Antonello Ristorante near South Coast Plaza announced that the popular Hello Kitty Wines has expanded its portfolio and will be sold exclusively at the critically acclaimed Italian restaurant.
The new wine collection now includes two new varietals —Prosecco and Hello Kitty Pinot Grigio. The complete line-up is widely distributed across more grocery stores and retailers in the U.S. market but only at one U.S. restaurant. In addition to being available retail, Hello Kitty wines can be shipped across the nation.
The complete wine portfolio includes an award-winning Pinot Noir (recipient of the prestigious Vinitaly 5 Star Wines award in 2017 and rated 90 points by James Suckling), a "Sweet Pink" blend, Sparkling Rosé, Pinot Nero Vinified in White, as well as a special edition Sparkling Rosé with limited edition packaging. The release of the new Prosecco and Pinot Grigio gives adult fans a reason to enjoy light and refreshing wines with Hello Kitty all season long.
"We anticipate that the public will enjoy the wines with as much exuberance as they have for the brand in general. We hope that the public can stop by Antonello and enjoy an exclusive experience to enjoy Hello Kitty wines with some of the finest Italian cuisine available in the nation." said famed chef and restaurateur Antonio Cagnolo, proprietor of Antonello.
The distribution of Hello Kitty Wines currently includes grocery chains and specialty wine retailers across the country. Supermarkets include Albertsons, Pavilions and Vons locations, in California, Safeway in California and Hawaii, as well as Japanese specialty markets Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai and Nijiya Market. All Whole Foods locations in Oregon will begin carrying Hello Kitty Wines as of early October 2018.
Among the specialty retail locations offering Hello Kitty Wine are BevMo, Total Wine & More in California and Nevada, Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods in Texas, plus hundreds of independent wine stores around the country.
Highly rated in the Zagat Guide for several years, Antonello Ristorante has earned a sterling reputation for having served local residents as well as luminaries the world over including presidents, foreign dignitaries, movie stars, entertainers, industrialists and other leaders. It recently underwent an extensive remodel to reflect a lighter, airier tone rather than its original Old World theme. Co-Chefs Gino Buonanoce and Salvatore Ferrara work closely with Chef/Owner Cagnolo to develop daily specials and special prix fixe menus many paired with wines and other spirits. Reflective of the new interior is a menu of much lighter fare boasting high flavor profiles and organic ingredients. Many of the Old World favorites are still on the menu.
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, who is gearing up for her 45th Anniversary in 2019. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat® My Melody®, Badtz-Maru® and Keroppi®, Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile®’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Hello Kitty-branded items are available in over 130 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 35 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.
