The Eli Zabar Story

Eli Zabar, Owner

The Start of Eli's List

As such, in 2002, Eli opened Eli's List (formerly W.I.N.E.) Wine and Spirits next to Eli's Table (formerly Taste) Restaurant Wine Bar. Eli's List's 1200+ wines are all carefully chosen by Eli himself and his team of experts who surround him: German Calle, Jean Emmanuel Simond, and Kilian Robin. The selection that is heavy on Burgundy, Piedmont and Champagne, reflects Eli’s passion for carefully, traditional, pure and naturally made wines that are open and ready to drink. Often, Eli will buy wines, but he will not sell them until they reach their optimal drinking period.

Eli personally chose the staff at Eli's List for their knowledge and communication skills in order to help customers in choosing wines.

Every year, during the vendange (harvest), Eli and his team go to either France or Italy on a tour, visiting vignerons that they know, discovering new ones, tasting new vintages of wines they know and trying new wines.

Our Mission

To create a selection of wine that is expressive of provenance, terrior and tradition at the same time remains pure through natural, sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic farming.  
To focus on wines of integrity, elegance and only the old world, especially Bourgogne, Piemonte and Grower Champagne.  To offer service that is knowledgeable, approachable and interactive.


The selection at this expertly stocked shop reflects Eli’s passion for carefully and naturally made wines that are open and ready to drink. He is firmly committed to keeping prices accessible. The able staff brings a depth of knowledge and great communication skills to assisting customers in their choices, as well as to the daily tastings held in the shop.  Opened for business in 2002, It’s a cozy sliver of a shop, next door to Eli’s Market at Third Avenue and Eli's Table Restaurant & Wine Bar. 
Shopping Services include custom orders, wine gifts, and deliveries by the case are available by phone 12 pm – 7 pm daily. Wine consultations and private tastings by request.

Germán Calle, Manager

Jean - Emmanuel Simond, Consultant