GARY'S WINE & MARKETPLACE - WAYNE

1308 Rte 202, NJ-23, Wayne, NJ 07470

(973) 633-3900

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

When Gary was working toward his B.S. from Rider College in Political Science, he didn’t yet know where life was going to take him. Gary fell in love with wine in his senior year of college while working with his father, a liquor salesman, and decided to become an expert. He educated himself at the Sommelier Institute in New Jersey and at several of Windows on the World’s wine courses. The secret to his success is a passionate love and broad knowledge of his product — and the skill to communicate that delight. That enthusiasm and intelligence served him well when he teamed up with his brother Mark in 1987 and opened his first store in Madison, New Jersey. Three moves later, Gary’s now has stores in Bernardsville, N.J., on Route 23 North in Wayne, N.J and Closter, N.J. Gary’s expertise has earned him national media attention as “The Wine Guy” on the TV Food Network show Bobby Flay Hot off the Grill. He has made guest appearances on CNN, New Jersey 12 and Bloomberg radio and television. In January 2009, he was profiled in New Jersey Monthly’s “Power Issue” as one of the 101 Most Influential People in the Garden State. Not bad for a guy who simply loves to share his enthusiasm for wine!

After an almost 20 year career in corporate finance, I decided I was ready to focus on something I truly loved and that made me happy…Wine. So, I quit my job as VP of Finance and got a part-time job in a wine shop that also happened to have a bar. After a year and a half, I became a partner in that wine shop/bar, and over the next ten years I expanded my knowledge of wine and how to match the right wine to the wine customer. If you ask me for a recommendation, I’ll likely ask you four or five questions back in my attempt to find that exact wine you’re looking for. My goal is that you take the bottle home, love it, and come on back for more.

I have been in the wine, beer and spirits industry for over 13 years. Seven of those years have been dedicated to craft beer. I started at Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in 2012, and have been focused on building the best selection of craft beer in the area. I constantly taste local, national and international beers. My favorite styles are porters, stouts and sour beers. One of my favorite beer experiences was visiting Hill Farmstead in Vermont. It’s situated in open fields with the mountains in the background. It’s a beautiful setting to taste some of the best beers in the world. I have gone at least 8 times in the last 3 years.

I’ve had a long time passion for wine, learning all I could while pulling corks in my leisure time. After a long career in Graphic Arts producing projects for Ad Agencies and Financial corporations, I finally decided to pursue my passion and switch careers over to the wine industry. Prior to joining Gary’s, I held a management/sales position with a Sonoma company primarily working with California winery clients on the East Coast. During this time, I began pursuing my wine education with the WSET in New York working to level 4 Diploma. I love wine from all over the world and the significance it plays in global culture and cuisine. Next time you come to Gary’s in Wayne, I’d love to walk you through our broad selection of wines or sample a taste with you!

A passion for wine led me to a second career in the industry. Having previously sold wholesale in New York City and New Jersey, I enjoy discussing wine almost as much as I enjoy drinking it. A wine tasting class on an Alaskan cruise opened my eyes up to the wonderful world of wine and spurred a quest for learning as much as I can. I think Spanish wines offer some of the best values you can find and the quality is outstanding.

I started my Gary’s career in 2018 in the Bernardsville location as a full time stock associate. I was then trained in our internet department and enjoyed the whole process. In 2020, after being with the company for 2 years, I was promoted to the Corporate Order Fulfillment Lead position in the Wayne location. Within the next year, the title of “manager on duty” was added to my job description due to my leadership and management qualities.

I truly enjoy working with the team and look forward to a fulfilling career with Gary’s Wine and Marketplace.

I started at Gary’s in Wayne in 2013, then I joined Madison in 2019! Working at Gary’s has opened my passion for food, wine, spirits, and especially beers! During my down time, I like to get lost in books, video games, and brew my own beer! Opening my own brewery is one of my biggest goals in life. When it comes to my favorite drink, it all depends on the weather or mood. My go to’s are Spanish reds, Pinot Noir, Rieslings, Microbrews, Scotch, and Bourbon!