Sommelier By Night
Justin Ferguson is a WSET Level 3 Certified Sommelier and Wine Director at The Underground Kitchen, curating experiences that merge craftsmanship, culture, and connection.His work bridges the gap between traditional wine education and modern storytelling—inviting new audiences to explore wine through authenticity, artistry, and inclusion..
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Justin’s journey into wine began not in a vineyard—but through a story. After watching Uncorked (2020), the tale of a young Black man pursuing a sommelier career, Justin saw a reflection of his own ambitions and took his first step toward mastering the craft. Today, as a Virginia-based sommelier and educator, Justin has tasted hundreds of wines from around the world, guided countless guests through immersive wine experiences, and built collaborations that amplify diverse voices in wine. His philosophy is simple: wine is culture. It should be shared, understood, and celebrated by everyone.
Collaborations & Features
Justin partners with brands, wineries, and cultural institutions to create educational, high-impact wine experiences.
Notable collaborations include:
The Underground Kitchen & Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens(Wine Director): Designing elevated pairings and themed dinners that celebrate heritage and hospitality.
Sommsation (Sommelier Partner): Hosting curated virtual tastings featuring boutique and emerging wineries.
Wine Access & Wine Enthusiast & Virginia ABC: Featured expert on Virginia varietals, holiday wine cocktails, and accessible food pairings.
Coravin & Josephinenhütte: Showcasing precision tools and glassware through cinematic storytelling and lifestyle content.
Each collaboration reflects Justin’s mission — to make the world of fine wine inclusive, approachable, and unforgettable.
Private Tastings & Education
Through The Curator Series, Justin offers private tastings, corporate wine experiences, and educational sessions for enthusiasts, executives, and collectors.
Every tasting is guided by storytelling—unpacking the history, craftsmanship, and personality behind each bottle.
From Old World classics to New World discoveries, Justin’s approach blends expertise with warmth, creating memorable conversations over every pour.
The Underground Kitchen
As Wine Director at The Underground Kitchen in Richmond, Virginia, Justin Ferguson blends education, hospitality, and storytelling to create elevated wine experiences. He combines expertise in private events, curated wine dinners, and blind-tasting instruction with a deep understanding of how culture, history, and craftsmanship shape every bottle. Recognized for his inclusive approach, Justin celebrates the global heritage of wine—honoring its diverse influences and the people of color who have shaped the craft. His philosophy is simple: a true Wine Director unites technical mastery with human connection, proving that wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a shared cultural language meant to be enjoyed by everyone..
Justin Ferguson is a Multifamily Specialist in Marcus & Millichap's Southern Virginia Office. He prides himself in helping corporate professionals, private investors, REITS, developers, and syndicators strategize and maximize their returns to grow their portfolios at faster, more efficient rates.