Gary's Wine & Marketplace of Bernardsville, NJ

Gary Fisch, Owner
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. Two moves later, Gary's now has stores in Bernardsville, N.J.and on Route 23 North in Wayne 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!

David Marshall, 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.

Joseph Ringwood, Assistant Manager
After 35 years of sales, marketing, and general management experience in business-to-business environments I decided to follow my passion for wine. I enrolled in a WSET program and studied wine at The Wine School of Philadelphia. I am continuing my formal wine education in the Diploma program at the Wine School. I enjoy wines from around the world. However, prior positions gave me the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe. After spending significant time eating and drinking in Italy, France and Germany I've become a great fan of old world cuisine and wine! I am very fortunate to be at Gary's Wine & Marketplace where I am surrounded by a great team of professionals and an outstanding selection of wines.

Melissa Pavlini, Front End Team Leader
I started out working at Gary's as a cashier during the holiday season and knew little about wine, beer, spirits, and cheese. That quickly changed! Gary's has sparked a passion in me to further my knowledge of all these products, for both myself, and to better assist our customers. If you come in, feel free to ask me for help or to just say hi!

Phil Unger, Wine Team Leader
My long time love and passion for wine inspired a career change several years ago to the wine industry. 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. Since joining the industry, I have worked in distribution, import, and retail. I am also one of the original "foodies", always looking for the next great meal and perfect wine/food matches. 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.

Sergio Stabio, Wine Team
Wine has been a part of my life since birth, raised in a home that sat literally between two small wineries in Mendoza, Argentina, by parents who had themselves belonged to winemaking families for a few generations. So joining the industry after graduating from College came naturally. In my 16 years working with wine, I have spent time with a producer, an exporter, a distributor and finally in retail which has added to my love for wine, a knowledge of the entire process from the vineyard to the store shelf. Recently I was lucky enough to be added to one of the most knowledgeable wine teams in the industry at one of the most exciting retail companies in the U.S.

John Shovlin, Wine Team
My favorite wines are Californian Cabs and Chardonnay's, but my favorite part of working at Gary's is building relationships with our guests. (Note from the editor: Our guests love John!)

Nate Aron, Gourmet Team Leader
I am a Midwest native with a passion for great foods and excellent service. I earned my bachelors of business from Kent State and have 6 years of experience in fine dining and 6 additional years in supply chain roles. I am excited to be at Gary's working with these amazing products and great people. When I am not cutting cheese at Gary's, I enjoy training for triathlons, hiking, biking, fishing, and cooking fun new meals to recharge. It is hard to pick one favorite food, but my list includes Cabernet Sauvignon, seasonal beers, Domaine de Canton ginger liquer, Moliterno cheese, and Finocchiona Fennel Salami.  I look forward to being part of your next gourmet experience and help you discover a new favorite of your own!