bassano del grappa & nove, veneto

Located about an hour north of Venice, you will find Bassano del Grappa. This gorgeous riverside city is known widely for its scenic views of the Italian Alps, its Ponte Vecchio wooden bridge dating back to the 13th century and a rich culture of arts and trade. The most popular of those arts being ceramica (ceramics) which the area of Bassano del Grappa has become famous for as a main export over the last three centuries.

If you look in your kitchen and find any ceramic items “Made in Italy” it is highly likely they were born in the Bassano del Grappa and Nove area of Northern Italy.

My absolute favorite warehouse to visit lies in Nove, VBC Ceramica. With distributors across several countries, made entirely in their warehouse here in Italy, they create unique lines for brands like Tiffany and Co. and Williams Sonoma.

Their entire production from design to completion and shipping is completed in their main location in Nove. It’s a busy, busy environment full of rolling racks with thousands of cups, plates, bowls and more stacked high ready to ship to shops and restaurants around the world.

But what I love the most is that you can visit their showroom in Nove on the second floor above their massive production warehouse to shop their entire line at wholesale. They even give a lovely discount if you purchase with cash. I’ve become quite an obnoxious collector over the last two years and have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The same pasta bowls that my grandchildren will inherit are from here, a delicate white with a lace pattern so realistic it looks like a soft cotton quilt.

Little treasures like Easter salt and pepper shakers, charming mini radicchio mis en place bowls, espresso cups, vegetable themed spoon rests and butter dishes.

It’s become my favorite place to take company to when we have guests from the United States for the perfect Italian souvenir. My mother and my mother-in-law have a very hard time limiting themselves and often buy well beyond their shopping list and suitcase size.

A few of my favorite treasures photographed below, including a floral dish I intend on gifting to my daughter (along with other Italian finds) for her 16th birthday, followed by a glimpse at the scenery of antica Bassano del Grappa. Add it to your list!