality, Connie and Tulio built a trusted business that became an integral part of community life.

The First Generation - Connie & Tulio Di Pietro

Connie and Tulio Di Pietro arrived in Australia with the post-war migration wave, bringing with them the Italian traditions of quality produce, personal service, and community connection. Their grocery store reflected these values, providing local families with essential provisions and becoming a gathering place where neighbours met, shared news, and built relationships. The Di Pietros' warmth and dedication established the foundation upon which the business would grow for decades to come.

The Second Generation - Albert & Mario

As the business flourished, Connie and Tulio's sons, Albert and Mario, joined their parents in running the store. Growing up in the family business, they learned the importance of quality, service, and community connection that defined their parents' approach. The brothers worked alongside Connie and Tulio, helping to expand the business whilst maintaining the personal touch that customers valued.

Sometime later, Albert and his wife Angela took over the business, steering it through a period of evolution and growth. Under their stewardship, the grocery store transformed into Nillumbik Cellars & The Vines Café, expanding into wine retail and gourmet provisions. This evolution reflected changing customer needs and the growing appreciation for fine wines and artisan products in the Diamond Creek area. Albert and Angela's vision broadened the business scope whilst honouring the family traditions established by Connie and Tulio.

The Third Generation - Daniel & Vanessa

Albert and Angela introduced the third generation into the family business—their children Daniel and Vanessa. Growing up surrounded by wine, food, and the daily rhythms of family business life, Daniel and Vanessa developed a deep understanding of what makes Di Pietro's special: genuine relationships with customers, commitment to quality, and the personal service that only a family business can provide.

The third generation has brought fresh energy and contemporary ideas whilst respecting the legacy built over more than 50 years. The recent rebranding to Di Pietro's reflects the family's ongoing stewardship and their commitment to continuing the tradition of excellence that began with Connie and Tulio. The business has evolved from grocery store to wine cellars to the modern bottega concept, but the core values remain unchanged: exceptional quality, personalised service, and deep community connection.

Diamond Creek Location & Community

Di Pietro's is located in Diamond Creek, a vibrant suburb approximately 23 kilometres northeast of Melbourne's CBD in the Shire of Nillumbik. Nestled at the foothills of the Kinglake Ranges and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley wine region, Diamond Creek offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and proximity to some of Victoria's finest wine country.

The Diamond Creek Area

Diamond Creek sits within the picturesque Nillumbik Shire, an area renowned for its green wedge landscapes, artistic community, and quality of life. The suburb is bordered by the Diamond Creek itself, a tributary of the Yarra River, and surrounded by parks, reserves, and bushland that provide a leafy, semi-rural character despite its proximity to Melbourne.

The area has a strong sense of community, with local residents valuing independent businesses, artisan producers, and the personal connections that define neighbourhood life. Di Pietro's has been an integral part of this community fabric for generations, serving as a gathering place where locals meet, share meals, and discover new wines and gourmet products.

Proximity to Wine Regions

Diamond Creek's location provides easy access to some of Victoria's premier wine regions. The Yarra Valley, Australia's most celebrated cool-climate wine region, lies just 20 minutes to the east, whilst the Kinglake Ranges and surrounding areas offer scenic drives and weekend escapes. This proximity to wine country has influenced Di Pietro's selection and expertise, allowing them to showcase exceptional local wines alongside premium Australian and international labels.

The Bottega Concept

Di Pietro's embraces the Italian bottega tradition—a neighbourhood establishment that combines wine merchant, delicatessen, and cafe in one welcoming space. This European-inspired approach creates a destination where customers can purchase fine wines and artisan provisions, enjoy a meal or coffee, and receive expert advice and personalised service.

Wine Selection

The wine offering at Di Pietro's reflects over 50 years of expertise and relationships with quality producers. The selection spans premium Australian wines from Victoria's Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Heathcote, and beyond, alongside carefully chosen international labels from classic regions including France, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand.

The focus is on quality and value, with wines selected to suit diverse tastes and occasions. From everyday drinking wines to special occasion bottles and rare collectables, the range caters to both casual wine lovers and serious enthusiasts. Knowledgeable staff provide personalised recommendations, helping customers discover new favourites and perfect pairings for any meal or celebration.

Artisan Provisions & Gourmet Products

Beyond wine, Di Pietro's offers a curated selection of artisan provisions including locally produced cheeses, charcuterie, olives, preserves, pasta, olive oils, and gourmet pantry staples. These products complement the wine selection and reflect the same commitment to quality and provenance that defines the entire business.

Many products are sourced from local Victorian producers, supporting regional food artisans and providing customers with access to exceptional ingredients and speciality items not readily available in mainstream supermarkets. The selection changes seasonally, showcasing the best of what local producers offer throughout the year.

Cafe & Dining

The cafe component of Di Pietro's provides a relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch, or coffee with friends. The menu features fresh, seasonal dishes prepared with quality ingredients, many sourced from the same artisan producers whose products line the shelves. From hearty breakfasts and light lunches to cheese platters and antipasti, the food offering complements the wine and provisions available for purchase.

The cafe atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating creating a comfortable space for lingering over a meal, catching up with neighbours, or simply enjoying a well-made coffee. The integration of cafe, wine shop, and delicatessen allows customers to taste before they buy, discover new products, and experience the quality that Di Pietro's represents.

Product Range & Specialities

Victorian Wines

Di Pietro's showcases an extensive range of Victorian wines, with particular strength in Yarra Valley producers. Customers can find elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate estates, premium Shiraz from Heathcote, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pyrenees, and sparkling wines from across the state. The selection includes both established names and emerging boutique wineries, offering diversity and discovery.

Australian Wines

Beyond Victoria, the Australian wine selection spans premium regions including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Tasmania. From powerful Barossa Shiraz to refined Tasmanian Pinot Noir, the range represents the breadth and quality of Australian wine production.

International Wines

The international selection features classic European wines including French Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhône Valley; Italian Barolo, Brunello, Chianti, and Prosecco; Spanish Rioja and Albariño; and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. These wines are chosen to complement the Australian offering and provide customers with global wine experiences.

Craft Beer & Spirits

In addition to wine, Di Pietro's offers a selection of craft beers from craft breweries and premium spirits from around the world including whisky, gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs. The spirits range caters to cocktail enthusiasts and spirit collectors alike.

Community Connection & Values

For over 50 years, Di Pietro's has been more than a retail business—it's a community hub where relationships are built, celebrations are planned, and local life unfolds. The business has served multiple generations of Diamond Creek families, becoming part of their traditions, milestones, and everyday routines.

Independent & Family-Owned

As an independent, family-owned business spanning three generations, Di Pietro's offers a personal touch and genuine care that distinguishes it from corporate chains. The family's ongoing involvement ensures continuity, quality standards, and a long-term commitment to the community. Decisions are made with customers' interests in mind, not distant shareholders, creating a business that truly serves its neighbourhood.

Expert Knowledge & Service

The staff at Di Pietro's bring decades of combined experience in wine, food, and hospitality. Their knowledge extends beyond product specifications to include food pairing advice, wine education, and personalised recommendations based on individual tastes and occasions. This expertise, combined with genuine enthusiasm, creates a shopping experience that is both informative and enjoyable.

Supporting Local

Di Pietro's actively supports Victorian wine producers, craft brewers, artisan food makers, and small-batch specialists. By stocking local products and promoting regional producers, the business contributes to the broader food and wine community whilst providing customers with access to exceptional, locally made goods.

The business also supports local events, fundraisers, and community initiatives, reinforcing its role as a valued community partner. Whether providing wines for charity auctions, sponsoring local sports clubs, or participating in neighbourhood festivals, Di Pietro's demonstrates ongoing commitment to Diamond Creek and the Nillumbik community.

Events & Tastings

Di Pietro's regularly hosts wine tastings, producer visits, and special events that bring the community together and provide opportunities to discover new wines and meet the people behind the labels. These events range from casual Friday evening tastings to structured masterclasses, catering to various levels of wine knowledge and interest.

Gift Hampers & Corporate Services

Di Pietro's can create custom gift hampers combining premium wines, gourmet provisions, and artisan products for any occasion. From corporate gifts and client appreciation to birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations, the hampers are thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented. The business also provides corporate wine services including office deliveries, event catering, and bulk purchasing for businesses throughout Melbourne's northeast.

The Future of Di Pietro's

As Di Pietro's moves forward under third-generation family stewardship, the commitment to quality, community, and personalised service remains steadfast. The business continues to evolve, introducing new products, expanding the wine selection, and enhancing the cafe experience whilst honouring the traditions and values established by Connie and Tulio over 50 years ago.

The focus remains on being a destination where quality, expertise, and genuine hospitality create memorable experiences. Whether customers are selecting a special bottle for a celebration, enjoying lunch with friends, or simply picking up provisions for dinner, Di Pietro's strives to make every visit worthwhile.

Why Choose Di Pietro's

With over 50 years of family history serving the Diamond Creek community—from Connie and Tulio's original grocery store to today's modern bottega—Di Pietro's represents the best of independent, family-owned wine merchants.

Discover the difference that three generations of dedication makes. Whether you're exploring Victorian wines, seeking artisan provisions, or looking for expert advice, Di Pietro's offers the quality, service, and authenticity that only a true family business can provide. Experience the warmth and expertise of Diamond Creek's cherished bottega.