Spotlight on Chambers Street Wine
Lillie Wolff 2001: The Beginning of Chambers Street Wines and Spirits
In 2001, David Lillie founded Chambers Street Wines in Tribeca, New York City, with his partner Jamie Wolff. Their vision was clear: to specialize in small-production, primarily organic wines from Europe, at a time when the city’s wine merchants were largely focused on big American brands. Even in the diverse neighborhood of Tribeca, most liquor stores catered to the mainstream, offering little variety beyond the popular domestic names.
However, Mr. Lillie believed that there was a growing market for carefully curated European wines. This was during a period when contemporary culture was beginning to embrace a more artisan approach to both food and wine, and Mr. Lillie was at the forefront of this movement.
Mr. Lillie’s passion for European wines blossomed during a tour of France with renowned wine importer Joe Dressner. Sensitive to sulfites, Mr. Lillie found that the more natural winemaking practices in Europe, with their focus on organic and biodynamic methods, resonated deeply with him. He was particularly drawn to the lower alcohol levels and the subtle, complex flavors of these wines. Jamie Wolff, Mr. Lillie’s partner, brought to the venture his extensive knowledge of old and rare wines, with a special passion for the wines of Piedmont.
The Launch and Early Challenges of Chambers Street Wines
The store opened its doors to a warm reception, attracting those with a discerning palate and an interest in unique, small-batch wines. However, just a few months later, on September 11th, the World Trade Center was attacked. The devastation of that day forced Mr. Lillie and his team to evacuate, and the months and years that followed were challenging. Despite the tough times, the store survived and, nearly 20 years later, Chambers Street Wines is thriving.
Today, Chambers Street Wines is renowned for its carefully selected inventory of limited-production organic and biodynamic wines from Europe’s most esteemed artisan producers. The store has become a haven for collectors and wine enthusiasts, offering older vintages from classic regions—wines that are nearly impossible to find outside of auctions.
Chambers Street Wines: Offering Value Beyond the Bottle
One of the defining features of Chambers Street Wines is the deep connection customers feel with the store. Mr. Lillie notes that many customers develop an emotional attachment to the shop, drawn not only by the wine selection but also by the sense of community fostered through regular events.
The store offers complimentary wine tastings nearly every week, often featuring winemakers or authors who share their expertise and stories. Notable figures such as Alice Feiring, a prominent journalist and advocate for natural wine, and Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine, have held book signings and spoken at events. Ms. Robinson, for instance, most recently hosted a tasting focused on Barolo wines, drawing a crowd of enthusiasts eager to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices.
In addition to tastings, Chambers Street Wines hosts winemaker dinners and other events that help customers deepen their understanding and appreciation of the wines. These events often feature “cult favorite” winemakers with a dedicated following among the store’s patrons. Venues range from upscale, chef-driven establishments like Racines to more casual Italian cafes, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Chambers Street Wines has recently moved to a new location at 79 Chambers Street.
