Kevin Zraly

Kevin Zraly is recognized as a leading wine educator and is known for his contributions to wine education in the United States. Zraly began his career at The DePuy Canal House in High Falls, New York, where he contributed to the restaurant earning a four-star review from Craig Claiborne of The New York Times. He taught his first wine class, "Wine & Cheese 101," and later traveled to California to visit wineries. Zraly also initiated his state college's first accredited wine course, "Wine History, Types & Production," teaching college seniors while still an undergraduate.

A pivotal moment in Zraly's career occurred when he met restaurateur Joe Baum, leading to his role as the first cellar master and later wine director for Windows on the World, located atop One World Trade Center. Zraly served as wine director for Windows on the World, which was among the highest-grossing restaurants in the United States. He played a significant role in introducing California wine to American consumers and helped pioneer progressive wine pricing in U.S. restaurants. At Windows on the World, Zraly established the Windows on the World Wine School, which became a prominent wine education program. The school operated for 25 years until the destruction of the World Trade Center, after which Zraly relaunched the program at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, ultimately graduating more than 20,000 students.

As an author, Zraly has written eight books on wine and food, including the annually updated "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course," which has sold over four million copies and is a top-selling wine book in the United States. His other works include "Kevin Zraly's American Wine Guide," which covers wineries and vineyards in all 50 states, "The Ultimate Wine Companion," and "Red Wine." Zraly co-authored "Red Wine, the Comprehensive Guide to the 50 Essential Varieties & Styles" with Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, which received the Gourmand International Award for Best Drinks Book.

Zraly has received several industry honors, including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, the Wine Literary Award, the James Beard Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional Award, the Food and Beverage Association's Man of the Year Award, Wine Professional of the Year from Sante, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Wine Council, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Wine Educators. He has also been awarded an honorary doctorate from the State University of New York.

Zraly's approach to wine education emphasizes individual preference, enjoyment, and the pursuit of knowledge, making wine accessible to both novices and experienced enthusiasts. He has continued his wine school virtually in partnership with Wine.com, teaching thousands of students across the United States and Canada. Zraly has been featured in The New York Times, People, The Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek, among other publications.