Remembering a Pioneer of Natural Wine in New York and Beyond

A Tribute to Justin Chearno 🍷 

A year later, his influence continues to shape the way we share wine and build community

It’s been nearly a year since Justin Chearno passed, and his absence is still felt across the wine world. Justin wasn’t just a founding partner of The Four Horsemen or a pioneer of natural wine in New York, he was a connector, a mentor, and someone who made wine feel less like an exclusive world and more like a community. He carried a spirit that welcomed people in, whether they were seasoned professionals, curious newcomers, or simply someone looking to share a glass.

What set Justin apart went far beyond his palate. He had a unique ability to make wine approachable without ever losing its magic, to remind us that behind every bottle was a person, a place, and a story. He wasn’t interested in gatekeeping or dogma. He cared about taste, about joy, about the connections that wine could spark. Many who knew him closely describe him as a super connector, someone who bridged scenes, genres, and people with ease. That influence is still alive in the culture of wine today.

I was fortunate to have a few encounters with Justin, each one leaving an impression. I won’t get into the fine details, but I can say this: out of any wine professional, he was the one who made me feel the most welcome, especially at a time when my brother and I didn’t always feel like we belonged in certain rooms. The generosity and inclusivity that so many speak about with Justin couldn’t have been more true in my own experience.

Even for those of us who didn’t know him as deeply as others, Justin’s presence was unmistakable. His work and his spirit left ripples that extend far beyond Williamsburg, shaping how an entire generation thinks about and shares wine. More than a wine buyer or restaurateur, he was a teacher, a champion, and a friend to many.

A year later, Justin’s legacy feels as alive as ever, in the bottles we open, the conversations we have, and the communities that continue to grow around wine. So many of us, whether we knew him well or only in passing, carry some piece of his influence with us. The best way to honor him is to keep that spirit going: to stay curious, to be generous, and to always make space for others at the table.

Justin was also, above all else, a devoted husband and father. As we remember him, it’s important to support the family he cared for so deeply. If you’re able, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe set up for his wife, Stacy, and his son, Felix.

Here’s to Justin; to his legacy, his generosity, and the community he helped create.

That’s all for this week. Put on a favorite record, open some L’Anglore (one of his favorite producers), and raise a glass the way Justin would have wanted, in good company 🥂