Kevin Zraly is an American wine educator and the founder of the Windows on the World Wine School, who has been described as America's most famous and entertaining wine teacher.[1][2]

Career

Between 1976 and 2001,[3] Zraly held the position of wine director for the Windows on the World restaurant, on the top floors of New York's 1 WTC World Trade Center, America's top-grossing restaurant.[4] Zraly was hired by Joe Baum whilst a 25-year-old wine salesman and self-educated oenophile with a bachelor's degree in education from State University of New York at New Paltz,[3] and is since credited with introducing California wine to the American public,[5] as well as helping to pioneer the use of progressive markup on wine in US restaurants.[6] After the collapse of the World Trade Center in the September 11 attacks, the school relocated to the New York Marriott Marquis.[7][8]

Zraly's book Windows on the World Complete Wine Course with its annual updates, is among America's best-selling wine books selling over 3 million copies worldwide. Kevin Zraly's American Wine Guide (2006) is the first book that deals comprehensively with all 50 states as modern wine-producing states.[5] Kevin's latest book, The Ultimate Wine Companion, was released in November 2010.

Awards and honors

In May 2011, Zraly was awarded the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Patronite, Rob; Raisfield, Robin (March 18, 2005). "The Grape Debate". New York Magazine.
  2. ^ "About Kevin". www.kevinzraly.com. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  3. ^ a b Witchel, Alex, The New York Times (September 25, 2009). "In a Season of Memory, a Toast to What Endures". The New York Times.((cite news)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Goldberg, Howard G., Decanter.com (January 29, 2008). "New Windows on the World planned for Freedom Tower".((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b Goldberg, Howard G., Decanter.com (May 24, 2006). "Zraly rates all 50 wine-producing states".((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Steinberger, Mike, Slate (October 31, 2008). "Good News About the Recession!". Slate.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Lechmere, Adam, Decanter.com (September 25, 2001). "Windows on the World Wine School to continue".((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Robinson, Jancis, jancisrobinson.com. "associations and courses".((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Sidman, Amanda P. (May 10, 2011). "James Beard Foundation awards recognize culinary excellence, Gabrielle Hamilton takes home best chef". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011.

External links

Authority control databases
Wines and winemaking
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