YOSTERIA expands into Italian wine culture with the enoteca

YOSTERIA has been no stranger to expansions. After reopening in Smoky Hollow in 2020, the Italian restaurant broadened the scope of its menu and space in the spring of 2023.

Now, three years later, this summer will introduce the Youngstown community to YOSTERIA’s culture even more through wine with the enoteca.

Alex Zordich, co-owner of YOSTERIA, said the idea formed after receiving a license to make their own wine. He and co-owner Frank Tuscano decided they wanted a larger area to handle operations while also featuring Italian wine culture in YOSTERIA’s concept.

“It’s been our plan from the start to kind of go in these implemental stages, and wine has always been our long-term goal,” Zordich said. “It’s just hard to start doing that on day one, so we just kind of built into it.”

Built just off the backyard, Zordich said the space allows them to host desired events and ramp up wine production. The enoteca was a “perfect match,” according to Zordich.

The enoteca will have its grand opening on Sunday, July 12, from 1-4 p.m. Located at 252 Valley St., the restaurant will not require reservations, and a cash bar will be available alongside complimentary antipasti. The event will also feature a live performance from Nico Ruggerio.

“We’ve had fun educating people on the food of Italy, so now we’re looking forward to educating people on the wine,” Zordich said.

Zordich said other upcoming events at YOSTERIA include live music offerings every Friday and Saturday and the annual Feast of Assumption on Aug. 8. The restaurant is now open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch as well, plus an offering of a traditional Sunday dinner.