Ralph Hersom, Personal Sommelier

Starting as a Sommelier in 1994 at Moose’s in San Francisco, then as a Cellar Master at Windows on the World and, ultimately, Wine Director of Le Cirque 2000 in New York, Ralph Hersom has spent more than 20 years helping interesting, intellectually curious people learn about wine and experience the very best that France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia and America offer on the topic. In that time, he has learned that to fully experience and truly enjoy fine wine, it is important to understand what appeals to each person, individually. The much touted 100-point rating scale does not do that. It does not help wine drinkers figure out which regions and wine producers they most enjoy. It does not help wine and food lovers figure out what wine pairs best with the food they like. As a former sommelier at some of America’s finest restaurants, having served some of the most demanding wine drinkers, Ralph is able to do that.

At Ralph’s Hingham Wine Merchant, we will help you experience the very best in wine and introduce you to the greatest wine producing regions and winemakers in the world. If you already know what you like, let’s talk; we can promise that we will understand your preferences and your wine and food interests.

certifications

Higher Certificate
Wine & Spirits Education Trust, London, UK – 1999
Sommelier Advanced Certification
Sterling Vineyards School of Service & Hospitality, Rutherford, CA – 1996
Sommelier Certificate
Court of Master Sommeliers, San Francisco, CA –  1995

AWARDS

Wine Enthusiast – Best Young Sommelier – 2000
Wine Spectator – Grand Award / Wine List for Le Cirque 2000 – 1999

RECOGNITIONS

Five-time Judge – San Francisco International Wine Competition
Guest Sommelier – James Beard Annual Awards Gala – 2013