Great minds drink in the same way.
If you want to taste expensive wine like LeBron James, Carlos Santana and Danny DeVito — It costs money.
“Some NBA players stay up until 3 a.m. even though they have a game the next day to blind taste wines with us and learn the nuances of Burgundy’s different climates.” says member Timothy. Parks, 34, told the Post.
Parks belongs to new york vintners, an upscale Tribeca wine club where members pay a $20,000 initiation fee, but celebrities can join for free. Started as an online retail wine store in 2006, the store became a social club for about 70 wine high rollers who overcame a “vibe”-based membership process and a “no hole” policy four years ago. It has changed to
The 20,000-square-foot building at 63 Berkeley Street features rustic wood décor, warm tones, plush leather sofas, and carefully selected artwork by Mexican artist and filmmaker Leopoldo Guto. and welcomes celebrities.
“There are no paparazzi.” [and] None of us are taking pictures with our cell phones,” Parks declared.
LeBron, 39 years old known eosinophils — His brain is said to be a “supercomputer” for wine notes — and Parks says the vintner has been spotted popping red wine. Screaming Eagle Winerywhich can cost up to $9,000 per bottle.
“We were drinking Burgundy wine.” [one] At night he became obsessed. And he was pretty knowledgeable,” Parks said.
That night in June, after the season ended, LeBron decided to DJ at Vintner’s, plugged his cell phone into the aux cord, and blasted Lil Wayne and Future.
other A-listers etc. dwayne wade, jeff green and The Chainsmokers hosted a private event that turned into a late-night riot.
“I’m here, drinking with NBA stars, listening to rap, listening to Lil Wayne, etc.” [pricey French wine Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste]one of the best Burgundy wines in the world,” Parks boasted.
But before you pull out your checkbook to join the elite club, you’ll need to pass a vibe check.
“We’re not trying to create exclusivity. We’re trying to build inclusivity, but we’re topic-centered. And you can’t be everything to everyone. “New York Vintners owner Shane Benson, 51, told the Post.
Unlike other popular spots, Vintners does not advertise on social media. Marketing is limited to word of mouth, and sometimes that word of mouth says no.
Co-founder of Parks So Cal Hard Eight Major League Pickleball, In 2021, he joined what he calls “the wine capital of New York City.”
“You don’t apply. We invite you,” Parks said. “[The] The admissions process is unusual. ”
Manhattanites were invited to the Vintners event and enjoyed blind wine tasting until 2 a.m., then asked to return to discuss potential membership.
“I’ve seen a lot of rich people and billionaires come in and say, ‘I’m in, how much is it? $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, a million?'” I won’t, I’ll be there.’ And that’s like the easiest way to not get invited,” Parks said.
“All we care about is drinking great wine, respecting wine, discussing it, and having a good time without being a snob,” he added.
Any Joe Schmoe can enjoy a drink at Vintner’s pocket-sized front bar, open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
And if you’re an A-lister, a member, or just passed the vibe check, you can enter a hidden entrance beyond the front bar that opens to five private lounge rooms, a bar, kitchen and underground wine storage facility. is connected to.
The members, who are mainly white men, with a few women ranging in age from 25 to their late 60s, enjoy the privilege of seeing rare bottles for the first time, taking classes from international sommeliers, winemakers and producers, and receiving wine consultations. And you are entitled to a key that gives you 24/7 access. Other benefits include on-site storage.
“[What] Together with our membership, we want to create a place where you can enjoy wine, relax, and be yourself. [and] We don’t have to participate in the hubris that comes with the way we think about wine,” Harris Greenstein, 32, partner and chief operating officer at New York Vintners, told the Post.
And if the recently arrived Johnny does not work out, they will remain read.
“I can think of a few things, [occasions] People were very interested and we just didn’t follow up,” Greenstein admitted. “It’s our job to make sure we don’t allow anyone to mess with this fabric.”
Those who achieve this achievement often compete against other enthusiasts wearing custom wine sneakers designed by member Mark Robbins.
“[The Vintners] “This is a place where you can drink with some of the best minds in the world and people who are actually fun to drink with,” Parks declared.
