Lars Neubohn
President

Lars Neubohn

President

Born into a European family of wine lovers, it was inevitable Lars would develop an interest in all things fermented. His extensive travels through various wine regions in Europe only broadened his perspective on the world of wine. Lars graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in political science and spent five years working on Wall Street. Deciding to refine his business skills, Lars moved across the country to attend business school at the University of Washington. During business school, Lars worked on the refinancing of a real estate portfolio for a self storage investor giving him insight into the financial side of the storage business. After graduation, Lars moved back to New York and returned to the financial services business. It was during this time, as an outside investor in a restaurant that Lars began collecting wine. It was not long before he found himself unintentionally buying more wine than he was drinking. Lars discovered a demand for a wine storage business run by people who were wine savvy and emphasized customer service. Lars founded the Wine Cellarage in 2003. Lars currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and son.

Per Holmberg
Managing Director of Wine Acquisitions and Sales

Per Holmberg

Managing Director of Wine Acquisitions and Sales

Exposed to fine food and entertaining at a young age, Per Holmberg’s interest in both have only increased over the years. Born in Stockholm, Per’s family relocated to France while he was in his teens. Although Per kept his passion for food and wine alive by working in restaurants in the summers, after college he was poised to put his college degree to use and enter into the world of business in Europe. However, with fate intervening, Per followed his heart and moved to the US to be with his American girlfriend, now wife, and settled in New York, where he began working for the French Government Tourist Office.

Deciding now was the perfect opportunity to pursue a new career involving wine, Per started his journey as Cellar Manager at Morrell’s. The next several years were spent as Wine Specialist at Christie’s International with responsibilities ranging from appraising to cataloging. Per obtained valuable skills in the wine auction industry, allowing him to easily transition from a Wine Consultant for Vinfolio to the Director of Cellar Acquisitions. Per currently resides in New Canaan, CT with his wife and two children. He spends his weekends in the kitchen cooking while listening to his favorite music.

Don Echevarria
Director of Operations

Don Echevarria

Director of Operations

Originally from New Jersey, Don Echevarria joined the Wine Cellarage team in 2003 as Director of Operations. He attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with a degree in psychology. Don spent his senior year of college studying abroad in London. Inspired by the culture and art scene, he decided to dabble in photography. It was also during this time, while on a trip to Paris that he had an opportunity to taste some unbelievable wines that uncorked his passion for wine. After returning to the US, Don decided to pursue his desire to become a photographer. The lifestyle was hectic, living out of suitcases, this new career path involved photo shoots ranging from children’s commercials to portraits of the NBA. Tired of the instability as a photo assistant, Don began to search for a lifestyle that would allow him more security and stability. Joining the Wine Cellarage during the first year of its inception, Don’s experience as a photographer proved to be useful and he was able to put his software and technology knowledge to good use. Don continues to expand his wine knowledge by attending trade events, wine courses, reading and of course tasting.

Jenifer Janis
Marketing Director

Jenifer Janis

Marketing Director

Jenifer Janis developed an interest in wine during her college years in New York City while working part time at a restaurant. Soon this interest blossomed into a full-fledged passion and after several years and wine classes later Jenifer began teaching introductory wine classes at Bin 36 in Chicago. Her next foray into the wine world consisted of Assistant Sommelier at Nomi in the Park Hyatt Chicago overseeing a 20,000 bottle collection. The role of Assistant Sommelier, allowed Jenifer to travel to many different wine growing regions, including the Pacific Northwest, California and South Australia. Soon after completing the introductory level of the Court of Master Sommeliers, she became Wine Director and Manager of the Custom House, a modern steak house in Chicago. After spending a year oversees in India, she decided to switch gears and join the Wine Cellarage as Marketing Director where her passion and knowledge for wine dictate many of the wine purchasing decisions.

Saiyad Maknojia
Financial Manager

Saiyad Maknojia

Financial Manager

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Saiyad is the most recent addition to the Wine Cellarage team. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance at Mumbai University, Saiyad obtained his visa in 2007 and moved to the U.S. to complete his M.B.A. His prior employment experience includes working part-time at a CPA firm while attending college in Mumbai and as a Graduate Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology. His analytical and technical skills and have proven indispensible to his role as Financial Manager. Saiyad is altruistic in nature; he enjoys playing cricket and is fluent in Hindi, Gujarati and English.

Jie Chen
Warehouse Manager

Jie Chen

Warehouse Manager

Jie is a jack of all trades in every sense of the phrase. Originally from China, Jie moved to New York at the age of 15. Graduating with a degree in Advertising and Design, Jie’s first love is photography. He was employed for several years as a photo assistant and is proficient in Photo Shop, Web Design and Quark Express. Because of the many inconsistencies inherent in the photography industry, Jie changed professions and joined the Wine Cellarage team in 2005. His position at the Wine Cellarage transitioned from part-time driver to the essential Warehouse Manager role he fulfills today. His palate is slowly expanding, while Bordeaux remains a favorite region; he is committed to gaining knowledge of all the major wine growing regions. Jie is still able to indulge in his passion for photography by taking photos of wine labels for the website and freelancing as a wedding photographer in his free time.

Frank Donahue
Wine Inventory Specialist

Frank Donahue

Wine Inventory Specialist

A native of New York, Frank now resides in Westchester with his wife and two daughters. As a double major student, Frank graduated with degrees in both philosophy and sociology. Although his ultimate career choice veered drastically away from his college studies, Frank was a dedicated New York City firefighter for over 21 years. Looking for a less unpredictable way to earn a living, coupled with his interest in wine made Wine Cellarage and Frank a perfect pairing. Assigned to the Christie's Auction House account, Frank spends a majority of day coordinating global wine transportation for the many international Christie's clients. Frank is extremely artistic, spending his free time writing and painting.