Derrick C. Westbrook is a nationally recognized sommelier evolving the wine industry by bridging the gap between spirits and culture. Before turning 30, Westbrook became the Cellar Manager of Alinea Group’s NEXT restaurant, and the Beverage Director of the Michelin-starred, Elizabeth restaurant in Chicago. He is currently the Owner of Juice @ 1340 and lead sommelier. He has been recognized for his professional contributions by Wine Enthusiast magazine as a 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, becoming the first African-American in the wine industry to grace the publication’s cover. Widely recognized in the media, Westbrook has been featured by: Bon Appetite, Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, Eater, ABC 7’s Heart & Soul, WGN’s Midday News, WCIU’s The Jam.

A love for people and passion for spirits has served as the driving force behind Derrick C. Westbrook’s journey. Today, Westbrook continues to break barriers through curated dinners and experiential wine tastings. His signature event series, Samples & Samples, pairs wine with music from various genres, creating a unique, sensory experience for attendees. Westbrook has toured nationally, bringing Samples & Samples to City Winery locations across the U.S. with multiple sold-out shows. While creating these sensory experiences, Westbrook has partnered with brands such as Chanel, Hilton, and Twitter.