FRANK GRILLO & STEVE ACUÑA — Founders

U.S.-born Frank Grillo arrived in Puglia, Italy, drawn by its legendary food culture and the hospitality of its people. He quickly became captivated by Altamura's ancient durum wheat — the secret behind the region's iconic PDO-protected bread. Grillo's vision: capture the soul of Altamura in a bottle.

Despite Italy's deep-rooted wine culture, he set out to distill the region's celebrated wheat into something never before seen — a vodka that proudly expresses place and character. Working closely with the local Cappiello family, whose wheat-farming legacy dates to the 1800s, Grillo bootstrapped Altamura Distilleries with his best friend and business partner, Steve Acuña.

Launching during the pandemic, Altamura Distilleries quickly gained a following among top bartenders and award-winning bars worldwide. Today, Altamura Vodka is served at icons like Paradiso (World's 50 Best Bars), Drink Kong, and the Four Seasons Surf Club Miami, with expansion into seven countries and new spirits in the works — including gin and whiskey.

Frank's approach is simple: honor tradition, embrace innovation, and always let the wheat shine.