Renowned Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe, located in Knightsbridge, is pleased to introduce Luca Visconti as its Head Sommelier. With a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, Luca brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the wine list at Sale e Pepe, having worked as a sommelier for over a decade.
A Napoli native, Luca began his career in Florence in 2012 when he worked at Rosewood Hotel where he gained first-hand experience creating a wine pairing menu. In 2014, Luca 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 Luca moved to America, a new dynamic culinary landscape, where he utilised a different culture and range of wines. Once settled in New York, Luca joined La Masseria Dei Vini in 2018 as Assistant Head Sommelier, where he further expanded his knowledge of wine pairings. His hunger to learn more and travel took him to the Caribbean in April 2019, where he gained his first position as Head Sommelier at Belmond Hotel, La Samanna, and mastered the intricacies of the wine offering within a hotel’s restaurant.
Later, in 2021, Luca returned to London and worked at the famed D&D Hospitality as Assistant Head Sommelier at Croq d’Argent, where he contributed to creating memorable dining experiences for guests through exceptional wine service. After two successful years, he worked at il Borro, a Tuscan restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, where he developed and executed innovative wine events and tastings, elevating the customers’ experience.
Joining Sale e Pepe, Luca is excited to lead the wine offering with his wealth of insight on flavoursome pairings and extensive appreciation for wine and Italian culture. With a strong knowledge of oenology and a deep connection to his Italian roots, Luca will continue to bring Italy to Sale e Pepe, one of the oldest and most known Italian restaurants in London. With his proven track record of delivering exceptional service, Luca 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 sumptuous refurbishment, preserving its storied heritage while ushering in a new era of renaissance. Under the ownership of the Thesleff Group, already behind Los Mochis Notting Hill, Los Mochis London City and Viajante87, the restaurant has reclaimed its status as a premier destination for the stylish set, offering a taste of la dolce vita in London.
Sale e Pepe’s commitment to authentic cuisine, impeccable service, and timeless elegance continues with Luca’s appointment, marking an exciting new chapter for the restaurant’s future generations of patrons.
On his appointment to Sale e Pepe, Luca says: “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.”
On Luca’s appointment, Murkus Thesleff says, “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.”