08/12/2026
Every business has a story.
Ours didn't begin with a business plan. It began with curiosity.
The Somm Closet was born from a simple question that turned into a passion, a passion that became a dream, and a dream that became a place where people can experience wines from around the world.
As our founder, Manju Wagner, shares:
"I never imagined I'd own a wine shop."
"I started out as a software engineer, then became a stay-at-home mom. Somewhere along the way, my husband introduced me to wine. At first, it was just something we enjoyed together — Chardonnay, Cabernet — until one day I asked, 'Why only these two? There's a whole world of wine out there.'"
That single question sparked a journey of learning.
"So, I started studying, first out of curiosity. I earned my sommelier certifications, exploring the regions, the grapes, the soil — all the things that make one bottle taste so different from another. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with the stories behind each one."
Wine became more than what was in the glass. It became about the people, the places, and the generations of passion behind every bottle.
"I've walked vineyards in France and Italy where winemakers poured from their own cellars, not to sell, but to share their pride and their family's story. That kind of passion stayed with me."
Today, every bottle on our shelves is chosen with that same intention—to share a story, start a conversation, and help someone discover something they may have never experienced before.
And perhaps the most meaningful part of this journey is why it all came together.
"Now that my kids are grown, The Somm Closet is my way of showing them — and myself — that I still have dreams of my own, and that it's never too late to open a new door. You just have to be curious enough to knock."
That is our why.
To inspire curiosity.
To celebrate craftsmanship.
To connect people through wine.
And to remind ourselves that there is always something new waiting to be discovered.
📍 124 Moore Ave, Mount Airy, NC
📞 (336) 710-1150
Sun-Mon: Closed | Tue-Thu: 1 PM-7 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM-8:30 PM