Venice and wine have always had an indissoluble bond, since the dawn of time when even in Piazza San Marco there was a vineyard. In the 13th century, the Venetians discovered the delicious Malvasia wine in Greece, which they “imported” to the city where they began to open small shops/bars, the Malvasie, which soon became much-loved meeting points where you can taste wine.

It is starting from these stories that Laura Riolfatto, artist, curator and artistic director of _docks_ cantieri cucchini has given life to Malvasia Pop Up, a cultural project that intends to revive the tradition of these ante litteram taverns, in Italian osterie.

At _docks_ cantieri cucchini I love telling stories and creating intimate and convivial atmospheres. A good glass of wine can inspire stories and sharing, transforming a simple moment into a memorable experience.

(Laura Riolfatto)

To do so, she chose a place rich in history and, above all, extremely authentic: the Cantieri Cucchini, founded by the Cucchini brothers in 1919 and still owned by the same family that today, having abandoned the shipbuilding activity, is the point of reference in the lagoon for the restoration of the splendid mahogany boats that sail the waters of the lagoon.

Today _docks_ cantieri cucchini is also a creative hub where, in addition to the work spaces, there is the warehouse that houses the Catalonia Pavilion of the Venice Biennale and 2 waterfront areas suitable for hosting exhibitions and events.

It is here, in a splendid covered industrial space and in a terrace overlooking the Canale di San Pietro (which can also be reached by boat), that Laura, a professional sommelier, gave life to her project, combining art and food.

A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Laura has worked as a visual artist, mainly experimenting with photography and video, and, after various experiences and a Master in Management of Museums and Cultural Enterprises, she has worked in various museums and contemporary art foundations, including Fondazione Prada at Cà Corner della Regina.

Today Laura is the project manager of _docks_ cantieri cucchini where from July 17th to November 15th 2025 Malvasia Pop Up will open, from Thursday to Sunday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm open to all, while at other times only by reservation for tastings or events.

Guests will be able to choose from a wine list with 12 different varieties of Italian Malvasia, some of which are rare and difficult to find, Moscato Giallo dei Colli Euganei and Glera Colfondo delle Colline trevigiane, accompanied by flavored water and small snacks.

Furthermore, by reservation only, it will be possible to learn about the history of wine in Venice through various wine tastings, including A toast to Venice, Profumi di Zagara and Profumi colfondo, during which, in addition to tasting fantastic wines accompanied by typical finger food such as creamy cod, cheeses and artisanal cured meats, Laura will take you to enjoy wonderful stories.

For over a year, Laura has undertaken a journey to discover vines, collecting testimonies, consulting texts, and experimenting with pairings for the 19 varieties of Malvasia present in Italy, some of which are particularly rare.

This research and tasting work has resulted in the creation of photographs that portray Italian Malvasias illuminated by the particular light of the Venetian lagoon in different seasons, protagonists of the exhibition that will be set up in Malvasia Pop Up.

_docks_ cantieri cucchini are also the scene of many other events and exhibitions, private and created by Laura, such as Enologismi, a series of meetings dedicated to the exploration and understanding of Italian food and wine culture with exceptional guests where art, music, literature and photography converge.

Malvasia Pop Up, with its splendid terrace on the water, is one of the most magical places in the lagoon, a “cultural” osteria full of the poetry that only Venice can give.

The Secret

Due to their strategic position near the Biennale venues, between the Arsenale and the Giardini, the _docks_ cantieri cucchini have become exhibition spaces for the Art and Architecture Biennale, in particular in collaboration with the Institut Ramon Llull of Barcelona, ​​with the Catalonia Pavilion, and with Creative Scotland with the Scotland Pavilion.

Useful Info

_docks_ cantieri cucchini
San Pietro di Castello 40/B
30122 Venezia
info@docks-cucchini.com
Tel. +39 347 5230309

Wine tastings, by reservation only, starting from 30 euro per person, for more info:
A Toast to Venice – Venezia e le Malvasie
Profumi di Zagara
Profumi colfondo

Glasses of wine: from 5 euro