Wine’s Most Inspiring People: Kevin Zraly — America’s Wine Educator Raises a Glass to 50 Years 

By Melanie Young

Ask many people in the industry where they began their wine education and their response is “Kevin Zraly.” 

Over the past 50 years, Zraly has shared his passion and knowledge for wine with more than 30,000 students. He is founder of the Windows on the World Wine School, which had a successful 40-year run (1976-2016). His bestselling book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, now in its 35th edition, has sold more than 4 million copies. He continues to teach online courses and is a sought-after wine lecturer.

A College Student Teaching Wine

Zraly’s own wine education is self-taught. In 1970, at age 19, he was studying elementary education at SUNY New Paltz and bartending at Dupuy Canal House in High Falls. The restaurant had just earned an unprecedented four-star review from the New York Times. Chef-owner John Novi asked Zraly to help develop the wine list. 

Back then, wine education certifications in the United States were nearly nonexistent. So, he read and traveled, hitchhiking to California in 1972 to visit Napa Valley, then just 24 wineries. He petitioned his college to offer its first accredited wine course — Wine History, Types & Production — which he taught to senior students while he was a junior. After graduation, he spent six months visiting wine regions in Europe.

On Top of the World

The year 1976 was a turning point. Zraly was working in wine sales in New York City when restaurant impresario, Joe Baum, hired him to be cellarmaster of Windows on the World, located on 106th and 107th floors of the World Trade Center. At age 25, Zraly landed a dream job. He says, “I was a kid in a candy store with an unlimited budget and a mandate from Joe to create the biggest and best wine list New York has ever seen.” 

Dubbed “The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World” by New York Magazine, Windows on the World’s initial wine list had more than 1,500 selections. That same year, Zraly launched the Windows on the World Wine School at the World Trade Center. His engaging teaching style, which he describes as “wine education meets entertainment,”  was well received by students and became a rite of passage for anyone seeking comprehensive wine knowledge.

In the summer of 2001, Zraly and his Windows on the World colleagues were planning celebrations for the restaurant’s 25th anniversary as well as a new 2,800- bottle wine cellar later that year. Then the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred, destroying the Twin Towers and thousands of lives, including 72 restaurant colleagues. (Zraly was at home in New Paltz that morning.) Since the attacks, he spends every September 11 at Mohonk Mountain House for reflection.

Eventually, Zraly resumed teaching his packed courses under the same name at the New York Marriott Marquis until 2016. These days, he stays busy teaching online and lecturing to groups. He has collaborations with Montefiore Hospital and Holland America Cruise Lines, among other projects. His straightforward style remains timeless, attracting new generations of students.

Optimistic outlook

Despite its challenges, he sees the wine industry as a glass half-full:  “Wine is 10,000 years old; it is not going away. This is the best time in the history of wine for consumers. The quality for the price you can get today is unbelievable.”

And if enjoying wine can be a testament to longevity, Zraly says he is not slowing down, adding “People pay me to eat and drink. Why retire?”

***

Wine Industry Advisor has expanded its Wine’s Most Inspiring People (MIP) articles into a monthly series. We will be profiling individuals from within our industry who showcase leadership, innovation, determination and inspiration — both within the industry and in society at-large. If you would like to nominate someone for MIP consideration, fill out the form here.

Melanie Young

Melanie Young is a certified specialist of wine and co-host/writer for The Connected Table LIVE, a global podcast featuring conversations with thought leaders in wine, food, spirits & hospitality. Her articles have appeared in Wine Industry News, Wine Enthusiast and Seven Fifty Daily. She travels frequently to report on wine regions, people and events. IG@theconnectedtable