Project Optimist x Beast Masters
Wine Club
Join The Club!
The Project Optimist Team has partnered with their friends at Beast Masters to launch an exclusive quarterly subscription wine club. Just as Beast Masters has earned a reputation for curating some of the rarest and boldest whiskeys for its members, Project Optimist is applying the same discerning approach to wine. Our team is hand-selecting limited-production wines from unique and exceptional producers worldwide. These are wines you won't find at your average wine shop—true hidden gems that promise a special experience.
With each shipment, you'll receive detailed information sheets that delve into the story behind each wine. These sheets will provide insights into the producers, the style and flavor profile of the wines, and expert suggestions for pairings. Our goal is to craft a well-rounded drinking experience each quarter, offering a thoughtfully curated mix of bottles. While you'll always receive outstanding reds, our selections might also include sparkling wines, whites, rosés, and even the occasional orange wine!
Shipments will be scheduled for September, November, February, and May to ensure safe shipping temperatures. Due to the limited availability of our carefully selected wines, members who join after the first day of a shipping month will receive their first shipment the following quarter.
(6 bottles per quarter, includes shipping!)
Get a carefully curated selection of wines to enjoy for the upcoming season. Our hope is to introduce you to small producers, unknown grape varietals, often overlooked regions, and hard to find wines made with passion and integrity.
$495 per quarter (9 bottles per quarter, includes shipping!)
Up your game with the standard selection of bottles to sip for the season, plus you’ll receive a few additional rare gems that are cellar-worthy.
Additionally, premium members will have first-come, first-served access to special bottle offers, which can be included in their quarterly shipment. They will also have access to a dedicated sommelier helpline email address for inquiries about sourcing, vintages, winemaking, and more.
Who is picking the wine?
Will Schragis and Celia Erickson became friends in 2012 while studying wine at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. After earning their sommelier certifications, they both made the leap to NYC, diving headfirst into the city's vibrant beverage scene. Together, their combined experience and connections give them insider access to rare and exceptional bottles from both established legends and rising stars in the world of wine. When Celia and Will hang out, you’ll typically find them sharing a bottle of Champagne while decanting a bottle of Barolo.
Will Schragis
Will kicked off his career as a sommelier and bar director for the NYC legend, Eli Zabar, mastering the ins and outs of New York City's wine scene. He then moved into the world of retail and auctions with Zachy’s, gaining deep expertise in fine and rare wines and spirits. He continued managing private wine collections while shifting his focus to work with expanding premium spirits brands. After 8 years in blending/production and commercial management, Will launched 2 companies in the beverage space: WellSpun Consulting aids family run and craft producers navigate the American market, and Project Optimist develops and collaborates on quirky and niche wines, spirits, and other beverage specialties.
Celia Erickson
Celia launched her career as a sommelier for renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer, sharpening her skills at iconic NYC spots like Maialino and Gramercy Tavern. She later became the wine director for James Beard semi-finalist Chef Dan Kluger. From there, Celia took on the position of wine director for Delicious Hospitality, where she curated the iconic wine programs for Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, Bar Pasquale, Legacy Records, and Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows. Celia joined the WellSpun and Project Optimist teams as the Director of Operations. In her role, she works closely with wine and spirits producers and keeps a strong pulse on trends amongst NYC sommeliers.
