Ferdinando Mucerino’s journey with wine began in Naples, where he first learned winemaking at his grandfather’s side while crafting Aglianico. That early experience taught him that every bottle carries more than flavor—it holds history, ritual, and a story waiting to be told. This philosophy has shaped a career built on transforming wine into connection and culture.

2012, Ferdinando joined the award-winning program at A16 in San Francisco, contributing to its James Beard Award recognition. He later became Wine Director at Rustic Canyon in Los Angeles, where his leadership earned a place on Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Wine Bars in America” for three consecutive years. His expertise and storytelling have been featured in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, The Los Angeles Times, and Eater, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic voices in the wine world.

Ferdinando has worked alongside top talents and world-class brands—such as Nike, Martha Stewart, Macy’s, The Humane Society, and Nancy Silverton—to craft wine experiences that bring together hospitality, storytelling, and culture

He also co-founded Lele Dinner Club, an immersive dining experience in Los Angeles praised as “the closest thing to dining in Naples, Italy without leaving Los Angeles.” At Lele, his pairings have earned acclaim from guests and reviewers alike, often described as among the best wine pairings in Los Angeles.

Today, Ferdinando continues to shape the wine world through his diverse work. He curates selections at Brentwood Fine Wines and consults for restaurants to build thoughtful and profitable wine programs. He also leads private tastings and classes for corporate and individual clients, works with collectors to curate personal cellars that become living archives of milestones, travels, and memories, and produces his own signature events that showcase his storytelling approach to wine.

For Ferdinando, wine is not simply something to drink—it is something to experience, share, and celebrate.