Chillin’ With Dorinda Medley

By Joseph Luparello

Dorinda Medley is an American Entrepreneur most known for her cast appearance on The Real Housewives of New York City.

She was born in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, and later moved to New York City after graduating college. The Big Apple had a lot of change in store for young Medley. There, she worked in the showrooms of Liz Claiborne and met her first love. Her romance drew her to London where she started a family and her own cashmere company, DCL Cashmere. Many high-profile London clients like Princess Diana and Joan Collins became acquaintances, and soon, Medley left her mark on London society. 

Dorinda always directs her energy and focus into her home, family and friends, church, social engagements, and love for pop culture. In 2019, Dorinda reignited her passion for teaching aerobics, creating, and touring with her interactive workout class Dorobics.  She continuously gives back to her favorite charitable organizations like Ali Forney Center, Born This Way Foundation, Prevention, Joy. J Initiative, Ronald McDonald House, NYLovesKids.org and Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation. 

Dorinda’s passion for entertaining was deeply enhanced with the purchase of Blue Stone Manor, a nine-bedroom Stanford White estate in her native Great Barrington. With a recent flood at the estate, Dorinda was forced to renovate and restore the historic property to get it back to its former glory. The estate’s revival inspired the creation of a wheated bourbon handcrafted to be exceptionally smooth with a deep and rich character. Its name, Bluestone Manor Bourbon. 

Nothing gives Dorinda more pleasure than a weekend or holiday spent with great company, home-cooked meals, and the festive, personal touches she is known for. She enjoys the theater, the beach, the mountains, fabulous parties, a great Dirty Martini, and all types of fashion—both high-end and high-street—and considers all her pieces collector’s items. 

Chilled had the opportunity to chat with Dorinda about her upcoming projects, launching her own bourbon, and her killer, fully stocked home bar.  

 


 

Tell us about the projects you are working on. 

I’ve had a very busy year. I finished my book Make it Nice with Simon and Schuster, released Bluestone Manor candle in four scents, and am currently working on a winter solstice scent for Christmas in 2022. Of course, the crown jewel, Bluestone Manor Bourbon launched right before the holidays, which I am so very proud of. This project is something I have been working on for a while and it is finally here, and everything I hoped it would be.  

 

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime? 

On Sundays I turn off all my devices and just enjoy being in my house. I cook for my family and try to brainstorm “what’s next?” for Dorinda Medley in terms of business, health, and spirituality.  

 

Any favorite bars? 

I love going to the Bemelmen’s Bar at the Carlyle hotel before it gets too crowded. It’s a great way to end the day. 

 

Favorite drink? 

My favorite drink right now is the FontLeroy made with Bluestone Manor Bourbon

 

 

Do you prepare drinks at home? 

Of course! I have a beautiful classic bar filled with shakers, jiggers and basically all the tools that you use to make a drink.  I have crystal decanters that I love to use and use craft and small batched mixers. 

 

What is it stocked with? 

Bluestone Manor Bourbon, Casa Dragones Tequila, Grey Goose Vodka, Louis XIII, St-Germaine, Mount Rigi Flavor of the Alps, Grenadine, Bitters, Fever-Tree sodas and tonics.  

 

Have you ever been a bartender?  

No, my mother wouldn’t let me! 

 

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be? 

Jane Goodall (Alive) 

Ruth Bader Ginsberg (no longer with us)

 

 

 

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