Joey Wölffer of Wolffer Estate
Ringside Chat:
Joey Wölffer of Wolffer Estate
“I would run home from school to finish my homework and get to the barn,” Wolffer says. “I spent most of my high school years doing the equitation. I stopped riding when I went to college at Vanderbilt University, and began again when I moved to NYC in 2005. I rode everything I could in the barn and learned so much from that!”
Inspired by her parent’s serendipitous move, she eventually decamped out east about a decade ago and took over the family business, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, with her brother. You’ve definitely seen their irresistibly gorgeous (and tasty) Summer in A Bottle rose on Instagram, your local wine shop… probably even on your own dining room table!
She now lives in Sag Harbor with her husband, Max, two daughters (Nell and Evie), and their rescue dogs, Tuca and Chili P. On top of everything, Wolffer also has two eponymous boutiques in Sag Harbor and Palm Beach, her own line Joey Wolffer Re-Worked that repurposes old fabrics into modern day statement making pieces, two restaurants named Wolffer Kitchen, and The Styleliner, a refurbished potato chip delivery truck that’s stocked with jewelry and clothing. Phew. Talk about inspiring.
FxR: What's your favorite memory associated with riding?
JW: Riding is 100% my escape and my therapy. My horse, Antonov, who I have had since he was six, has truly been my partner over the years. We have learned everything together and while we've hit some bumps in the road—especially after my second child—he has been my trusty companion. I love to compete and he does as well, so I would have to say my most favorite recent memory was our win at Longines New York. There were nineteen in the jump off and I think we both went in knowing what we had to do to win. There is no more magical feeling than when you are connected like that!
JW: I do compete, but my businesses are extremely busy in the summer so I often take a break from showing then. Right now I show in the medium amateur jumpers, but have a new horse that I intend to jump in the highs.
FxR: What's your favorite thing from Free x Rein? How do you like to style it?
JW: I love the belt bag. I have two small girls and I can't be without my phone when I'm riding, so it allows me to be in touch but not have the phone stuffed in my pocket! I also love the bodysuits, especially for showing. I think competing is difficult enough and the bodysuit makes the show outfit seamless!
FxR: How has your love of horses/riding influenced your sense of style?
JW: I have never followed trends, but instead am all about wearing what makes you feel good. I am like this with everything from my everyday clothes to my riding clothes!
