A new destination for wine enthusiasts has opened in the pedestrianised street of Differdange, just steps from the Place du marché.
As the first promotional films for Differdange’s new wine bar, Monni Tino, explain, it’s more than just a venue, it’s a story.
“Monni’ means ‘uncle’ in Luxembourgish. Monni Tino was my uncle who, back in 1945, started working in this very space at the age of 17, for a jewellery store he later bought,” explains Daniel Di Vincenzo, the proprietor. This rich history is captured on the first page of the wine list, featuring a black-and-white photo from that era.
A Family Story
The young man has called Differdange home since the 1920s. Today, the former jewellery shop, which over the decades housed various businesses “most recently an estate agency that closed in 2022” has been transformed into a warm and inviting space for wine lovers. The jewellery has given way to new treasures: those of the vine, “mainly from Italy and Languedoc,” notes Daniel.
“Sharing Stories”
“Our philosophy is to talk about wines we know,” explains Daniel’s father, Antonio Di Vincenzo, who supports his son in this venture. “Being able to share the story behind a wine, knowing the producer, having visited the vineyard whenever possible… that’s the passion we want to share,” the retired enthusiast adds. Naturally, the menu highlights wines from regions the family knows well, with Italy and Languedoc taking centre stage. They are joined by a smaller but notable selection of wines from Luxembourg, Bordeaux, Portugal, and even South Africa.
With nearly 35 wines available by the glass and around 50 bottles to choose from, Monni Tino offers an impressive variety for a cosy city-centre wine bar.
The Good and the Beautiful
In addition to the wine bar, Daniel Di Vincenzo co-manages another enterprise with his business partner, Ken D’Antonio: DiviDante, an audiovisual production company based nearby at Differdange’s 1535 Creative Hub. “I’m juggling both activities at the moment,” says Daniel, whose appreciation for both quality and aesthetics is evident in Monni Tino’s design.
The bar’s emerald green and wooden tones create a chic, intimate atmosphere. A bespoke mural dominates the main wall, depicting a historic scene in the gardens of an Italian villa with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Velvet armchairs, rattan accents, terrazzo surfaces, subtle lighting, and understated décor all contribute to a setting perfect for savouring the moment.
Affordable
The experience is accessible too, with wine by the glass ranging from €4.50 to €9 and bottles starting at €19.50. To complement the wine, simple tapas (€6—8) and charcuterie boards (featuring meats from Abruzzo) or cheese platters are also available.
In summer, the bar will extend onto a large terrace along the pedestrianised street, accommodating up to 30 guests in addition to the 20 seats inside.
Monni Tino
3, avenue de la Liberté
L-4601 Differdange
Wednesday to Saturday: 2 pm—9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 3 pm—10 pm
These hours may be adjusted in the coming weeks
Photos Kachen
