8/14/2023 – The Wine Writers’ Symposium, the premier North American gathering for wine writers, is now accepting applications for its 2024 in-person program. Writers will gather in Napa Valley from January 28-31, 2024, for the two and a half day intensive program.
The mission of the Symposium is to encourage, promote, and expand the wine writing community, to strengthen connections between emerging and established writers, and to provide a forum to discuss and explore the key issues facing an ever-evolving industry.
Since its founding in 2005, more than 500 writers have taken part as fellows and speakers at the Symposium. The list of past speakers includes the likes of Jane Anson, Gerald Asher, Eric Asimov, Talia Baiocchi, Jon Bonné, Jeannie Cho Lee, Julia Coney, Baxter Holmes, Ray Isle, Hugh Johnson, Dave McIntyre, Lee Oglesby, Robert M. Parker Jr., Madeline Puckette, Ruth Reichl, Jancis Robinson, Pavia Rosati and many more.
Writers can apply for the 2024 program from August 14 to September 8, 2023 for up to 24 positions as Fellows at the Symposium. The application includes an original essay and a personal statement. Fellows will be contacted in November, with final announcements posted by November 17, 2023.
Earlier this year, 36 writers took part in the first in-person program since 2020. The previous two years were hosted online. Fellows at the program reported career-defining experiences with opportunities to network and cultivate connections. One Fellow had this to say about participating in the program:
“The Wine Writers’ Symposium has elevated my skills, expanded my thinking, and exposed me to professional possibilities unlike any other program could. If you want to experience a truly pivotal shift in your writing career, you’ve got to attend!”
Also taking place this year are three virtual programs. A recording of the first session with Dorothy Gaiter, Chasity Cooper, Elin McCoy, and Esther Mobley can be found online. Writers can still register for the upcoming session taking place on August 22 with John Brecher who will present Get to the Point!, a presentation on the importance of clarity and precision, both in a pitch and in a piece. The last virtual roundtable will take place on October 10 and will be led by Elaine Chukan Brown.
As partners in producing the event, Meadowood Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Vintners look forward to welcoming the 2024 Fellows to the growing community of Wine Writers’ Symposium alumni.
About the Wine Writers’ Symposium
The Wine Writers’ Symposium (né Symposium for Professional Wine Writers), founded by Meadowood Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Vintners, draws top wine writing to Napa Valley to speak, listen, debate, explore themes prevalent in contemporary wine writing, and network with their peers. A combination of lectures, panel discussions, group and individual writing sessions, wine tastings and fine dining make the Symposium an unmatched career enrichment opportunity for writers in the field. For inquiries and information, please write to us at winewriterssymposium@gmail.
