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We’ve created a unique sanctuary dedicated to the art of natural perfumery. In this space, we create bespoke perfumes for our clients and teach workshops to small groups where participants craft their own Eau de Parfum, blending creativity, passion, and personal style.

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie

Hello, I am Victor Rakovich, owner and director of operations & product development at Press Gurwitz Perfumerie, a niche perfume brand I have been operating for almost four years in Marathon, NY.  I often bring our fragrance collection to local art and craft fairs, festivals, and holiday pop-ups in New York State, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. It is during these events that I receive many inquiries from customers interested in making their own perfumes and learning more about the craft of perfumery.

I am now offering workshops and bespoke perfume creation services for creative minds to express individuality through the art of natural perfumery using our vast collection of over 350 raw materials, including highest-grade oils, absolutes, resins, rare botanical extracts from my personal collection, and house-made tinctures. Whether you’re a novice or a fragrance lover, my mission is to connect you to the sensual world of natural perfumery in the heart of Central New York.

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With each new fragrance, our scent library continues to expand. Workshop participants have the unique opportunity to explore past creations, share feedback, and collaborate on refining formulas. You can improve your own blend, contribute to enhancing someone else’s, or draw inspiration from others’ work—it’s like an open-source approach to natural perfumery. Together, we can accelerate the creative process, turning what is traditionally a slow craft into a dynamic, fast-paced collaboration. With so many minds working together, I believe we can create truly remarkable masterpieces in no time.

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie
Press Gurwitz Perfumerie

Workshop Overview:

  • Introduction to Natural Perfumery
  • Exploring Fragrance Families
  • Understanding Perfume Architecture
  • Exploring Olfactory Facets of Raw Materials
  • Crafting own Eau de Parfum.

Schedule

Part 1: Introduction to Natural Perfumery

  • Overview of natural perfumery and its significance
  • Understanding the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients
  • Introduction to perfume terminology and concepts

Part 2: Olfactory Facets of Raw Materials

  • Introduction to a variety of raw materials used in natural perfumery
  • Examining the olfactory facets of aromatic ingredients (e.g., florals, spices, resins)
  • Hands-on exploration of raw materials and their scent characteristics

Part 3: Fragrance Families

  • Overview of major fragrance families (e.g., floral, citrus, woody, oriental/ambers)

Part 4: Perfume Architecture

  • Understanding the structure and composition of perfumes
  • Exploring the top, middle, and base notes in fragrance composition

Part 5: Making Perfume

  • Practical experience in blending aromatic materials to create beautifully balanced, bespoke perfume.

What to Expect

Currently, we can accommodate the following options for workshops and perfume-making sessions:

  • Individual session (our short-form bespoke perfume creation service): $300* (2.5–3 hours) 
  • 2 people: $175* per person (3 hours)
  • 3 people: $150* per person (3–4 hours)
  • 4 people: $125* per person (4 hours)
  • Individual long-form bespoke perfume creation service: $1,500** (3-5 month long process, requires 3-4 in-person meetings) 

*plus the cost of raw materials, average $10-$20 per 10ml bottle of finished perfume. Customers will receive a 10ml bottle of their bespoke perfume creation to take home. 

**plus the cost of raw materials, average $50-$100 per 50ml bottle of finished perfume. Clients of the extended perfume creation service will receive a 50ml bottle of their own bespoke fragrance.

Complete our inquiry form, and let us reach out to schedule your custom perfume creation session.

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Heather Fergerson
a month ago

Wow!!! What a fantastic experience our group had today at Press Gurwitz Perfumerie. This was a a truly unique experience that I can’t recommend enough. Victor is so charming and guided us on an adventure! Everyone created their own unique scent and learned the true artistry involved in this craft. Thank you so much, Victor…your passion comes through and you gave us an unforgettable day! Would highly recommend!

Jackie Fergerson
a month ago

We spent an amazing afternoon with Victor who clearly has a passion for perfume. It was a group of four 18-20 year olds who are very into fragrance. Spent about four hours at his store in Marathon and were transported to France! They learned about the chemistry and building blocks of fragrance, sampling scents then compiling a bespoke custom scent. They got to do all of the measuring themselves with Victor’s guidance. They left with a decent sized vial of their creation. Victor will keep their custom fragrances on file and if they wish to tweak it at a later date they can. I highly recommend this experience!

D D
D D
2 months ago

I just experienced my 1st Syracuse Night Market on Nov. 30th with my friend Nikki and enjoyed a wonderful time Victor Rakovich who was very knowledgeable and professional with the perfume oil notes that I ended up buying 3 perfume sprays at a reasonable cost. My favorite #15 the Iris was invigorating, #4 the Bergamot was exhilarating, and #12 the Green Tea was exactly as he mentioned " to wear on a summery day " this scent is refreshing and clean smelling. You can't go wrong with any of notes as there all inviting to the nose with scents beyond any other! Thank you Victor, I will definitely be shopping with you again on your website and to your shop in Marathon, NY for another exciting shopping adventure! 😊

Anastasja Moynihan
a year ago

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Press Gurwitz Perfumerie, and my experience was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment I stepped into the elegantly appointed shop, I was captivated by the sophisticated ambiance that perfectly mirrored the aesthetic of Press Gurwitz. What truly sets Press Gurwitz apart is the exceptional knowledge and warm hospitality of Victor, the owner. His passion for fragrances is palpable, and he graciously guided me through the exquisite collection. Victor's insights into the scents and the stories behind them added a personal touch to the entire experience. The shop itself exudes an air of elegance that harmoniously complements the luxury of the products. Each perfume is a masterpiece, encapsulating a world of emotions within its distinct notes. I've been particularly enchanted by Press №3, a fragrance that I now consider my signature scent. Press №3 is a symphony of aromas with notes of tobacco, cinnamon, and vanilla. The combination is nothing short of mesmerizing – smoky, cozy, and spicy. The fragrance seamlessly weaves together the warmth of Madagascan vanilla, the richness of fine tobacco, and the heat of cinnamon. It's like being enveloped in a gentle yet masculine embrace, leaving a lasting impression that is both elegant and timeless. Wearing Press №3 is a sensory delight, and I consistently receive compliments whenever I don this fragrance. The scent lingers, leaving an indelible mark that is both sophisticated and memorable. It's a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that define Press Gurwitz Perfumerie. In conclusion, my visit to Press Gurwitz Perfumerie was an olfactory journey of unparalleled luxury and refinement. Victor's expertise, the elegant surroundings, and the exquisite fragrances make it an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a truly exceptional perfume.

Alexandr V
a year ago

I recently visited the perfume store and was impressed by the inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. The ambiance created a pleasant shopping experience, and the staff went above and beyond to assist me in finding the perfect fragrance. A truly delightful place for perfume enthusiasts. Special thanks for Victor. Number 14 is my favorite.