Bacco’s Italian Wine Program: A Curated Journey Through Italy

At Bacco, the wine experience is an integral part of the restaurant’s culinary identity. Located within Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, the Tuscan-inspired steakhouse presents a thoughtfully curated Italian wine program led by Sommelier David Stasko, whose approach centers on discovery, quality and a genuine sense of hospitality.

Stasko’s philosophy is rooted in small-production wines and producers who demonstrate a deep commitment to their craft. Rather than simply selecting familiar labels, he seeks wines that reflect a strong sense of place and complement Bacco’s thoughtful approach to sourcing and cuisine.

“I’m always looking for small-production wines, great producers and wines with current drinkability or appropriate age,” explains Stasko. 

Italy provides an expansive landscape for exploration, with 20 wine-growing regions offering a remarkable range of grapes, styles and terroirs. While Tuscany and Piedmont remain important foundations of the program, Stasko is equally interested in showcasing wines from regions that may be less familiar to guests, including Sicily and Campania.

Italian white wines are a particular focus. Varieties such as Greco, Fiano and Falanghina offer guests an opportunity to discover the diversity of Italy’s white wines, while selections from volcanic regions such as Mount Etna showcase the distinctive character that comes from Italy’s varied landscapes.

For Stasko, guiding guests through the wine list is an extension of Bacco’s hospitality. His goal is to understand what each guest enjoys, then use that preference as an opportunity to introduce something new.

“I think of it as about 70 percent giving guests what they know they like and 30 percent encouraging them to try something new and exciting,” says Stasko. 

Bacco’s wine list is intentionally dynamic, evolving approximately every other week based on availability, guest preferences and new discoveries. Many selections are produced in limited quantities, allowing the program to continually introduce distinctive bottles while maintaining a sense of discovery for returning guests.

The program also reflects Bacco’s commitment to thoughtful sourcing. Just as the restaurant carefully considers the producers and farms behind its ingredients, Stasko seeks out vintners who share a similar dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Ultimately, Stasko believes the most memorable wine experiences are shaped by more than the wine itself. The people at the table, the atmosphere, and the occasion all contribute to the experience.

“Wine is about more than just the bottle,” says Stasko. “It’s about the experience surrounding it and the people you share it with.” 

Through a continually evolving selection of Italian wines, Bacco invites guests to explore Italy through the glass while discovering new favorites along the way.

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