A playful celebration of the country and the city, Fino Vino by Studio Gram is the contrast and the point at which two things come together. It is a coming-of-age story for a restaurant that began its life in a small town, moved to a big winery, and finally settled in the city of Adelaide.
“Think simplicity mixed with antiquity,” explain Dave Bickmore and Graham Charbonneau of Studio Gram. Custom detailing interacts with the reclaimed, the curated with the haphazard. There is an exciting mix of textures at play – from velvety to granular, crunchy and smooth, earthy and glossy. “The building’s layers have been peeled back to expose a masonry interior made of warm, earthy materials, just like the food and hospitality on offer,” say Dave and Graham.
The existing shell was left intentionally raw. A clear coat is adhered to existing walls, clear resin to the floors, enabling holes to be filled while remaining visible. Vermiculite is sprayed on the ceilings to deliver acoustic comfort while concealing some of the existing services. Meanwhile, the added elements are extremely considered and deliberately precise in detailing, bringing a sense of elegance and contrast to the robust shell.
Above all, the interior is a celebration of South Australia incorporating stone sourced from near the Flinders Rangers, while highlighting some of South Australia’s emerging and established makers and creatives. Ceramics from Handmade & Found, Terracotta Tiles made in Magill by Bennetts, and furniture designed by Agostino & Brown and Studio Gram completes the hyper-local approach. The space also exhibits the work of the late South Australian artist, Bridget Ohlsson.
From a food & beverage point of view, Fino Vino is built on a philosophy that’s all about the relationships with vignerons, farmers, producers and growers. From the design standpoint, the restaurant is built on the relationships Studio Gram have with local makers, creatives and materials.
“This is a true marrying of concepts from the kitchen and the bar through to the fitout,” Dave and Graham explain. “Fino Vino is unmistakeable South Australian, from the chair you are sitting on, to the table your plate is on, and the produce on your plate. Unmistakably and unashamedly South Australian born and bred.”