Salute! The Cirace Family Offers the Sprit of Italy.

The North End's unique businesses bring people from all over the world to this neighborhood. So North End Patch will be featuring one each week -- whether a restaurant, florist, smoke shop or salon. Let us know if there's a particular one you'd like to read about in this weekly series.

It seems most places in the North End have a long history but V. Cirace & Son, Inc. is the oldest family business at the same location since it was established in 1906.

Set back on a quiet corner of North Street, this wine and spirits shop also offers specialty foods, handcrafted Italian ceramics, gift baskets and gift liqueur bottles.

In addition, Cirace offers online ordering and drink recipes as well as educational wine tastings on Friday nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

How it began

Ernesto and Vincenza Cirace arrived in Boston in 1905 from Salerno, Italy, and settled in the North End.

A year later, they established the family business. Their son, Ernest and his sister, Eda, eventually took over and expanded the shop in 1953 with the addition of an importing and distributing company.

Now run by the third generation, Jeff Cirace and his sister, Lisa, maintain the philosophy set by their grandparents over 100 years ago that always focuses on quality, selection, friendly service and knowledge.

What makes Cirace special?

Manager Stephen Guild, an experienced wine steward, said Cirace is the most charming place in the city to work with wine.

"The diversity of imports -- both wines and Italian spirits -- that we bring in makes this shop  a very special place," he said. "Being involved in the importing creates an intimate atmosphere where we know the product and the producers."

Like all small business owners, Jeff said shops not only in the North End but all over Boston would like to see more parking.

After 45 years working at Cirace, he's met countless people and had so many wonderful experience that he says there are way too many to list. 

For additional information, visit http://vcirace.com/ or stop into the shop at 173 North Street and see the selection of fine Italian wine, grappa, liqueurs and Amaro.