Our Founder
City Winery is the brainchild of Michael Dorf, founder of the iconic Knitting Factory, one of New York’s longest running music venues, who wanted to create a space in Manhattan where he could combine his shared passions for wine and music. After making his first barrel of wine in California with his brother Josh and winemaker David Tate, formerly of Ridge Winery and now at Barnett Vineyards, Michael caught the bug: "For a long time I'd been enjoying wine as a fan - drinking it, taking classes, attending wine dinners - but it was not until I actually started participating in the process of working with the grape, turning it into wine, putting it into a bottle, and watching it develop over time, that I really started to understand wine. And when I would give my friends a bottle of wine with my name on it, most would respond by saying: 'I wanna do that too!' It was this experience that led Michael to conceptualize and start working on the City Winery business plan in 2006.
Our Team
We’ve built a team of people passionate passionate about music, wine, food, and the love of life. Several of our managers began their journeys in entry-level positions or internships and have since evolved within the company. We love what we do and are grateful for the opportunity to share it with you.
Conscious Company
From donating our spaces to giving away wine, the Company partners with many non-profit organizations to do our part. Our fully functioning wineries integrate an innovative tap model, reduce sulfites and preservatives, and have worked in various ways to consciously reduce our carbon footprint and bottle waste.
Infinite Potential
Starting out in entry level positions and managers, through executive level roles, many of our team members have successfully advanced their careers internally. City Winery-ians are the experts in what we do and we love to see people grow along with their vision for the company.
Diversity & Inclusion
An equal opportunity employer. Diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging are fundamental to the City Winery experience. We are dedicated to embracing diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive. Bringing your whole and genuine self to work is the version of you we love to see.
Sustainability
Our next-level tap wine program offers guests a way to enjoy our wine off-premise in a more sustainable manner.
Philanthropy
We believe strongly that what goes around, comes around and that we have a role in caring for, nourishing, and helping repair the world. We feel fortunate to be in a position to leverage our resources including our space, wine, human capital, and energy for philanthropy.
Reflective of our ethos to be a conscious business, philanthropy holds a special place in our hearts. From disaster recovery efforts such as post-hurricane clean up in Puerto Rico to cleaning up schools in New Orleans to better support the educational system, philanthropy is ingrained in our DNA.
Design
Step into urban wine country. Each of our locations evokes the warmth of wine country with modern comfort and convenience. Our performance venues offer pristine acoustics courtesy of Meyer Sound. Before your concert begins, visit our tasting room for a flight of wines and join us at the bar after the show. With a variety of functional spaces, City Winery can host a memorable night out for two or an unforgettable private event.
