Why Collecting Never Ends — From Wine to Watches

Jhonel Faelnar is a Filipino-born beverage director whose palette has shaped some of New York City's most admired wine programs. Faelnar currently oversees the wine and beverage direction for NA:EUN Hospitality — including the two-Michelin-starred Atomix, Atoboy, and Naro — where his thoughtful curation and pairing philosophy have earned him industry recognition such as Wine Enthusiast's Sommelier/Beverage Director of the Year and placement on Wine Enthusiast's "40 Under 40" list. In a conversation that moved easily between wine and watches, Jhonel and our very own TanTan Wang explored what it actually means to collect — not as an act of accumulation, but as something far more personal and unfinished. Faelnar spoke about beginnings rather than endpoints, about why one bottle can matter more than a cellar, and how taste is formed not through expertise but through lived experience. It was a fitting close to the series, bringing together disciplines that, while seemingly different, share a deep commitment to patience, nuance, and taste. Follow HODINKEE: https://www.instagram.com/hodinkee/​ See more videos on our site: https://www.hodinkee.com/videos​ Download our podcasts: https://www.hodinkee.com/podcasts​ And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Thank you! #hodinkee