Podcast Summary: Exploring East Hampton with Joey Wölffer

Title: Exploring East Hampton
Host: Leslie Heaney
Guest: Joey Wölffer, Co-owner & Chief Brand Officer of Wolfer Estate Vineyard
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie sits down with Joey Wölffer, the dynamic Co-owner and Chief Brand Officer of Wolfer Estate Vineyard. The conversation delves into Joey's journey in the wine industry, the evolution of Wolfer Estate Vineyard, and her deep-rooted connection to the Hamptons community.

Wolfer Estate Vineyard and "Summer in a Bottle"

Joey shares the inception and growth of Wolfer Estate Vineyard, highlighting the creation of their flagship wine, "Summer in a Bottle."

• Beginnings and Inspiration:
  Joey explains how the vineyard was taken over in 2013 by her, her brother, and her husband, leading to the launch of "Summer in a Bottle."
  “None of us really had worked in wine and obviously, except for Roman, who's been our winemaker for 33 years now.” ([04:46])

• Design and Branding:
  The distinctive bottle design originated from a creative collaboration with a designer inspired by the Hamptons' bohemian spirit.
  “He came up with this beautiful ad which was just an entire bottle of flowers and said Wolfer on it... making summer memories.” ([05:19])

• Rapid Success:
  The initial 1,500 cases sold out in three weeks, propelling the brand to national acclaim with over 100,000 cases sold a decade later.
  “We made 1500 cases and they sold out in three weeks. So then we were like, okay, let's think about that.” ([06:10])

• Quality and Expansion:
  Emphasizing quality over quantity, Joey discusses the diversification of their wine production across Germany and France to adapt to changing climates and market trends.
  “We just launched Hampton's Light, which is 7% wine. So like venturing into the low elk world...” ([34:05])

Favorite Spots in the Hamptons

Joey enthusiastically shares her personal favorite locations around East Hampton, offering listeners a local's guide to the area.

• Restaurants and Dining:

  • Tutto Il Giorno: Renowned for its good energy, great food, and drinks.
    “It's like... perfect sunset. You know, like, they're hard to beat that.” ([17:25])
  • Duria's in Orient Point: Famous for its lobster and cobb salad.
    “They have lobster, cobb salad. That is, like, just out of this world.” ([17:27])
  • Beacon and Bell and Anchor: Best bouillabaisse in town.
    “They have the best bouillabaisse ever. And that's, like, one of my favorite dishes.” ([19:19])

• Coffee Spots:

  • Brian Stone's Café: Known for exceptional coffee and famous donuts.
    “They have less coffee for sure... they're known for their donuts.” ([18:07])

• Shops:

  • Sage and Madison: A special shop featuring home textiles and unique gift items.
    “It's like really cool... like a whale butter dish from him.” ([20:29])
  • Lazy Point and Adorned: Boutique stores offering art objects and handmade jewelry.
    “Adorned for sort of art objects and earrings and just like little gifty things.” ([20:59])

• Beauty and Wellness:

  • Shushugi Vaughan House: Offers massages, cold plunges, saunas, and yoga classes.
    “They do great facials there as well.” ([24:57])
  • Salon Xavier in Sag Harbor: Preferred spot for hair blowouts.
    “He's just a local guy and has a really nice salon.” ([25:43])

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

The episode is enriched with personal stories that reveal Joey's vibrant personality and her deep ties to the Hamptons.

• Meeting Her Husband on the Train:
  Joey recounts the charming story of how she met her husband on the Long Island train platform.
  “We were like looking at each other... and then we ended up taking the train out together and had so much in common.” ([13:16])

• Balancing Business and Family:
  Discussing the challenges of managing a burgeoning business while nurturing a family, Joey emphasizes the importance of a diverse skill set within her team.
  “We all bring such a different skill set to the team. And that has really been what has kept us going.” ([06:52])

• Community Engagement:
  Joey highlights her participation in local events and the supportive community around Wolfer Estate Vineyard.
  “Sunset Friday at Wolfer is like something people with children get excited for.” ([26:37])

Business Growth and Future Plans

Joey provides insights into the strategic growth of Wolfer Estate Vineyard and her vision for the future.

• Market Expansion:
  From local sales to national distribution, with significant partnerships like Trader Joe's and Total Wine.
  “We're in about 40 states right now.” ([10:03])

• Innovative Products:
  Launching low-alcohol wines and maintaining a focus on quality, Joey discusses their latest offerings and continuous product development.
  “It's the lovely wine... Hampton's Light and summer in a bottle are really exciting.” ([34:05])

• Adapting to Industry Changes:
  Joey talks about the necessity of evolving with market trends and maintaining authenticity in a competitive industry.
  “You have to be aware in any industry. You have to be aware.” ([35:55])

• Personal Development and Goals:
  Balancing multiple roles, Joey expresses her intention to focus on doing less but better, prioritizing family and personal passions like writing.
  “Rather than doing more, I'm trying to do less. Better.” ([36:34])

Conclusion

Leslie wraps up the conversation by expressing her admiration for Joey's passion and accomplishments. She also teases upcoming episodes, including interviews with Lila Rose and Wendy Benchley, promising more engaging stories and insights.

• Final Thoughts and Gratitude:
  “I loved spending time with Joey. She's hilarious and I learned so much about her neck of the woods.” ([39:01])

• Upcoming Episodes Preview:
  “Next week we are releasing an episode with Wendy Benchley... talk about her work, we talk about Jaws and the making of Jaws.” ([39:01])

Notable Quotes

• Joey on Authenticity:
  “It has history. It reminds you of summer, you know, in such a nice, authentic way.” ([10:45])

• Joey on Community:
  “We have a neighborhood of like a ton of friends, so we can kind of go to each other's houses.” ([29:00])

• Joey on Business Strategy:
  “We're really focused on quality. That's something that really separates us from a lot of these celebrity brands.” ([33:10])

Key Takeaways

• Passion-Driven Success: Joey's dedication to authenticity and quality has been pivotal in establishing Wolfer Estate Vineyard as a beloved brand.
• Community and Connection: The Hamptons' unique culture and supportive community play a significant role in the vineyard's operations and personal life of Joey.
• Adaptability: Embracing innovation while staying true to the brand's roots enables sustained growth and relevance in a competitive market.
• Work-Life Balance: Joey's insights into balancing business growth with personal fulfillment offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

Recommendations for Visitors

For those planning a visit to East Hampton, Joey's recommendations include:

• Dining: Experience the exquisite offerings at Tutto Il Giorno and Duria's.
• Wine Tasting: A must-visit at Wolfer Estate Vineyard for a memorable sunset and exceptional wines.
• Local Shops: Explore Sage and Madison for unique home textiles and gifts.
• Beaches: Enjoy the serene beauty of Peter's Pond and the family-friendly Long Beach.

This episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into the life and work of Joey Wölffer, providing listeners with both inspirational business insights and a heartfelt portrayal of life in the Hamptons.