The Italian art of the aperitivo, served in the heart of Santa Rosa’s wine country.
In Italy, the aperitivo is more than a drink — it is a ritual. A moment between the work of the day and the long meal that follows, marked by a glass of something bitter or sparkling, a few small bites, and unhurried conversation. At Capriciano, we honor this tradition with a curated list of Italian aperitivi, sparkling wines, and small plates designed to open the evening exactly as it should be.
What Makes Our Aperitivo Special?
The Italian Tradition
The aperitivo was born in Northern Italy — Asti, Turin, Trentino — as a way to wake the palate before dinner. Wine-based, herbal, gently bittersweet, never sweet, it is meant to be sipped slowly while you settle in. At our Santa Rosa osteria, we keep this tradition alive with three classic aperitivi imported directly from Italian producers, a Prosecco from Valdobbiadene, and a small plate menu built to match.
Highlights From the Aperitivo Menu
- Cocchi Americano — aromatized white wine from Asti, honey, citrus peel, elderflower, gentle quinine
- Cappelletti Spritz — wine-based aperitivo from Trentino, rhubarb, orange, alpine herbs, bittersweet
- Lofi Vermouth — white vermouth from Turin, vanilla, white flowers, citrus, served over ice with lemon
- Bisol 'Crede' Prosecco Superiore — Valdobbiadene DOCG, the classic Italian sparkling aperitivo
- Italian White Flight — Grillo, Etna Bianco, Pinot Bianco, three crisp Italian pours
- Pairs beautifully with our antipasti — Bruschetta al Pomodoro, Capriciano Graze Platter, or Calamari Fritti
Is Aperitivo Right for Your Evening?
Aperitivo pairs beautifully with:
- A pre-dinner ritual with friends
- Wine country date nights
- Settling in before a long Italian meal
- A casual stop at the bar
- A few light bites from our antipasti
- Pre-theater drinks before a night out
- An afternoon visit to the osteria
- An intimate evening for two
Whether you are opening a long Italian dinner or stopping in for a single glass with a few bites, our aperitivo program is built to slow you down and ease you in. There is no wrong way to begin an Italian evening — only better and best.
What to Expect at Your Table
Aperitivi at our Santa Rosa osteria arrive the way they should — chilled, in a proper glass, served simply with a twist of citrus or a single ice cube. Pair them with a few antipasti to start, or sip them on their own as you settle in. Your server is always nearby to recommend the right glass for your mood or flag the evening’s specials. No rush, no shortcuts — just the unhurried pleasure of an Italian aperitivo.
Why Choose Our Aperitivo?
Imported Directly From Italy
Our aperitivi come straight from the producers who have made them for over a century — Cocchi from Asti, Cappelletti from Trentino, Carpano from Turin. The bitter, herbal, gently bittersweet flavors you cannot find anywhere else.
Built to Be Paired
Aperitivo is at its best with food. Our menu is designed so every glass has a perfect plate to match — from our Bruschetta al Pomodoro to the Capriciano Graze Platter. Tell us what you are sipping; we will find the right bite.