Yorkshire Life editor Kathryn Armstrong takes a sneak peek inside one of the city’s most exclusive shopping experiences.
The first stage in the transformation of a former Victorian police station in York into a luxurious boutique hotel has been revealed.
The Vices brings a stylish slice of Milan to Alma Terrace in the heart of York with a bespoke wine store offering a unique personal tasting and shopping experience.
Wine lovers will be guided through a tasting of speciality wines by expert Daniel Curro, who, alongside Moreno Carbonne, will create an exclusive hotel experience, with ultimately three beautifully designed suites, a restaurant and bar in the grand red-brick building. They plan to create a wine library and decadent cocktail area in the grand building - which in its day was built to police the city’s red-light area.
Former cells will be the kitchen area and the property will also have a luxurious apartment with its own private entrance.
Issues related to Covid-19 have meant a delay in the hotel opening, so attention has shifted to the opening of their boutique store, The Vices Archive.
The Archive offers an intimate shopping in the experience allowing customers to taste and purchase from a carefully chosen range of Italian wines and champagnes, some of which are so rare that only a handful of bottles are available. ‘Entry level’ wines and champagnes start from £19 and £26 with a classic Barolo Bussia Riserva £76 at the other end of the scale.
Says Daniel, ‘The idea is that we get to know customers and what they like to drink and what their preferences are, so we can offer new wines and suggest pairings for meals and dishes
Quality aged balsamic vinegars are also one of The Vices specialities – including Giusti 100 – the most exclusive reserve of prized balsamic vinegar, aged over 100 years in the oldest casks of the Giusti family. Each bottle is numbered and finished by hand, stored in its precious individual box with a small blown glass pipette. You can also buy a more conventional bottle to dress your salad for £8.
York-based businessmen Daniel and Moreno are experts in the fields of design and hospitality. Daniel, originally from Milan, is a professional chef and sommelier, bringing knowledge and enthusiasm to this exciting venture. Moreno’s experience in the collection of art and design lends itself perfectly to the sophisticated style of The Vices.
The Vices York was due to open in July 2020. However, due to issues posed by COVID-19, the hotel launch has been delayed until the end of the year. While we wait for its anticipated opening, the team is about to unveil The Vices Archive; a boutique store offering a magnificent collection of quality Italian wines, champagnes and balsamic vinegars.
The Archive includes some key names in the wine world including Chiara Condello, Roberto Garbarino and the infamous Guido Rivella. And they proudly showcase a selection of exquisite balsamic vinegars from the renowned creator, Guiseppe Gusti.
‘The Archive is an opportunity to experience an early taste of The Vices York. A chance to see the collection of wines that we’ve curated, and to shop in a safe and fun way’,adds Daniel.
Guests are invited to book a complimentary 45 minute private shopping slot with Daniel, providing the perfect opportunity to make the most of his expert advice.
‘Perhaps you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, or perhaps you wish to enhance your own collection. Either way, I’d love to help you choose the right wine or champagne to create perfect moments at home,’ says Daniel.
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