Jacopo Giustiniani

Co-Owner, Felice Restaurant and Wine Bar

Jacopo Giustiniani, a native of Italy, has wine culture in his blood. Surrounded by oenophiles, he was raised between his family’s winery, the Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani in Lucca, and his hometown of Florence. In December 2007, Jacopo turned his passion for preserving the traditions of small Italian wineries into FELICE Wine Bar on the Upper East Side, which expanded to a second Upper East Side location, FELICE Ristorante & Wine Bar, in 2011.

During his formal education at Università di Firenze (University of Florence), the management of Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani was entrusted to Jacopo and his brother Matteo. The Fattoria includes 19 hectares (47 acres) of vineyards located in the renowned wine region of Colline Lucchesi. The Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani has belonged to the Sardi family since the nineteenth century. When Jacopo and his brother inherited the Fattoria, they immediately enhanced the oenological potential of the land by implementing modern techniques and adding a charming Agriturismo (farmhouse accommodations) for visitors. Jacopo also expanded the vineyards, transforming one hectare into an experimental area for introducing new grape varietals to Colline Lucchesi.

After earning a business degree in 2004 and a Master’s degree in 2006, Jacopo moved to the US to become the wine buyer for the Sant Ambroeus group (with locations on the Upper East Side, in the West Village and Southampton).  In 2007, while still working with the Sant Ambroeus group, Jacopo opened FELICE wine bar in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The restaurant shares the spirit, wine and food of Lucca with New Yorkers, while offering a cozy and inviting environment to the neighborhood. Three signature wine varietals from the Fattoria, Felice white, red and rosé, are offered alongside an extensive, Italian-driven wine list and a menu of rustic and authentic Tuscan plates. In July of 2011, FELICE expanded to offer the Upper East Side a second location, where the energy of New York City continues to meet the charm of Tuscany.