Ca’Select, the newly designed visitor center and distillery for Select Aperitivo, has opened its doors in Venice’s Cannaregio district. The historic Italian aperitif brand, known as the essential ingredient of the original Venetian Spritz, invites guests to explore a refined, experiential space that celebrates Venice’s craft, flavor and cultural heritage.
© Courtesy of Select Aperitivo
The building, redesigned by Marcante-Testa Architects, blends contemporary design with Venetian tradition. Visitors enter beneath custom-made mosaics and step onto a Venetian Seminato floor crafted by Asin, a family of master terrazzo makers whose techniques reach back generations. Every detail was conceived to tell the story of Select Aperitivo and its deep ties to Venice.
Art plays a central role throughout Ca’Select. Ukrainian artist Koskevoy Bodgan, winner of Select’s Ca’Select Arte competition, contributed signature works that appear throughout the space, reinforcing the venue’s narrative focus. Studio Fludd curated the exhibition area, creating an interactive presentation that invites visitors to discover a different, authentic view of Venice through objects, imagery and immersive content.
The interior is organized into four distinct areas, each designed for a specific aspect of the Select Aperitivo experience:
- Bar and mixology area: A welcoming spot for tastings and demonstrations, where guests can sample the original Venetian Spritz and other aperitif-based cocktails prepared by skilled bartenders.
- Events area: One of the larger cultural spaces in the city, intended for public and private events, tastings, talks and social gatherings that celebrate food, design and Venetian tradition.
- Production area: A visible, informative space where visitors can observe elements of the production process, including the maceration of herbs and spices that contribute to Select Aperitivo’s distinctive flavor.
- Exhibition area: Curated displays and interactive installations that reveal the brand’s history and the broader context of Venetian aperitivo culture.
© Courtesy of Select Aperitivo
Craftsmanship and local materials are foregrounded in the design. A steel bar counter is clad in fused glass plates reminiscent of Murano workmanship, with shapes and colors intended to evoke the waves and reflections of the Venetian Lagoon. Walls throughout the venue are finished with handmade white-and-red zellige tiles, reinforcing a tactile, artisanal atmosphere.
Founded in 1920, Select Aperitivo has used its centurial legacy as a creative springboard, combining historic recipe and modern presentation. Ca’Select is positioned not only as a tasting destination but also as a cultural hub where visitors can learn about the aperitif’s production, its place in Venetian social life and the craftsmanship behind both the drink and the surrounding city.
In the coming months Ca’Select will publish detailed event listings and ticketing information for tours, tastings and special programs. The new facility aims to be a destination for locals and travelers alike who want an intimate, informed encounter with Venice’s aperitivo tradition and the story of Select Aperitivo itself.