The pairing of wine and food is one of the world’s oldest traditions, and no country embraces the tradition more than Italy. In fact, it is so ingrained into the culture that most people don’t even think about it. In the old country, people would walk into their village and purchase some cheese, meat and baked goods from a local shop each day. When the family gathered that evening, there would typically be a table filled with the day’s purchases, whatever was pulled from the family garden and, of course, some wine to wash it all down.

One local store has captured the allure of this Italian family tradition. Jimmy’s Italian Specialties has been serving the local community since 1974, offering an incredible selection of Italian cheeses, meats, pastries and other delights. Frank Occhibove opened the original location, keeping Italian tradition alive for the local immigrant community and introducing it to a lot of non-Italians along the way.