Giovanni Ferlito’s path to becoming head of wine and beverage at The Ritz is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an ever-deepening love for the art of hospitality. With a career which spans continents, roles, and experiences, Ferlito has developed a reputation for his knowledge, particularly in the world of Champagne. Today, he’s the driving force behind the celebrated Champagne programme at one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. But how did his journey begin?
Giovanni Ferlito's journey to The Ritz shows his commitment to train, learn and become one of Europe's top sommeliers
Ferlito’s story starts in his hometown of Catania, at the foot of the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Born to an Italian father and French mother, his heritage naturally led him towards a career steeped in food, drink, and culture.
“I suppose it’s no surprise I became a sommelier,” he reflects. However, it wasn’t wine which initially sparked his enthusiasm - it was cocktails.
Straight out of school, Ferlito began working as a bartender, inspired by the film ‘Cocktail’ starring Tom Cruise. His first role was in a small ‘chiosco’bar, where he created his very first cocktail - a negroni.
“The owner taught me everything, making me taste each component separately before mixing them. It was there I fell in love with mixology," he says. From slicing lemons to mopping floors, Ferlito threw himself into learning every aspect of the job.
After completing his military service, he enrolled in a bartending course and eventually found himself at the newly opened Hard Rock Café in Catania. He worked there for a couple of years before deciding to broaden his horizons. In 2005, he left Catania for good, taking on bar management roles at luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives and Mauritius. But by 2010, London was calling.
The move to the UK wasn’t without its challenges. Arriving in London with no English skills, Ferlito went from managing bars at high-end resorts to polishing glasses as a bar back.
“It was humbling,” he admits, but it didn’t deter him. He enrolled in English classes and studied hotel management.
Big break
Giovanni Ferlito has had the chance to work at a number of prestigious venues before taking up his role at The Ritz where he has made partnering with famous Champagne houses - such as Laurent Perrier - for different Champagne of the Month promotions a key part of its wine offer
His big break came when he joined Locanda Locatelli, a Michelin-starred restaurant, where he was introduced to the world of wine under the mentorship of sommelier, Virgilio Gennaro.
Ferlito soon discovered that wine held the same allure as mixology.
“Virgilio’s passion for wine was infectious,” he says. It was here that Ferlito began his formal wine education, completing his WSET Levels I and II, while learning on the job. “It was the perfect opportunity - I could cover the bar when thebartenderwas off, but I was also getting a solid foundation in wine.”
After Locanda Locatelli, Ferlito spent two years at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, where he worked under the guidance of Hugues Lepin, a legendary sommelier who further shaped Ferlito’s understanding of French wines.
“Hugues didn’t want the cellar organised by bin numbers,” he says, who instead had to memorise the locations of each of the many thousands of bins. “It was all about the story behind the wine, and that’s something which stuck with me throughout my career.”
A brief stint at Morton’s Club followed, before Ferlito was approached to apply for the role of head sommelier at The Ritz in 2014. After five interviews, including one with Tobias Brauweiler, he secured the position. Ten years later, he’s still at the helm of one of London’s most prestigious wine programmes, which involves nurturing producer relationships and bolstering reserves for the future.
Champagne focus
While Ferlito’s career has spanned many areas of hospitality, his commitment to Champagne has become his hallmark. His first deep dive into Champagne came during a visit while working at Hélène Darroze.
“I remember everything about that trip,” he says with a smile. “Pouring from a jeroboam à la voléefor the first time was an unforgettable experience.”
The challenge of managing large-format bottles became a thrill, and Ferlito often jokes that lifting a jeroboam serves as his gym workout.
At The Ritz, Ferlito has been running the Champagne of the Month programme for over 10 years, collaborating with some of the finest houses. The programme offers guests the chance to experience a variety of cuvées by the glass, with the introduction of Coravin Sparkling revolutionising the way they are served in a fine dining setting.
“Before Coravin Sparkling, we could only offer three cuvées by the glass. Now we can offer four, giving guests access to some of the most prestigious Champagnes which we wouldn’t normally serve by the glass,” he says.
Laurent-Perrier partnership
The Ritz will be partnering Laurent-Perrier throughout December to showcase its range of premium Champagnes
For December, these comprise Laurent-Perrier: Héritage, Cuvée Rosé, Vintage 2015, Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 and Alexandra Rosé 2012 (the latter only available as part of the Caviar Experience in December in the Rivoli Bar).
One of the highlights of Ferlito’s work with Champagne is the Epicurean Champagne and Caviar Journey, a luxurious pairing of Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 with Oscietra or Beluga caviar.
“Champagne’s acidity is perfect for cleansing the palate of the richness and creaminess of the caviar,” explains Ferlito. “The bubbles prepare you for the next bite, creating a beautiful harmony.”
This experience, offered at The Ritz’s Rivoli Bar, exemplifies Ferlito’s commitment to delivering unforgettable moments for guests.
Ferlito’s deepened expertise in Champagne is also a result of his time at The Champagne Academy, where he earned his diploma in 2022.
“The Champagne Academy is the ultimate training,” he says. “In one week, I visited 16 Grande Marque houses, waking up at 6:30am and finishing around 11pm, tasting and learning every day.”
Visits included the historic Maison of Laurent-Perrier where he met Ambassadeur de Marque, Frederique Chaise.
The intensive course not only sharpened Ferlito’s skills but also strengthened his understanding of the dynamics within the Champagne region.
“What I found most beautiful is that it’s not about the individual houses - it’s about Champagne as a brand and a region. Everyone is united in building Champagne’s reputation.”
Fruitfully, he also met Michel Paszto on the trip. Then a senior sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, he would later become head sommelier at The Ritz, as a key part of Ferlito’s highly studious team.
Grand Siècle
A key focus of The Ritz's partnership with Laurent-Perrier will be the chance to taste its Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 during the Christmas and New Year celebrations
With Champagne playing such a key role in The Ritz experience, it’s no surprise that Ferlito is especially excited about showcasing Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle during the hotel’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Grand Siècle is all about perfection - it blends three exceptional vintages, all from Grand Cru vineyards. It’s the ultimate way to toast the new year,” he says.
The Champagne will be a highlight of the New Year’s Eve festivities, where guests can enjoy half a bottle each alongside live entertainment and a bespoke menu in the restaurant, with, as part of the Caviar Experience in December in the Rivoli Bar, the notably low of yield, Pinot Noir led, Alexandra Rosé 2012. This rare vintage rosé Champagne is named after Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt, who owns the Maison with sibling Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt.
For Ferlito, wine is about more than just what’s in the glass. “Our role isn’t just to sell wine - it’s to be ambassadors for the producers, to tell their stories, and to help our guests discover something new. Touch the soils, smell the grapes, taste the wines - that’s what it’s all about. It’s about sharing that experience with our guests,” he says.
And that philosophy has clearly resonated, as Champagne sales at The Ritz continue to increase in both value and volume, despite reducing covers in favour of ever more personal service.
“Guests are spending more, and they’re choosing higher quality. It’s a testament to the fact that, at The Ritz, we offer experiences which are truly special.”
As Ferlito looks ahead, his focus remains on continuing to elevate the wine and Champagne programme at The Ritz. “We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our guests,” he says. “It’s all about creating memories - and Champagne, with its timeless elegance, is the perfect way to do that.”
Giovanni Ferlito’s journey from mixologist to head of wine and beverage at The Ritz is one of passion, dedication, and a love for creating unforgettable experiences. His expertise and commitment to excellence have helped shape The Ritz into a destination for wine lovers and connoisseurs alike. And under his guidance, it’s clear that the Champagne - and the celebrations - will keep flowing.
* You can find out more about The Ritz and its Rivoli Bar here.
* Laurent-Perrier is a commercial partner to The Buyer. You can find out more about its services to the premium on and off-trade here.
