Joey Wölffer On Legacy, Style, and Betting On Yourself

My introduction to Joey Wölffer came by way of her work—specifically, Wölffer Estate’s Summer in a Bottle Rosé. If you haven’t tried it, add it to your summer bucket list. It’s arguably the most beautiful bottle of rosé on the market—and just as refreshing and delicious.

Joey welcomed us into her Sag Harbor home back in April, a space as full of charm, style, and stories as she is. It’s where her family gathers on weekends to birdwatch from the living room, and where books and bowls of photographs trace past adventures and kindred friendships.

I’m so grateful to Joey for opening her doors and sharing more about the rituals that keep her grounded, how she continues to bet on herself, and the one thing she hopes to instill in her daughters. Keep reading for the full interview.

Your world blends fashion, wine, and family legacy—what are the everyday rituals that ground you amid all that movement?

A sunset walk reset with my girls. Nearly every evening that is not particularly dreary or cold, I gather my daughters, dogs, and we head to the beach for a stroll. I feel exponentially lucky that I live minutes from the Atlantic, and having those special hours spent with my family where time is suspended is everything to me. The beach is truly grounding in that it’s one of the few places that pulls you from your phone, your to-do lists, the general stresses of life, and allows you to step back into the mundane– something that is becoming increasingly difficult amongst the anxieties of being a human-being in 2025!

You’ve spoken about growing up around creativity and entrepreneurship. How did that early exposure shape the way you approach building your own path?

I grew up watching ideas come to life– my father’s journey from European developer to American vintner and equestrian enthusiast certainly defied all traditional paths. I’ve fortunately been taught that creativity and commerce are able to intertwine quite remarkably through passion and an unspoken absence of fear. I think that notion can be witnessed through my brother and my enthusiasm for testing the limits of wines– we’ve launched progressive and unique combinations that I think have really turned Wölffer wines into a one-of-a-kind experience.

From The Styleliner to your role at Wölffer Estate, you’ve evolved through different seasons of career and life. What throughline connects them all?

I think the obvious would be creativity, and of course that’s a thread, but when I pose the question towards a lifetime of entrepreneurship and an undoubtedly eccentric personal trajectory, I would say risk is the main link between my seasons. Life is sort of like a domino effect of countless decisions that culminate into your everyday, and I’d like to think that without taking somewhat perilous chances on businesses and life, like taking a gamble on making a living off of NY wines, or giving the ridiculously tall man on the subway my information (my now husband and partner!), I would not be the person I am and live the very-full life that I do. Every chapter has required me to bet on myself, and that’s where the magic has lived.

Joy can be a quiet rebellion when things get busy. What brings lightness to your life these days?

A morning ride on my four-legged partner, Pippa, a glass of Hampton’s Light with my dearest friends, and a home-cooked meal enjoyed with my girls and husband. There is abundant noise in this world, making authentic joy truly feel radical, so treasuring the small moments amidst all the movement is my light.

When you think about your personal style—not as a brand but as self-expression—what pieces in your closet hold the most meaning?

The pieces I’ve designed in my Reworked collection reflect my soul and mean the most to me. Each piece carries the literal fabrics of my life stitched together, and is a reminder of the many hats I’ve worn as a creative. I love to be one of a kind and every piece I design is limited edition and also sustainable. All of that is so important to me.

Is there something you wear that feels like armor or comfort—something you return to for how it makes you feel, not how it looks?

Honestly, PJ’s are my absolute favorite thing in the world. If it was up to me, I’d wear them all day. They put me into a relaxed mode that I’m able to channel into creativity and enthusiasm.

Working with artisans, vintners, and creatives—what’s a lesson someone’s taught you that’s stuck, maybe even shifted the way you move through the world?

Gratitude. Over the years I’ve learned that no role is greater than another– working with such incredibly talented people in a range of fields is a gift. The humility and care I have witnessed in the vineyard, the stables, and at the Estate has shaped the way I lead and live. I think we are all stewards of something greater. Everyone has their place in this world and no position is more important than the next. Working with such incredibly talented people in every field is truly a gift.

Where do you retreat—whether it's a place, a practice, or a person—when you need to reset creatively or personally?

My horses. There are very few things in life greater than being able to build an honest connection with an animal. My horses and I have this quiet understanding of each other, and I feel like they often reflect off of my energy, bringing calm amongst the chaos. Also, it can be quite grounding at times to realize that there is always very little difference from being at the top of the world and thrown onto the dirt, literally and figuratively!

What feels sacred to you right now—something you protect or make space for, no matter what?

Uninterrupted time spent with my daughters. Despite the launch of so many incredible new projects, like our NARS collaboration or Hampton’s Light introduction, there are no moments more valuable than the ones I get to spend just hanging out with my special little people!

When you think about legacy, not just what you build but how you live—what do you hope your daughters, your team, your community remember about you?

I hope they remember and understand the strength of a woman. My dream is of course that the stigma against females in power will pass before my daughters ever have to face the music, but sadly, in the world we live in today, I think that still may be a fantasy. I want my daughters to know that being a female in business is not a hurdle, but a superpower. If I can leave them with that truth, then I’ve done my job.