Co- Founder

Philippe Newlin is a distinguished wine expert with over 20 years of experience spanning importing, distribution, retail, and education. With deep-rooted relationships in Bordeaux, Philippe grants his guests unparalleled insider access to the region’s most prestigious vineyards, legendary châteaux, and world-renowned restaurants.

As the current National Wine Director for the City Winery Group and until recently the lead Bordeaux buyer for Wine.com, Philippe has cultivated an extensive network among the most exclusive estates and winemakers. He led the establishing of Duclot USA, the U.S. import arm for the esteemed Moueix family of Petrus fame, giving him an intimate connection to Bordeaux’s most coveted properties. His expertise is further underscored by his tenure as Tastings Director and Associate Editor at Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Holding the prestigious Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) of London, Philippe is also a sought-after educator, teaching at Yale’s School of Management and Columbia Business School, with additional lectures at Harvard Business School, Wharton, MIT Sloan, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School.

A former Wall Street trader turned wine connoisseur, Philippe’s passion for fine wine and deep industry ties open doors to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, ensuring guests of Vinum Privé receive privileged access to Bordeaux’s finest.

Co-Founder

Andy Katz discovered his passion for photography when his father brought home a book of black-and-white portraiture by the legendary Yousuf Karsh. "It was as if a flashbulb went off in my soul," Andy recalls. Years later, in a full-circle moment, Karsh himself became a collector of Andy’s work.

Since then, Andy has traveled to over 90 countries, capturing some of the most breathtaking landscapes and cultural stories across the globe. Among his most celebrated subjects are the world’s finest wine regions, where he has photographed the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, and Argentina with an artist’s eye and an insider’s access. His intimate knowledge of Bordeaux’s most exclusive châteaux—from First Growth estates to hidden gems—has allowed him to create stunning visual narratives that bring to life the artistry, history, and soul of these legendary vineyards.

As Sony’s first-ever Artisan of Imagery, Andy is one of the world’s most collected photographers, with work featured in museums and galleries around the globe, including his own gallery in Aperture Cellars Winery in Healdsburg, California. His photographs have graced the covers of albums for top recording artists, further cementing his reputation as a visionary behind the lens.

With 14 acclaimed books—including Private Reserve, The Heart of Burgundy, and A Portrait of Napa and Sonoma—Andy continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. His upcoming 15th book, America the Beautiful, will celebrate the stunning landscapes of the United States, continuing his mission to inspire and unite through photography.

From the hallowed vineyards of Bordeaux to the rugged beauty of the American West, Andy’s lens captures not just places, but the passion, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance that define the world’s most revered wine regions.