Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante, even though two separate businesses, are both located in an old hacienda style villa. After meeting in Puerto Vallarta in 1986, Claire and Joe Guarniere, inspired by Dante and Beatrice and their mutual love of Italy, began their family business in 1988 with an Italian restaurant called "Pizza Joe" and a small classical Art Gallery. In 1995, their passion for art outweighed the long hours in the restaurant business so they opened “Galleria Dante”, which is now the largest and most eclectic fine art gallery in Puerto Vallarta, exhibiting the works of more than 60 artists –from emerging to well established museum artists (both painters and sculptors). Of these artists 85% are Mexican-born. The countless pieces are arranged in the European “salon” style throughout the massive gallery’s salons and gardens, including a beautiful open-air courtyard.
In 2013, Gena, born and raised in the family businesses, opened Di Vino Dante, a wine and Tapas bar overlooking the gallery's sculpture garden which also offers larger plates. The restaurant also rotates art from the gallery, offering the opportunity for diners to purchase art while enjoying a fine glass of wine or cocktail.
During her second year at University “UBC” in Vancouver, British Columbia, Gena took “Wine Science” to complete her Science credit. It changed her life. Growing up in an Italian family, surrounded by art and after numerous summers in Italy, she had never developed a taste for wine. With her interest peaked and a new found love of wine, she took more wine classes, in what free time she had in completing her Fine Art degree.
After studying wine theory and tasting hundreds of bottles of wine, she dreamed of how to work in the business.
Both businesses continue to evolve and grow, the Gallery is always in search of new artists, the wine bar offering new menu items and an extensive wine cellar. Later this season, Di Vino Dante will be opening the rooftop garden, which will also be available for special events and private parties.
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante are located at Basilio Badillo #269, in the Old Town, Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta.
New artwork comes in on a regular basis, and the restaurant offers weekly specials, so even if you have visited Galleria Dante in the past, it is always worth another visit....
