Meet Kimberly Cavoores, owner of One Kourt Studio, a wine and beverage boutique located in the heart of Greenport in the North Fork. Kimberly opened her beautifully curated shop in April, but has already proven herself a neighborhood go-to spot for the every-day wine to the special occasion selection and more. Kimberly sat down with Outer Boro Broad to talk about her move from Brooklyn to Greenport, her love of the beverage industry and what it’s like to open up a business during the height of a pandemic.
Q: You have a wonderful story beginning in Boston to then working at some of NYC's most acclaimed restaurants. What has your professional journey been like?
A: My professional journey began working in restaurants and bars throughout college, as most do and I have done everything besides hold a position as a cook. When I was working as a hostess at Toro in Boston back in something like 2009, I tasted a few wines during a wine class and was fascinated at the fact that they did not taste the same. I went a purchased the Wine Bible by Karen MacNiel, signed up for WSET Unit One and took it from there. I didn’t even know that a sommelier was even a thing.
““Greenport is where agriculture meets the sea””
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: Very few people know this, but I was born in Westlake Village, California. After, I spent my formative years in Northern NJ, overseas in London and then back in Monmouth County NJ.
Q: You most recently came from Brooklyn. What did you love about that borough?
A: Brooklyn has so much diversity and energy. I was in Bed-Stuy, close to the border of Clinton Hill. If you wanted to enjoy a low-key dinner out you could, or if you wanted to rage until 4am, you could do that also. And there was always a good coffee shop close by.
Q: When was the moment in your life that you knew you wanted to be in the beverage space?
A: As soon as I began working in restaurants, I knew that is what I wanted to do. I like the energy of service. I was very much so a night owl in my 20s, so it served me well. Serving and cooking for another human food is a very intimate experience and when it’s done right, the feeling is very rewarding. Nothing quite as gratifying as a well-executed service.
Q: So why Greenport?
A: Greenport is where agriculture meets the sea. There are not many places like that. Because I spent most of my career in the proverbial ‘Farm to Table’ Restaurant as well as many establishments that took daily trips to the farmers market, I love being around agriculture, but in high school I was a total beach kid. So, this is kind of the best of both worlds, and most importantly, because my boyfriend is here.
Q: Tell us about the launch of One Kourt—it's unlike anything that's been on the North Fork thus far and certainly raises the beverage game on the Fork.
A: The launch of One Kourt was exhilarating and terrifying. I loved designing the space, but I also opened April 4th….’Hello Covid.’ I was hand selling wine through a crack in the door in the dreary months of April. I had to make sure I was as hospitable as I could possibly be so that the town would trust me.
Q: How would you explain your approach to One Kourt's offerings?
A: There is not a lot of space on the shelves at One Kourt Studio making it a difficult space to buy for. Wine professionals LOVE buying wine, it’s our favorite thing to do. So, I definitely need to be wary of the weekly purchases. I treat the space like a restaurant list. I ask myself questions like: Who is going to buy this? Who can I sell this to? Does this go well with food? How weird is too weird? Does this make sense on the shelves with the other offerings?
My clientele is very adventurous, which is amazing. They are always looking to expand their own palates
Q: What are some of the challenges you've faced being an entrepreneur?
A: I am my own worst enemy. Always judging my sections, asking myself how I can be better and keep people coming to my store. In regard to day to day, its being open seven days a week. Even when you are not working, you are working. Lucky, I have two amazing girls who work with me.
Q: What are you currently drinking?
A: I am never drinking the same thing. I am sucker for Champagne and Italian white wine. But I currently had this Sauvignon/Chardonnay blend from the US that I was pretty blown away by: Lady of Sunshine ‘Chevey’ Edna Valley, California 2019. Valentini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is my ‘Island Wine’.
Q: Favorite NoFo spots to eat and drink?
A: In all honesty, I do not eat out often. I usually do a farm run a few times and week and my boyfriend and I eat together and cook almost every night. However, I have recently had a lovely meal at North Fork Table and Inn, and I cannot wait to return. Also, oysters at Little Creek and a cocktail at Brix and Rye is a delightful evening.
Q: Who has inspired you throughout your career?
A: I have always worked with diverse and amazing teams of people. Each boss I have had has been insanely knowledgeable. They have all inspired me in one way or another. I am still very close with most of them. They have all shaped who I am today as a wine professional and I am forever grateful.
Follow Kimberly’s adventures on Instagram @onekourtstudio.