Baita Fraina - Father & Son Sommeliers, 600 Labels

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1

   Hunt the First Milano Fashion Week Wine List Winner

   wine Free

   In 2021, Simone Menardi won the first-ever Milano Fashion Week Wine List prize. He grew up playing amongst these tables and 600+ labels, qualified as a sommelier, and took over the enoteca from his father Adolfo. Walk past the restaurant (Via Alvera 112) to find the enoteca entrance near Largo Poste — TWO locations, one family business. Look for the Milano Fashion Week Wine List award displayed inside and ask Simone (if he's there): 'How did Fashion Week judge a wine list?' The answer involves understanding style, not just substance.

   BACKUP: If Simone isn't there, browse the Champagne wall - it's extensive. Count how many different Champagne houses they stock.

   Log Memory
2. 2

   Taste the €15 Challenge

   wine Price: moderate

   Ask Simone (or whoever's serving) at the enoteca bar for 'the best Alto Adige Gewürztraminer under €15 per glass.' This is the insider question — Alto Adige is 40km north, the Gewürztraminer birthplace. Simone constantly researches new ways to innovate, so he'll have an answer. When it arrives, smell for rose petal, lychee, and ginger. Gewürztraminer means 'spicy from Tramin' (the village) — this grape is literally named after a place you can drive to in an hour.

   BACKUP: If over €15, ask for his second choice. Or ask what Alto Adige wine is most underrated right now.

   Log Memory
3. 3

   Decode the Father-Son Division of Labor

   Optional

   history Free

   This is a story of TWO brothers (Adolfo + Alessandro, who took over from parents) and TWO generations (Adolfo brought in his son Simone). Adolfo is front-of-house, Alessandro cooks. Adolfo + Simone BOTH curate the wine list. Watch who's doing what while sitting at the bar or outdoor barrel tables. If you see Adolfo (older generation), ask: 'When did Simone take over the wine bar management?' If you see Simone (younger), ask: 'What did your father teach you that sommeliers don't learn in school?'

   BACKUP: Look at the wine list structure - is there a pattern to how it's organized? That's Simone's research showing.

   Log Memory
4. 4

   Toast to 2026 Michelin Recognition

   Optional

   adventure Price: moderate

   Baita Fraina is in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Italia — not starred, but LISTED, which means Michelin inspectors ate here this year. The Olympics are happening NOW (Feb 6-22, 2026), exactly 70 years after Cortina's first Games in 1956. Order a bottle from the Veneto section (you're IN Veneto, even though it feels like Austria) from any seat with a view of Cortina's peaks — outdoor barrel tables are ideal. Ask for something that pairs with Alpine cuisine and toast to '70 years between Olympics.'

   BACKUP: If solo, order by the glass. Ask which Veneto wine on their list surprises people most.

   Log Memory