Kevin Zraly
About Kevin Zraly
Kevin Zraly is an award-winning wine writer and one of the world's foremost wine educators. With 50 years of teaching experience, he has shared his passion with thousands of students from all walks of life. He has authored eight books about wine and food, including the annually updated Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, which has sold over four million copies, making it the number one wine book in the United States. The 35th anniversary edition was released in fall 2020. He also co-authored Red Wine with The World Wine Guys, Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen.
Kevin is the youngest recipient of the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award (2011), recognized for his commitment to making wine education accessible and fun, as well as his monumental contributions to the world of food and wine. He is one of only three wine professionals to receive this honor, alongside Robert Mondavi and Ernest Gallo.
Kevin’s approach to wine education emphasizes individual preference, enjoyment, and lifelong learning. He makes tasting techniques, wine language, and specifics accessible to everyone, from novices to experienced oenophiles.
Career Highlights
- In 1970, Kevin began working at The DePuy Canal House in High Falls, New York, helping the restaurant earn a four-star review from Craig Claiborne of The New York Times.
- Taught his first wine class, "Wine & Cheese 101," in 1971.
- In 1972, he hitchhiked to California to visit all 24 of the state’s wineries at the time.
- Convinced his state college to offer its first accredited wine course, "Wine History, Types & Production," which he taught to seniors while still a junior.
- After graduation, traveled to every major wine region in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany to deepen his wine knowledge.
- In 1976, restaurateur Joe Baum hired Kevin to create the "biggest and best wine list New York has ever seen" for Windows on the World, located on the 106th and 107th floors of the World Trade Center. He not only crafted an award-winning wine list but also founded the Windows on the World Wine School, the most well-known wine education program in the world. The school ran for 25 years until the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
- Relaunched the school in a new setting, where it ran successfully until his final class in November 2016, graduating over 20,000 students.
- Created the New York Wine Experience, one of the country’s most popular wine events.
- Spent four years working with the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group and, in 2002, partnered with Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits to teach his famous One Hour Wine Expert classes, advanced wine courses, and master classes.
Media & Public Appearances
Kevin has shared his passion for wine through books, television appearances, and features in The New York Times, People, The Wall Street Journal, GQ Magazine, and many others. He continues to teach and entertain through virtual wine classes, dinners, and events for corporations and individuals.
Personal Life
Kevin is the father of four children (vintages '91, '93, '97, and '99) and lives in New Paltz, New York.