Gary Fisch, Owner

Gary received a B.S. from Rider College in Political Science. In his senior year of college, he began to work part time with his father, a liquor salesman. While other salespeople concentrated on selling liquor, Gary fell in love with wine and decided to become an expert in that newly expanding area. He educated himself at the Sommelier Institute in New Jersey and at several of Windows on the World's wine courses. He began setting up wine seminars for restaurants and sales staff. 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 a 1,500 sq. ft. store in Madison, New Jersey. Two moves later, Gary's Madison store is now 13,000 sq. ft. In 1997, their second 10,000 sq. ft. store opened in Livingston (this has since been sold), followed in 2001 by another 10,000 sq. ft. location in Bernardsville, N.J. In 2008, he is opening a new store located at 1308 Route 23 North in Wayne N.J. that is 24,000 square feet. Gary travels extensively in order to expand his knowledge of wine. He visits the wine regions of California, France, and Italy on a regular basis. Gary's expertise has earned him national media attention. He has been "The Wine Guy" on the TV Food Network show - Bobby Flay Hot off the Grill, and has made guest appearances on CNN, New Jersey 12 and Bloomberg radio and television.

Bob Cimmons, Manager

Remember when addresses used capital letters, when Zinfandel was red, when $100 bills required ID, and Merlot was only found in crossword puzzle clues?? I do... My earliest activities in the wine and spirits trade were racking deposit bottles for returns and stocking the three California wineries that we inventoried on the shelves. I enjoyed this fascinating profession then, and am still enchanted by what lies ahead. One might say that I am maturing gracefully with lots of character. I have traveled the world, educated thousands, encountered dukes and counts,enticed winemakers ---all under the disguise of work! Somebody's got to do it, right? So, when we meet, I might wander off with a wine tale or two, but I will gladly help you in any area of this incredible vocation.

Dominic Merlo, Manager

As the General Manager at Wayne, I am one of the newcomers to Gary's Wine and Marketplace. I come from a longtime restaurant and logistics management background. My passions have always been food and beverages of all kinds, whether they be wines, spirits or beer and ale. I've had various wine training over the years, including valued time spent learning from a master of wine. I enjoy wines from most regions of the world but I am particularly fond of the warmer, riper climates of California.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of Gary's team and to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experiences. Most of all I look forward to presenting to you, my guests at Gary's Wine and Marketplace in Bernardsville, a friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff that will make your shopping experience not only fruitful with the finest product but also enjoyable and fun. Enjoy!

Rick Andres, Manager

Originally from Washington, DC, my background is in management in the wine and liquor industry, with specialties in operations and wine sales. I am back as part of Gary's team after working for him at the beginning of my wine career. Among my favorite wines are Pinot Noirs, especially from Burgundy, because they are extremely versatile with food. As a meat-eater, I also love Zinfandels because they are big and spicy. Seek me out in our Bernardsville store, and I will do everything I can to help you. From recommending a wine to carrying a case to your car, I want to be the go-to person that customers can count on for any reason and any occasion.

Brian Maxwell, Wine Sales

After spending over 12 years as a chef in New York City and Boston, I came to work at Gary's at Madison. I truly love food friendly wines and enjoy pairing wines with different courses and types of meals. My favorite wines are Italian Reds and German Reislings. I am a diehard Red Sox fan, much to Gary's chagrin! My goal when assisting customers is help them choose a wine they truly will enjoy.

John Cauley, Wine Sales

After 19 years in the wine business, the last 15 years as Wine Buyer and Salesperson at Epstein's in Morristown, I came to Gary's in the summer of 2004. I have studied at Harriet Lembeck's, travelled extensively through the wine regions of California, and made twenty trips to the wine producing areas of Europe, mostly France and Spain. In addition to my passion for wine, I am an avid bridge enthusiast and enjoy swimming and bicycling. My favorite wines are Sauvignon Blancs from the U.S. and France, and the wines of Spain, New Zealand and the Rhone Valley. I am delighted to be a part of Gary's terrific team, in a position to help you find great buys on great wines.

Lou Manzo, Wine Sales

My passion and enthusiasm for wine spans over 25 years. As Tasting Director for Gary's and Chapter Director for Tasters Guild, I taste over 2,000 wines per year and record notes for all of them! As Chapter Director, I work with our Director of Wine, to plan and deliver our extensive offering of wine events held throughout the year under the auspices of Tasters Guild.

As Tasting Director, I take the lead in planning and delivering private wine tasting functions. If you are looking for an exciting wine experience for your corporate function, newcomers group, alumni organization or just getting together with your friends, give me a call. I'll combine extensive wine tasting expertise, a sense of humor and excellent communication skills to make wine appreciation fun and unintimidating. I can be reached at our Madison store on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Maggie Fox, Wine Sales

As a member of the wine sales team, writer, and coordinator for Gary's Wine Club, I come to Gary's after studying for my masters in Food Studies at NYU, earning my advanced wine certificate at the International Wine Center, and working for some of the best food and wine magazines in the country. After all of that studying and research, I'm happy to be in a place where my passion for food and wine can be applied every day, whether it's through writing up the wine notes for the store, selecting the most exciting new discoveries for the next month's wine club, or helping customers pick out something they've never tried before for tonight's dinner. There's nothing more fun to me than learning about the stories behind the wine; it's an industry full of legends and characters.

When I'm not reading and writing about wines, I'm an avid traveler and home cook. If you ever need a recipe suggestion to go with that wine you've been dying to try, come chat with me. I tend to have a new favorite wine every month, but I'll never pass up the occasion to pair something with a great vintage Champagne or Amarone!

Phil Unger, Wine Sales

My long time love and passion for wine inspired a career change to the wine industry nine years ago. After graduating from college, I spent 14 years consulting in the energy field. During that time, I tasted, studied and traveled to some of the most famous wine producing regions in the world. Finally, I made the decision to do what I love best and work with wine. I am also one of the original "foodies", always looking for the next great meal and perfect wine/food matches. Since joining the industry, I have worked in distribution, import, and retail. Working at Gary's offers me the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that loves wine as much as I do and to share my passion for wine with our customers.

Rich I, Wine Sales

After working with a landscaping company for a number of years, I have been on the staff here at Gary's for over 12 years. Initially a beer person, I became more and more interested in wine at our in-store sales presentations and by talking with visiting winemakers and importers. The store has sent me on trips to Napa and Sonoma in California, and to visit wineries in Chile and Argentina. My wine preferences include whites from France, especially the Loire, Alsace and Champagne, as well as New Zealand. In reds, I am fond of Argentina, Southern France, California, and Italy.

Rick Bedkowski, Wine Sales

I went to art school in New York City and while I was putting myself through school, I worked in a well-known steak house for extra money. I was there for over five years and slowly came to appreciate wine and spirits more and more. Spanish wines, Tequillas, and cream soda are what I enjoy most.

Adam Florczuk, Beer Buyer

I started working at Gary's as a part time job while attending Raritan Valley Community College as a full time student. Unsure with what to choose as a major in college, my interest began to turn to wines and fine craft beers. It wasn't until I read the The Brewmaster's Table by Garrett Oliver (founder of Brooklyn Brewery Co.) that my knowledge and interest in beer began to grow. My beer palate began to take form as I started to develop the Gary's beer department in Bernardsville. Over time I have been so lucky as to try some of the finest, from America's micro beers to Europe's fine pales, Belgian beers, stouts, and lagers. I am looking forward to meeting you and chatting up a little beer news with you.

Ariel Eckes, Assistant Manager

After years in the restaurant business, I found myself at Gary's looking to make a little extra cash for Christmas as the "wrap girl." That was three Christmas's ago and now I am head cashier at Gary's of Bernardsville. You can find me primarily at the registers or close by. If you need help picking out items for gift baskets or just a second opinion on glasses let me know. My passion for wine has grown exponentially since starting at the store. I will try anything once but my true love is a big luscious California Cab. Next time you're in the store swing by the registers and say Hi!

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David Marshall, Store Manager

I have worked in the wine business in one way or another since 1985. Ten years ago, when I decided to make a career change, I was fortunate enough to work in the Napa Valley. I fell in love with the whole process of winemaking, especially being in the vineyard were it all begins. My earliest preferences were for Rieslings from great German estates, and Napa gave me a special fondness for older Cabernets and big old-vine Zinfandels. A promotion for my wife brought us east, and working for Gary's was a must! I am very proud to be part of his team and look forward to sharing our passion for wine with you.

Gary Tonucci, Internet Sales

Wine has been my passion for many years. My wife and I frequently travel to the world's wine producing regions, but our first love is Italy-its food, its culture, its scenic beauty, and, most of all, its wines. Our many trips there have led to our involvement in the Slow Food Movement in Northern New Jersey. After retiring from 33 years in teaching, I was hired to work in the internet department, but I also enjoy the opportunity to meet and assist customers in the store and share my love of wine with them.

Jon Visser, Wine Director

I've been in the wine industry for over ten years. Starting at Carlo Russo's Wine & Spirit World in Fort Lee as a stock clerk/cashier, I soon became interested in learning about wine. After graduating from college, I took wine classes in New York at Harriet Lembeck's. After finishing her program, I worked for William Grant & Sons as a salesperson in New Jersey and then returned to retail as the wine manager at Carlo Russo's. I enjoy wines from all over the world, especially the great values out of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The region that I am most passionate about is Bordeaux. The best wine I've ever had is Cheval Blanc 1985, drunk at a bachelor party for one of my best friends. I was 25 and the bottle cost only $85. I wish I could get more at that price!

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Sarah Hoyda, Assistant Manager

My interest in wine developed while working part-time at a local liquor store. Quickly, I became eager to explore this vast world of wine. I began traveling to several wine-making destinations to broaden my horizons including both Napa and Sonoma Counties and Argentina, and joined Gary's staff after a 3-month internship at a vineyard in Casa Blanca, Chile. My favorite wines are full-bodied New World selections, in particular California Chards and fruit-driven robust Red Zins. I strive to provide the best customer service possible and find it rewarding to satisfy a customer's needs. I look forward to continuing my journey of discovering wine and helping others do the same.

Thomas McGarry, Assistant Manager

After 15 years in the restaurant industry, I have spent the last 8 years following my passion in fine wines. Four years have been spent selling for one of New Jersey's premier wine wholesalers, handling wines from all over the world and traveling to many of their origins. For three years, I was the Fine Wine Manager for a large wine store in Clinton New Jersey, where I replaced one of only 28 Masters of Wine in the United States, and where my knowledge and experience grew as did the intensity of my passion. I have found that though my heart may lie in the wines of Burgundy, a true wine lover can never limit their experiences in wine to one region and I challenge myself each and everyday to taste and learn from the rest of the world.

Tim Parker, Internet Sales

To me, it is all about the customer's experience. We offer our customers the opportunity to select excellent wines from a vast selection. We can make recommendations and food pairings, track down a hard to find selection, and make sure that the wine is delivered on time for any occasion. Want to avoid the holiday lines? Order online! If I can help someone enjoy a new wine or an old favorite quickly and hassle-free, then I am satisfied.

Vieva Grenier, Cheesemonger

As an undergraduate student studying French at the Sorbonne, I also enrolled at La Varenne cooking school, then returned to Paris after graduation to enroll at Le Cordon Bleu, receiving Le Grand Diplome. It was in Paris that I really became aware of the incredible diversity of cheese. Working in various gourmet shops I found I could apply this new found awareness. Now I have been with Gary's for over ten years, where I continue to learn as much as I can about cheese, specialty foods and the wonderful symbiotic relationship between food and wine.

Will Henao, Internet Marketing Manager