What is a Boccalino?

What is a Boccalino and why did we name the restaurant after it?

Boccalinos

Well if you’re traveling in Switzerland you must visit the southern province of Ticino. There are beautiful mountain valleys where you’ll find amazing hiking and rustic family run restaurants called Grottos. You might be surprised to find your wine delivered to you in a little ceramic jug. This is a boccalino – and a little hint – you drink out of the side. If you ever ate at Mary & Ernie’s Boccalino Grotto restaurant you were served your wine in authentic boccalinos brought over from Switzerland, in her suitcase, by Ernie’s Mom.

A Boccalino is a mug used in Ticino, Switzerland, to drink local wine (Merlot or similar). It has a volume of 0.2 liters. The Boccalino is also a popular souvenir for tourists.

Boccalinos on table with guests at Restaurant