Alison Napjus

Alison Napjus

Senior Editor and Tasting Director, New York
Tasting Beats: Italy, Champagne, Alsace, Spain, South Africa

About

Alison Napjus joined Wine Spectator in 2000, and was promoted to senior editor in 2012 and tasting director in 2016. She is lead taster for the wines of Spain, France’s Champagne and Alsace regions, South Africa and wines from regions throughout Italy.

After graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Napjus moved to New York to take a position as a manager at Tribeca Grill restaurant. As tasting director, she oversees the scope and content of Wine Spectator’s annual reviews of more than 15,000 wines, working closely with the tasters and tasting coordinators in the New York and Napa offices. Currently she divides her time between New York, where she is based, with a second home in Tampa, Fla. She regularly travels abroad, both personally and professionally.

Champagne’s Great Debate Is Not So Great
Opinion

Champagne’s Great Debate Is Not So Great

Rumors of rivalry between big houses and growers have been greatly exaggerated

Dec 31, 2024
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance
Tasting Reports

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Tracking the rebirth of South Africa’s legendary dessert wine

Dec 31, 2024
Richard Geoffroy’s Third Act
People

Richard Geoffroy’s Third Act

The former Dom Pérignon winemaker turns his focus to Japan, creating a sake for wine lovers

Dec 31, 2024
The Splendor of Champagne
Tasting Reports

The Splendor of Champagne

The region’s leading producers deliver high quality amid a diverse range of styles

Dec 15, 2024
11 Spanish Value Wines Fantastic for Halloween Celebrations
Tasting Reports

11 Spanish Value Wines Fantastic for Halloween Celebrations

Get into the spooky spirit with these new reviews of impressive Rioja, Ribera del Duero, …

Oct 31, 2024
Italy’s Primitivo from Puglia
Tasting Reports

Italy’s Primitivo from Puglia

Spotlighting Primitivo wines from Italy’s southern Puglia region

Nov 15, 2024
10 Delicious Spanish Wines Priced $32 or Less
Tasting Reports

10 Delicious Spanish Wines Priced $32 or Less

Riojas, Garnacha blends, Cavas and sparkling rosé feature in new reviews of impressive …

Sep 26, 2024
Treading <em>Terroir</em>
Opinion

Treading Terroir

Exploring volcanic terroirs across Europe

Oct 15, 2024
Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor
Travel

Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor

Where to dine and stay in Spain’s seaside oasis

Oct 15, 2024