Marco Reitano is the Head Sommelier of the restaurant "La Pergola" at the "Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts" in Rome, where he has been working since 1994. He has devoted his entire life to this profession, and international experiences have exposed him to diverse wine realities, fueling his knowledge, study, and passion for wine and restaurants.
Marco Reitano has dedicated his entire life to the sommelier profession, earning numerous accolades. Always able to find the perfect pairing to enhance a unique culinary experience, wine enthusiasts cannot help but be captivated by the elegance with which he carries out his work.
Born in 1972 in Rome, he graduated as a computer technician, followed by a master's degree in sommelier from ASI and courses in wine sensory evaluation at the University of Davis in California.
His studies and international experiences have made him an immensely successful taster and an exceptional cellar curator.
At just 22 years old, he began working at "La Pergola," a Three MICHELIN-Starred restaurant located at the "Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts." Marco's work has earned him significant recognition throughout his career. In 1997, he obtained the "Master of Port" as Italy's best Sommelier. In 2000, he was nominated for the Wine Oscar as the "Best Sommelier in Italy," and participated in the "Palette of the World Wine" project, a joint initiative for Hilton International hotels. In 2001, he was awarded the Oscar for "Best Italian Sommelier."
Marco has created two extraordinary wine lists for "La Pergola": one featuring international cellar products and another consisting solely of Italian wines. Year after year, he continues his oenological research, discovering new producers and uncovering peculiarities from around the world to ensure his wine list is always up to date. The 1922 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and the 1945 Pétrus are rarities that make his wine list a true masterpiece, as well as the 34 labels from the prestigious Gaja Barbaresco cellar and the dedicated chapter on Brunello. The cellar is divided into individually climate-controlled rooms and offers a selection of 3,500 wine labels ranging from 1888 to the present day. In 2004, "La Pergola" received the "Grand Award" from Wine Spectator magazine.
Over the years, Marco has published several books, including "Cheese and Wine" and "The Art and Science of Service," in the early 2000s, and as the president of "Noi di Sala," he published the association's guide in 2020.
In 2012, he received the award for "Best Sommelier" from the international guide Identità Golose. In 2018, he was recognized as the "Best Sommelier for Italian Gastronomic Criticism" by 22 industry experts, and a year later, he won the award for "Best Sommelier in Italy" from Food and Travel Magazine.
With his experience, dedication, and numerous accolades, Marco Reitano has established himself as one of the most renowned sommeliers in the wine and gastronomy scene. Chevalier de l'Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and co-founder of Vino Forum, his passion and constant pursuit of excellence make him a reference point for all wine and dining enthusiasts.
