Dave Sokolin catches up with Curtis Dahl, proprietor of Joseph & Curtis Cellars, builders of premium, custom wine cellars. J&C brings their clients' wine cellar dreams to life with their handcrafted, one-of-a-kind cellars. Whether working with homeowners or commercial businesses, they exceed expectations and are the recommended and preferred cellar builder of our professional wine team. We're delighted to have them as one of our strategic partners.
You're a former commodity trader. How did you & your business partner meet? And how did you transition into the world of wine and building wine cellars?
Joe and I met at the CME in Chicago. Joe ran the foreign currency desk for Virginia trading, and I was a runner. Joe thought so highly of me he started me at $750 per month! All kidding aside, he has always been a great friend and mentor, and it was his wood making skills that really started the business. We built a cellar for my home, and he built a couple pieces for his, and the rest is J&C history!
What is it that you love about building wine cellars?
The ability to turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece. Our team creates unique designs which are custom-built with the finest materials and expert craftsmanship to reflect the cellar needs and aesthetic tastes of the collector. Whether working with a blueprint or a joint collaboration with architects or interior designers?our clients' 100% satisfaction is our mission.
Is there a central philosophy at Joseph & Curtis?
Yes, Joe & I began this business with an understanding and agreement that unless we separated ourselves with design, quality and execution, there was no point in doing it, because ultimately it would fail. We saw our share of 'stick kits' that most online wine rack sites sell and realized we wanted no part of that. I guess the other (and honestly more fun) part of the Joseph & Curtis philosophy is that we understand that we are not just selling wine cellars, but lifestyles. Joe & I are both passionate about wine and often find ourselves thrown into the sommelier role to many of our clients who ask us for wine recommendations, and we are happy to help, and that is of course where Sokolin comes in!
Have your customers' requests for certain wine cellar features changed and improved over the last ten years? If so, how?
They have added creature comforts such as ice makers, dish washers, flat screens, cellar tracking software, even smoke eaters for cigars. We have been building adult playrooms.
What are the current trends you're seeing in wine cellar construction, and where do you anticipate the industry going in the future?
Main floor wine cellars. It's been happening for the last couple years, and I am almost surprised when it's not on the main floor. Smart technology and green building?we have been pushing green building products for years.
We know you've built the Cake Boss's wine cellar. Can you share with us any details about his cellar requests? Any other famous or notable persons who you've built cellars for?
Buddy was great?he is a really good guy. He is exactly the way he is on TV. Buddy wanted his cellar to be*%$#@*# WOW! So we made it wow and then some. Brooke Shields, a previous boy band member who has a reality show on Sundays (sworn to secrecy), Kevin Rose, it's a very long and private list.
What's the biggest wine cellar in terms of bottle capacity that you've ever built? The smallest? The most challenging?
9,000 bottles. 290 is the smallest. A cellar we did in a very weird space in a loft in SOHO. It was the previous staircase to the loft which we turned into a 650 bottle wine cellar with cooling?it was like a secret cellar hidden behind a large kitchen cabinet.
Can you tell me a little bit about your own personal collection? What are your most prized bottles? What are your favorite wines to collect? To drink?
I have two wine cellars one of which is featured in the Dec 15th Wine Spectator. That particular wine cellar is located on my main floor.
Favorite producers: Casa Piena, Kistler, Pahlmeyer, La Sirena, Charles Smith, Quilceda Creek, Gaja, Giuseppe Quintarelli, Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos, Bodega Chacra
Favorite bottles: Château Margaux 1994; Gaja Sperss 2001; Quilceda Creek 1998; Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 1996; Fontodi Flaccianello 2004; Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo 1999; Franciscan Oakville Estate Magnificat 1995; Bodegas Vega Sicilia 2004
Are you expecting a busy holiday season this year? Are wine cellars a popular investment around this time?
Yes, we build wine cellars across the country but specialize in the tri-state area and of course bonus time is right around the corner?and what's better than a proper wine cellar to celebrate a great year!
What's coming up next for Joseph & Curtis Cellars? Any new developments we should keep an eye out for in 2013?
We have a couple hospitality projects in Miami and a 6 star residence on Star Island. We should have a couple features in the 2013 Wine Spectator as well. We have just expanded our glass and metal division as well as our contemporary wine cabinets. What has always separated J&C from the rest is our ability to design, manufacture, finish, and even install. Joe has always said design is often the first thing to get cut from a budget, but can never be compromised in order to make something truly great. Hopefully customers agree we are truly making great wine cellars!
Need Help Finding the right wine?
Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.