Eddy Le Garrec, Founder & Owner of Empire State of Wine
Dec 17, 2025
Meet Eddy Le Garrec, Founder & Owner of Empire State of Wine located at 61 West 23rd Street in Flatiron.
1. Empire State of Wine moved to the neighborhood in 2022. Tell us more about your business and offerings.
Empire State of Wine was established in 2017 on 20th Street, and in 2022 we moved to 23rd Street to keep up with our fast growth and to gain more retail and basement space. The concept is straightforward, we import wine and spirits directly from wineries and distilleries, bypassing the traditional three-tier system and its double markup. This allows us to offer higher-quality, small-batch products at much more accessible prices.
2. What made you decide to relocate your store to Flatiron & NoMad? What aspect of your job as a local business owner excites you the most?
We took over an existing business and built upon it, expanding its operations. What we love most about being in Flatiron & NoMad is, without question, the clientele.
3. You have previously worked in the food and hospitality industry. What led you to become an entrepreneur and open your own business in New York City?
We noticed that wine stores throughout New York carried nearly identical offerings, revealing a real need for something fresh and distinctive.
4. When sourcing wines for your store, where do you draw inspiration from? What are your current wine recommendations?
Empire State of Wine focuses on small-production wines, many of which aren’t available anywhere else in the U.S. We work directly with the Chateaux owners and winemakers and their families. Right now in our “Best Under $15” section, you’ll find a pristine 12-year-old Bordeaux, a 2018 Rioja Gran Reserva, and plenty more. Wine-Searcher named us Best Bordeaux List and Best Champagne List in New York for three consecutive years.
5. Flatiron & NoMad is a food & beverage destination. How has the neighborhood’s vibrant energy and evolution influenced the way you operate and innovate here?
The vibe here keeps us on our toes. People are always looking for something new, which inspires us to keep evolving and introducing fresh, unique wines. We also host weekly wine tastings (Fried Chicken & Champagne is coming up!), we’re always bringing in top-tier vintners from around the world for wine tastings.
6. When taking a break from Empire State of Wine, how do you like to spend your time in Flatiron & NoMad?
Flatiron has amazing choices for fast, high-quality lunches, I love changing it up daily.
7. Finally, choose three words to describe Flatiron & NoMad.
Historic (our building was built in 1887), creative (that’s from our clients) and inspiring (new businesses and concepts around).
Header & Thumbnail Photo Credit: Empire State of Wine
