Ben Poremba to Open Esca Vino Spuntino in November
The new wine bar and retail shop will open at 5090 Delmar in the first week of November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Restaurateur Ben Poremba is set to debut Esca Vino Spuntino in St. Louis during the first week of November 2026. The new wine bar and retail shop will occupy the former space of the restaurant Florentine at 5090 Delmar.
Why it matters
Poremba is working to establish a cluster of businesses in the Delmar Maker District to transform the area into a premier local destination. The concept intends to recreate the traditional atmosphere of Italian enotecas and bodegas for the neighborhood.
The new establishment occupies the former Florentine restaurant site at 5090 Delmar in the Delmar Maker District. Customers can purchase wine at retail prices with an additional corkage fee applied for on-site consumption.
The players
Ben Poremba
He is a prominent restaurateur who owns several businesses in the Delmar Maker District including Nixta, Del Bono, and Florentine.
Luciano Racca
He serves as the wine director for the newly established Esca Vino Spuntino.
The details
Designed to feel lived-in, the interior features vintage scales, antique furniture, and non-traditional seating nooks. The menu focuses on Italian wine and curated small plates, with Luciano Racca serving as the wine director.
Timeline
2024: Esca first opened in the district.
May 2025: A tornado damaged the district.
First week of November 2026: Esca Vino Spuntino opens.
Market Landscape
This opening represents a significant effort to consolidate the district as a food and beverage destination through a cluster of Poremba-owned properties. The strategy aims to rebuild commercial momentum in the area following the major tornado event in May 2025.
Patrons can expect a hybrid retail and dining experience where they can buy bottles to go or enjoy them on-site for a corkage fee. The expansion adds a new wine-focused destination to the Delmar Maker District's growing list of dining options.
The takeaway
Poremba is betting on a neighborhood-centric business model to revitalize the district after the 2025 tornado. Residents can visit the shop to find a curated Italian wine selection and locally focused atmosphere.
Further reading
For more information on local business activity, browse the St. Louis Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis Magazine.
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