New Wine Bar in Hamilton

Ciao Vino brings the flavors of Italian and French wines to Hamilton

Ciao Vino is a local wine bar in Hamilton that offers imported wines mainly from the European area. In addition to wine, Ciao Vino's menu offers light bites, beer, and cocktails in a casual, cozy environment. 

Opening Ciao Vino

Jana Emmons’ passion for the bar scene began in her childhood, spending countless hours with her family at her grandfather’s bar in Ross—now the Venice Pavilion Antiques. Those visits left a lasting impression, sparking a dream to one day create a space of her own. Drawing from those early memories and her deep love of wine, Jana envisioned something unique: a bar that goes beyond the typical experience, blending warmth, charm, and a personal touch that reflects her story.

While Jana was drafting her business plan, her cousin Elisha was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Elisha's passing brought everything to a halt, as grief made it difficult for Jana to focus on moving forward with her dream. Despite the heartache, Jana reflects on the experience as profoundly eye-opening, shaping both her perspective and her journey toward opening the wine bar.

"We're only getting older," Jana begins, "and if you're going to do something, there is no better time than right now."

With her business plan complete, Jana is excited to bring her vision to life as part of downtown Hamilton's vibrant arts and culture scene. Her wine bar adds a fresh and inviting destination to this growing community hub.

Hello Wine

Jana’s vision for her wine bar centers on creating a warm, inviting space where everyone feels at home. She carefully selected lighting fixtures designed to cast a cozy glow as night falls, enhancing the intimate atmosphere. The walls tell a story of her heritage, featuring two thoughtfully curated galleries that celebrate her Italian and French family roots, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the space.

Ciao Vino shares a unique connection with its neighbor, the Strauss Gallery & Gift Shop. During public events, Jana can open the doors between the two spaces, inviting gallery visitors to enjoy a glass of wine as they explore the art exhibits. This seamless blend of art and wine creates a vibrant cultural experience, with local artists often stopping by Ciao Vino to show their support. It’s a perfect reflection of Hamilton’s thriving arts and culture community.

Wine Selection

“We feature a variety of Italian and French wines, along with selections from Spain and Napa Valley,” Jana shares. “It’s a way to bring our heritage to life while also supporting the farmers behind these exceptional wines.”

Jana carefully curated the wine menu with a personal touch. Her great-grandfather from Naples was known for crafting his own delicious Chianti, making it a must-have on the menu. This nod to her family’s legacy adds a meaningful connection to Ciao Vino’s offerings.

“If you look at the wine list, you’ll find familiar favorites alongside wines and grape varieties you may have never heard of,” Jana explains. “It’s all about creating a balance between comfort and discovery.”