If Switzerland has an ambassador for Italian culinary culture, it’s most likely the «Bindella» Enterprise.

This network of restaurants, wine trading, construction services, real estate, and art includes the family’s namesake wine dealership, which has imported top-tier Tuscan wines like «Tignanello», «Sassicaia», and «Ornellaia» for decades. It also encompasses eateries ranging from the approachable «Santa Lucia» (13 locations across Switzerland) to the classic «Ristorante Bindella» near Paradeplatz, as well as the fine dining «Ornellaia» establishment in Zurich’s former Volksbank building on St. Annagasse.

From Ticino to Zurich

While the company’s origins trace back to Rudi Bindella Senior’s grandfather in Ticino—where he imported large bottles of Chianti wine, some transported by horse-drawn cart—the foundation of today’s Swiss-German operations was laid by his father, who expanded into construction, real estate, and a plastering business. These roots remain integral to the family business, which still offers painting and plastering services. This steadfast real estate backbone provides strength and stability.

In a large conference room on the third floor of Casa Bindella in Zurich-Höngg, finews.com sat down with the Senior and Rudi Bindella Junior. The business is transitioning from the third to the fourth generation: Rudi Bindella Junior now manages daily operations, while his father provides guidance and connections.

A True Espresso

The meeting begins with excellent espresso brewed from a traditional piston machine. A historic sign reading «Bindella - Plastering» underscores the company’s artisanal heritage.

The interaction between the two generations is seamless and familiar. When discussing the company’s present and future, it’s usually Junior who answers. However, it’s not uncommon for Senior, after patiently listening, to contribute a thought—polished by decades of hosting and experience, like fine wine aged in oak barrels.

«We turned the key, and it was an instant success»: Ristorante Bindella, In Gassen. (Image: Courtesy)

Joyful Italianità

The association of the Bindella name with authentic Italian cuisine and top-quality wines from the Bel Paese is a result of Senior’s life’s work.

He oriented the wine and gastronomy businesses toward cheerful Italianità. From seven restaurants in 1982—when Rudi Bindella Senior took over the company from his father—the group has grown to over 40 locations. Wine trade revenues have multiplied exponentially since then.

«Good Decisions Come from the Gut»

Was this shift a deliberate commercial strategy or an emotional decision? «Good decisions come from the gut, not the head,» Senior replies. He explains that Italy has always drawn them, calling it their «second home.» «We wanted to bring the joie de vivre you feel there to Switzerland.»

«And the restaurants where we deliberately cultivate this culture are especially successful,» Junior adds.

«Since 1985 at Paradeplatz»

One significant milestone in the Bindellas’ transformation from a plastering-focused business to a «must-visit» destination for Italian cuisine lovers was the opening of their game-changing «Ristorante Bindella» at the prestigious «In Gassen» address, just a few steps from Paradeplatz. That was in 1985.

Before this, the Bindellas had operated a «Tea Room In Gassen» at the same address since 1955. Back then, obtaining a restaurant license with permission to serve alcohol was a challenge. The state granted licenses based on local needs, governed by a politically managed planning system known as the «needs clause.»

«We Were Overrun»

In the mid-1980s, while already exploring repurposing plans, the Bindellas secured a license for the new «Ristorante Bindella» through a so-called patent transfer from another location.

The new restaurant aimed to showcase Italian cuisine at an elevated level. Senior recalls, «We turned the key, and it was an instant success.» The restaurant was «overrun» from day one.

6,000 visitors annually: Bindella’s winery «Tenuta Vallocaia.» (Image: Alessandro Moggi, Courtesy)

Lavish Lunches with Cigars and Cognac

During the early days, the restaurant attracted important guests: directors from nearby banks who «practically walked in wearing slippers»—Bank Leu, Bankgesellschaft, Kreditanstalt, and others from that era.

Senior fondly describes this period as «golden times.» Bankers would arrive around noon or 1 p.m., occupy large tables, enjoy elaborate multi-course lunches, drink the finest wines, and «then light a cigar and, of course, enjoy cognac or grappa.»

«Bankers Have Less Time»

Those days are gone. «Today’s bankers have far less time,» Junior notes with some regret. «We’re still very grateful for our business guests, who make up an important part of our clientele at Bindella.» With a sly smile, he adds, «Per-capita bottle consumption has certainly declined, but per-capita revenue has actually increased.»

Super-Tuscans and Swiss Leadership

Bindella has also built its legacy through strategic wine imports, particularly from Tuscany. Since the 1950s, the company has represented the renowned Marchesi Antinori in Switzerland. By the 1970s, Bindella introduced now-iconic names like «Tignanello», «Sassicaia», and «Ornellaia» to Swiss wine lovers.

In the realm of Super-Tuscans, Bindella remains Switzerland’s unchallenged leader. Senior explains that the traditionally cultivated Sangiovese grape has «great potential, even for aging,» but is also highly acidic.

Continued on the Next Page: The Evolution of the Super Tuscans and Bindella’s Plans with Philipp Hildebrand.