Haute Secrets: Wine Guru Paul Chevalier Uncorks His New York Favorites

You can thank the jet-setting wine pro Paul Chevalier for helping make rose wine as hot (or more appropriately) as cool as it is. Chevalier, grand-nephew of iconic French movie actor Maurice Chevalier, collaborates with Sacha Lichine of Chateau d’Esclans (which just celebrated Lichine’s ten years of ownership), a vintner largely responsible for the newfound popularity of roses. With Lichine Chevalier has helped raise the wine’s profile among connoisseurs and consumers, helping to banish its one-time reputation as an unserious, sweet wine. Chateau d’Esclans, with its best selling Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, and Garrus labels, now accounts for roughly 20% of Côtes du Provence rosé sold in the U.S.

Where were you born? Boston.

Title: National Fine Wine Director at Shaw-Ross International Importers

How often do you come to New York? Once or twice a month. Most of the summer I’m in the Hamptons though.

Favorite airport lounge (NYC area airports): The Blade heliport, as they serve the Château D’Esclans Rock Angel rosé to all their clients before leaving for the Hamptons. Takes a little edge off for those who have a fear of heights.

Best restaurant, Uptown: Le Bilboquet

Best restaurant, Downtown: David Bouley

Best steakhouse: Wolfgang’s (Park & 34th)

Best vegan restaurant: Hangawi

Best for lunch: Michael’s

Best Sunday brunch: The Rosé Brunch at Bagatelle

Best place for a “power” business meeting: Bar at the Loews Regency Hotel

Best Italian restaurant: Marea

Best French restaurant: Benoit

Best dessert in New York: Sorry, I don’t have a sweet tooth.

Best bar: Mr. Purple. And ever better, it has a roof top!

Favorite hotels: Hôtel Plaza Athénée (Uptown) and W Hotel (Downtown)

Favorite places to shop: Belgium Shoes store. My father said that you can always judge a man by his shoes.

Favorite interior design store: Farrow & Ball. I love the textures and the colors in what they do.

Favorite wine store: Sherry Lehmann, the king.

Best gym: Running in Central Park or swimming in Montauk. I try to exercise outdoors as much as possible when in New York.

Favorite charity: No Kid Hungry (Share Our Strength)

Night-on-the-town favorite: Beautique. The back room behind the kitchen. Large format bottles are a must for a table of six.

Best city museum: Whitney Museum

Favorite historic city place to see or explore: The Financial District

Describe New York in three words: Well these days, all I can say is “Rosé All Day!”

Best aspect of New York: Diversity; combined with the total respect for every individual’s origin, despite their cultural differences. Unique…

As a global traveler, what aspect of New York do you miss most when you are away? The energy and excitement.

Secret to your success? Determination, personal drive, and passion for what you believe in.