Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge has announced the appointment of Luca Visconti as its head sommelier.
With a “distinguished” career in the hospitality industry, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the wine list at Sale e Pepe, having worked as a sommelier for over a decade.
Originally from Naples, Visconti began his career in Florence in 2012 when he worked at Rosewood Hotel and gained first-hand experience creating a wine pairing menu. In 2014, he moved to London and worked as a sommelier in the Marriott Hotel, Park Lane, to hone his craft and learn from a diverse city within the hospitality scene.
In 2016 he moved to the United States, and once settled in New York, he joined La Masseria Dei Vini in 2018 as assistant head sommelier, where he further expanded his knowledge of wine pairings. He then moved to the Caribbean in April 2019, where he gained his first position as head sommelier at Belmond Hotel, La Samanna.
Later, in 2021, Luca returned to London and worked at D&D Hospitality as assistant head sommelier at Croq d’Argent as well as working at il Borro, a Tuscan restaurant in the heart of Mayfair.
With a “strong knowledge of oenology and a connection to his Italian roots”, the restaurant said he is well-equipped to uphold Sale e Pepe’s reputation as a destination for luxury Italian dining.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Sale e Pepe recently underwent a refurbishment, and is now under the ownership of the Thesleff Group, already behind Los Mochis Notting Hill, Los Mochis London City and Viajante87.
On his appointment, Visconti said: “I am thrilled to start as sommelier at Sale e Pepe and further contribute to the legacy of this iconic establishment. It’s great to be joining Sale e Pepe at such an exciting moment in their timeline, following their luxurious refurbishment. I am proud to introduce and expand the wine list with new world wines while at the same time keeping 80% of the wine list with Italian choices.”
Murkus Thesleff said: “We are very excited to appoint Luca as head sommelier. His expertise in fine wines will enhance the luxury experience of Sale e Pepe. We’re looking forward to our diners enjoying an even more varied wine collection that pairs perfectly with our menu.”