Albert R. DeWinter

“Al The Kat” A tribute

Never has there been a more unique, dynamic, loving personality and presence in the annals and lore of New York City’s cultural history than Al “The Kat” DeWinter. A proud son of hardworking Belgian and Bolivian immigrant parents, Al was raised in Brooklyn and Staten Island and thereafter enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War period, rising to the level of Staff Sergeant. Upon return, Al delved into the school lifestyle, attending St. Francis College and eventually launched himself into the New York social scene of the 1970’s and 1980’s, where he managed several dance clubs and entertained the likes of New York Jets Joe Namath, Marty Lyons and so many other icons of sports and entertainment. Later on, Al found his greatest passion and interest as a Wine connoisseur, attaining the level of Sommelier and transferring that knowledge and passion into a successful career in the Wine and Spirits industry, of course based in New York - where else?

In that capacity he worked for decades, attaining greater knowledge and expertise from his many collaborations with the Italian Trade Commission of New York and extensive world travel to Chilean vineyards, the Bordeaux region of France and Italy in particular, places where he made so many enduring friendships due to his natural, outgoing demeanor and incredible drive for knowledge of winemaking. Al took his career seriously and made time to give back, as a staunch supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he volunteered time and wine to support this noble charity.

Back in New York, the party continued, as Al mixed business with pleasure and developed lasting relationships with many, if not most, of New York’s greatest restaurateurs and wine professionals. A visit from Al was an instant energy boost for everyone. Much of the time these encounters with the Kat were accompanied by the whirling sounds of his Harley Davidson, his other great life-long passion. A member of the Gotham City Riders and “Staff Photographer” for Harley, Al kept the streets of Manhattan abuzz for many years and also expanded his riding into Europe, where he would always roll into a 400 year old Italian vineyard as if to say, “wake up Bubba, the Kats here!”

Al’s incredible gift for meeting people and finding common connections was his greatest attribute and resulted in loving friendships with so many people around the world. Al is survived by his loving sister Adrienne, brother-in-law Jim, nephew and godson Grant, extended family in Paris, France, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Naples and Rome, Italy, Santiago, Chile and a cast of thousands of grateful followers that will always honor and cherish the loving memory of “The Kat!” Rest in Peace my brother.