Manuele Pignotti
Beverage Director, LK Hospitality
As Beverage Director for LK Hospitality, Manuele Pignotti curates and oversees the drinks programs for the group’s venues: Omnia Bistro & Bar, Yugen Dining, YTB, Bromley Events & Gallery, and The Grand Room. His self-described “professional laid-back” approach brings both rigour and warmth to the way he builds wine lists – striking a careful balance between classic, world-renowned producers and exciting, lesser-known finds.
Hailing from Grottammare in the Marche region of Italy, Manuele’s interest in wine was piqued while working in a restaurant with a proper, stocked cellar in his small hometown. Since then, his career has been forged in some of Australia’s most respected dining rooms – at 22, he began his wine journey when he arrived in Australia at Perth’s Print Hall in 2013, which at the time boasted the country’s best wine list, before joining Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne. There, he progressed from sommelier to Group Head Sommelier for Rockpool and Rosetta, managing extensive cellars and collaborating with some of the world’s most accomplished sommeliers, including Jon Ross and Sebastian Crowther MS.
Manuele’s perspective has been broadened by years of service in diverse, high-calibre dining environments. He is inspired by the challenge of finding the right fit for every occasion, whether that’s a bottle to impress the most seasoned connoisseur or a discovery that surprises and delights a first-time diner. Guests might encounter a refined Thibaud Boudignon Chenin Blanc from Anjou alongside a rare Spanish Godello from Rafael Palacios, reflecting Manuele’s belief that there is always one more piece to the puzzle when it comes to wine.
Away from the cellar, Manuele is a keen hiker and camper with a lifelong passion for sport. In every setting – whether in the dining room, out in nature, or sharing a glass with friends – his goal remains the same: to create moments that connect people through exceptional wine.
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Hi-res imagery: via Google Drive
About LK Hospitality Group
Founded in 2019 by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Larry Kestelman, LK Hospitality has quickly made a name for itself as the home of innovative, creative and excellent drinking and dining experiences. Led by Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn, its portfolio includes award-winning Yugen Dining, Yugen Omakase, Nidaime, and neighbourhood European Bistro & Bar, Omnia, as well as The Grand Room and Bromley Gallery & Event Spaces, all located within the prestigious Capitol Grand, on the bustling corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street, South Yarra.
