Wealthy sommelier is accused of trying to MURDER his glamorous wife in knife attack - before making shocking gesture as he leaves court

A wealthy Manhattan sommelier who has worked at trendy Michelin-star rated restaurants allegedly stabbed his wife in a frightening attack that left her fearing for her life. 

Aaron Von Rock, 55, appeared in court this week to face charges of assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon but was released on his own recognizance - and even smirked as he left the courthouse.

The wine connoisseur allegedly attacked his wife during a frenzied episode in their Manhattan apartment, leading his wife to warn police 'my husband tried to kill me', cops said. 

Despite her plea, Von Rock was only hit with the lesser charge of assault. 

He was seen as a rising star in the ritzy sommelier world, and he counts Michelin star-rated restaurant Benno among his past employers. 

Aaron Von Rock, 55, is accused of attacking his wife (pictured together) in their Manhattan apartment on May 5 

The wealthy sommelier was seen as a rising star in the industry, and counts Michelin star-rated restaurants on his CV 

The alleged slashing of Von Rock's wife, who has not been named, took place in their apartment on May 5. 

The woman was left with a gash on her hand, as well as injuries to her leg and foot, reports the New York Post. 

The sommelier was in court on Wednesday, where he was released without bail despite prosecutors seeking to have him held in prison. Von Rock was instead referred to an alternative court program. 

Judge Marva Brown also placed a temporary order of protection on the restauranteur's terrified wife. 

He pleaded not guilty, and is due back in court on September 30.  

The sommelier was in court on Wednesday, where he was released without bail despite prosecutors seeking it. Von Rock was instead referred to an alternative court program 

Von Rock pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon, after his wife allegedly told police her husband 'tried to kill me' 

Von Rock's glitzy career in New York City's poshest eateries culminated in his working as a sommelier at Benno, (pictured) a Michelin star-rated restaurant, in 2019

According to an interview with Wine Spectator, Von Rock was born in Maryland and began his career in the wine industry at the age of three, when he stomped grapes for his family's homemade wine. 

After moving to New York City, Von Rock's glitzy career in the Big Apple's poshest eateries culminated in his working as a sommelier at Benno in 2019. 

He was the wine director at the Michelin star-rated restaurant, situated in the Evelyn Hotel, before it was forced to shut during the pandemic, reports Business Insider. 

Other top spots where he worked include Telepan on Manhattan's Upper West Side, which earned him Wine Spectator's 'Best of Award of Excellence' in 2007.