Ralph Hersom, Personal Sommelier

For more than three decades, Ralph Hersom has lived in the world of great wine.

His journey began in San Francisco in the early 1990s before taking him to New York City, where he would go on to serve as Cellarmaster at the legendary Windows on the World and later Wine Director at the iconic Le Cirque—two of the most celebrated dining rooms of their time.

In those roles, Ralph worked with extraordinary wine cellars and guided the wine experiences of an international clientele that included passionate collectors, celebrated chefs, rock stars, film icons, and some of the most discerning diners in the world. But what decades in the wine world ultimately taught him is simple: great wine isn’t about status, scores, or labels. It’s about connection — the right bottle, the right meal, and the right people around the table.

That philosophy is the foundation of Ralph’s Hingham Wine Merchant.

Today, Ralph brings the same experience, palate, and enthusiasm that once served some of the world’s most famous tables to his shop in Hingham — helping customers discover wines that elevate everyday dinners, celebrations, and special moments.

Whether you’re building a cellar or simply looking for a great bottle for tonight, you’re getting the same thoughtful guidance that has shaped Ralph’s career for more than thirty years.

Only now, the table is yours.

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