We all know West Allis is full of hidden gems. Take, for example, Corvina Wine Company. It’s a wine bar operating out of a 100-year-old, family-run building by two brothers, Frank and Joe LaSusa.
Both Sommeliers, they’ve transformed the building that once housed their great-grandparents’ Italian deli into a space where they can share their infectious passion for wine with locals and visitors alike.
We talked with the duo to learn more about Corvina Wine Company and what makes it a top wine destination in Wisconsin.
How did Corvina Wine Company get its start? What is your background?
The building we operate in has been family-owned for 100 years. It was originally our great-grandparents’ Italian deli from the 1920s-60s. Frank and Joe have had a lifelong passion for wine and decided to start Corvina in the family space in 2011.
Frank is a Sommelier, and completed the WSET Diploma in 2016. WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), based in London, is a globally recognized wine certification. Frank is one of 13,000 people globally to have completed the WSET diploma Level 4. Frank is a certified Wine Educator and operates the Midwest Wine Center (at Corvina), which offers WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3. It is the only wine school in Wisconsin that can certify Sommeliers with the WSET credentials.
Joe is a Sommelier, with 15 years of wine industry experience and is in the process of completing his IWS certification (Italian Wine Scholar).
Frank and Joe were awarded certificates in Italian Wine proficiency from the ITA (Italian Trade Association).
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges with growing your business or any triumph stories?
Corvina has been in business since 2011. When we opened Corvina in West Allis, in the beginning, we had to work to gain exposure as a wine destination. In the early years, Joe and Frank wore all the hats while growing Corvina. We focused on wine tastings and retail. Now, West Allis is an attraction in the greater Milwaukee area for food and beverage destinations. Corvina is now one of Wisconsin’s top wine destinations.
What is Corvina Wine Company, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Corvina is a wine bar, wine retailer, and wine events company. Wine is a unique beverage because it speaks to its origin. It contains art, history, science, and geography all in the glass. We were born and raised in Milwaukee and wanted to share the world’s greatest wines with such a culturally rich and diverse city.
What’s the mission behind Corvina Wine Company?At Corvina, we believe wine should be approachable, educational, and enjoyable. Our mission is to curate exceptional wines and experiences that foster curiosity, deepen appreciation, and bring people together around the table.
What is it like being a small business in MKE?
Milwaukee is our home and the people are supportive. If you have lived in Milwaukee long enough you realize there is a great connection amongst the residents. We have experienced many seasons over the years and are truly grateful for our customers’ support. We have made great relationships and friendships with our guests. People in Milwaukee strongly support small businesses.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
We like the accessibility of the city. Milwaukee has some big city elements but maintains a smaller town charm. People are down to earth and warm. When you travel you realize just how friendly Milwaukeeans are.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
We love bringing people together with wine. Wine brings a sense of peace to our guests and offers them time to relax. We primarily work with smaller family owned wineries and enjoy sharing their stories and history with our guests. Wine has a unique ability to transport you to its origin. We love sharing that experience with our guests.
What can people expect when going to Corvina Wine Company? Or, renting La Piccola Corvina for their special event?
People can expect warm hospitality and an inviting experience. They can expect to explore a wide variety of wine styles. Wines can be enjoyed by the glass, by the bottle, or as a flight. Corvina also offers retail wine bottles, craft cocktails and craft beer, and a menu of small plate food items such as cheese, charcuterie, flatbreads.
La Piccola Corvina is a vintage, three-wheeled Piaggio Ape mobile wine bar imported from Italy. It has 6 taps and beverage menu selections can be customized. With La Piccola Corvina, we bring the Corvina charm and experience to you and can be rented for special occasions and events.
Anything else we should know about your business or anything you’d like to mention? Any favorite stories?
We have had many special visitors over the years. The people we have had a chance to meet and chat with are amazing. We have hosted Masters of Wine and Winery owners from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, South Africa, Australia, and across the US. Duke Rufus, the former World Kickboxing Champion used to visit regularly. The conversations were incredible.
Last year Salvatore Ferragamo, from the Ferragamo fashion house, visited Corvina for a wine tasting to share the wines from his winery in Tuscany. We picked up Kopp’s hamburgers and custard after the tasting. It was a memorable moment coming together to share a taste of Milwaukee and enjoy meaningful time around the table with our guest. It was a great night enjoying fantastic wine, genuine conversation, and life.