Meet Jay Rosen: Master Cellar Builder

Jay Rosen has designed and built hundreds of custom wine cellars for oenophiles in NJ, NY and beyond since he turned his passion for wine into a thriving business in 1992. Washington Valley Cellars is a division of Rosen’s own contracting firm, Washington Valley Construction Company, Inc., and his years of experience in construction management ensure that cellar projects proceed smoothly while maintaining the highest construction standards.

Rosen began collecting and studying wine in his 30s. He traveled to Europe and California to visit wineries and studied all he could about the nuances of fine wine. A self-taught wine expert and connoisseur, Rosen often delights in sharing as much information about how to stock a client’s wine cellar, as to how to properly build it. Rosen’s enthusiasm for wine has even led him to the classroom where he has taught wine appreciation and tasting classes.

He recently completed a wine loft in his own home after his collection “outgrew” his basement wine cellar. Carved out of space from the second story of his garage, the wine loft is conveniently located adjacent to the dining room, providing easy access to the collection while the Rosens entertain. The Tuscan-inspired wine loft contains more than 4,000 bottles of Rosen’s favorite wines, champagne, port and sauternes.