City Winery Senior Management

Michael Dorf, Founder & CEO

Michael Dorf is a veteran nightlife and venue operator in New York City with expertise in developing a customer relationship with a branded destination. He is recognized as an experienced music and event producer, having founded and built the Knitting Factory music venues in New York and Hollywood, California. He was founder and CEO of the Knitting Factory from 1987 to 2002. His production credits are numerous and serves a number of boards in New York. He is NOT the winemaker for this, but has made barrels for the last few years. michael@citywinery.com

Ed Greer, General Manager of Operations

Ed Greer has over 20 years of hospitality and production experience. Having run Mr. Dorf's Knitting Factory venues until 2002, Mr. Greer became the GM of the Bowery Poetry Project while launching a freelance career as one of top production managers in New York. In the last 5 years, he has produced over 50 events for Lincoln Center, JVC Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, among other large productions. Overseeing a busy and large staff is his specialty and will be a tremendous asset to bring to City Winery.

Robert M. Herzog, Financial & Business Affairs

Robert is engaged as a consultant through the start-up of operations to serve as the interim CFO and Business Affairs Director. He is an experienced business development consultant, and has provided business and financial advisory services to numerous start-up companies in a range of different industries.

David Lecomte, Head Winemaker

David Lecomte is a French winemaker who comes from the Rhone Valley, received his Master Degree of Enology and Winemaking from University of Montpellier and started his career at Chapoutier Estate. He has served as Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at a number of locations including the last 4 years as a Winemaker and Vineyard Liaison at Herzog Wine Cellars in California. His viticulture background and vineyard management has given him a deep appreciation for the importance of soil, climate, grape choice, vineyard practices, in addition to the necessary winemaking skills, wine and lab analysis, and instinctual art of making great wine from a number of different varietal sources. We have gotten very lucky to find the perfect combination to head up our winemaking team.

Sam Spencer, Vineyard Director

As a grower of grapes on his own vineyard in Napa, Sam has produced wine for his boutique label for the last 10 years. His most recent release received a 92 rating from Robert Parker. Mr. Spencer will be the point person for all the purchase of grapes on the West Coast, deciding on the exact timing of picking the fruit at every contracted vineyard, and arranging for the efficient shipping of the product to NY.

Stephanie Johnson, Co-Wine Director

After a sixteen year publishing career, Stephanie decided it was time to do something more meaningful--so she traded in her books for a tasting glass. She holds the Intermediate, Advanced, and Diploma certificates from the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Stephanie has worked in wine retail and consults on wine buying and cellar development for private clients. Her areas of focus include the Rhone Valley, Chablis, Tuscany and Piedmont with depth of knowledge of new world boutique producers.

Matt Wang, Kitchen Consultant

A restaurant and hospitality lifer, Matthew Wang's started in high school working in the kitchen as a cook. After graduating the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Food & Beverage Marketing, he was recruited by Marriott International as a Restaurant Manager at and then Banquet Maitre 'D. Since moving back to New York in 2001 he has had a hand in opening several of New York City's most exciting new institutions and as kitchen manager and then sous chef. He was part of the opening management teams of Django, Capitale, The Maritime Hotel, Del Posto, Dos Caminos Third Avenue, and Accademia Di Vino. Matt has a passion for food, wine, and music.

Project Design Team

Christopher Warnick, Architect

Christopher holds a BAA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He is currently licensed in New York, California and Massachusetts. Christopher Warnick / Architecture was established in New York City In 1993. Prior to establishing his firm, Christopher was an influential designer with several visionary, late 20th century projects including the 'Steel Cloud' with Asymptote, The Tokyo International Forum with Raphael Vinoly Architects, and the U.S. National Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Natural History 'Dino Halls" with Ralph Appelbaum. Over the years, Christopher has obtained outstanding experience as an Architect, and used this to build a reputation which extends to both coasts. His creativity and tirelessness in the service of his clients have placed him In great demand as a cutting edge design innovator. Recent projects involve the innovative use of new media in creative space for corporate clients including MVBMS Euro/RSCG, Fuel North America, J. Walter Thompson, Dreamworks SKG, 24/seven, as well as work for several private residential clients.