Kevin Zraly, internationally recognized, award winning writer and educator was the 2017 keynote speaker, bringing his one-of-a-kind, and more than a little NYC-based perspective on communication back to Napa Valley where he first traveled to learn about wine in 1971. Over three million copies of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Course have been sold and more than 20,000 people have taken his eight part wine class – resulting in a six degrees of Kevin Zraly phenomenon for those of us in the business. He continues to reach wine lovers of all ages with his passionate style, all at once informed, enthusiastic, entertaining and memorable. Please see below for the names and bios of the 2017 symposium faculty.The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, founded by Meadowood Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners trade association and The Culinary Institute of America, draws top wine book authors and editors, wine magazine writers and critics, newspaper wine columnists, bloggers and other editorial wine content creators to Napa Valley to speak, listen, debate, explore themes prevalent in contemporary wine writing and network with their peers for four days.

A combination of lectures, panel discussions, group and individual writing sessions, wine tasting and fine dining make the symposium an unmatched career enrichment opportunity for editorial wine, wine-food, and wine-travel writers. The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, founded by Meadowood Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners trade association and The Culinary Institute of America, draws top wine book authors and editors, wine magazine writers and critics, newspaper wine columnists, bloggers and other editorial wine content creators to Napa Valley to speak, listen, debate, explore themes prevalent in contemporary wine writing and network with their peers for four days. Q. How many people attend the Symposium? At the 2017 Symposium, attendance was limited to 28 fellowship winners, three Editor's Choice attendee, and faculty members. Q: How do I get to Meadowood Napa Valley? /contact/ for directions to Meadowood from a number of different starting points.

Q: What are my transportation options once I arrive in California (SFO, Oakland, Sacramento airports)? A: If you prefer not to rent a car, our preferred transportation vendor is Napa Valley Tours and Transportation as they have very knowledgeable drivers and phenomenal service: (707) 251-9463. The Evans bus is an alternative option of transportation from all three airports. It makes infrequent stops to Yountville; it most frequently stops in Napa. For a complete rate and schedule listing you may VISIT THEIR WEBSITE or call (707) 255-1559. From the city of Napa you will still need to arrange for a taxi to take you to Meadowood. An additional transportation vendor to assist in this process is Saint Helena Wine Tours. Their telephone number is (707) 963-9644. Q: What is the weather like in the Napa Valley during the month of February? A: February temperatures in Napa Valley usually run between 40 and 60 degrees during the daytime and we could experience rainy days, sunny days or a combination of both.

In February 2016, we were delighted to experience a day that reached 86 degrees. Please check the National Weather Service prior to arrival. Evening temperatures may drop to the mid-30s.best wine australia 2014 Q: Will there be time to explore Meadowood and use The Health Spa during the Symposium?best port wine A:  During the Symposium, most of the time will be spent in workshops, panel discussions and coaching sessions. best red wine of 2009You will, however, find yourself with a bit of spare time over the course of several days.york beer & wine shop ltd Please contact our Health Spa directly at (707) 967-1275 for information regarding hours of operation, fitness classes, hiking trail maps, spa treatments, etc.best wine for japanese

Q: What is the appropriate attire for the Symposium? A: Casual attire is appropriate during the Symposium, however, we would request that your choice of attire not be so relaxed as to include sporting or workout garments. best white wine to drink with salmonTuesday's reception attire is “wine country casual” with jackets for men optional. food and wine best tea shopsThursday dinner is more formal with jackets suggested for men and “wine country elegant” attire for women.top 10 gifts for wine lovers Q. Who sponsors the Symposium?best wine with sandwiches The Symposium was founded by Napa Valley Vintners, a non-profit organization representing more than 525 wineries, and by Meadowood Napa Valley.

Meadowood, which is also the annual home to Auction Napa Valley, continues its 36-year tradition of service to the Napa Valley winegrowing community by providing a venue for the conference. The Culinary Institute of America also provides a venue for key seminars, tastings and demonstrations within the program. Beginning in 2016, the NVV and Meadowood underwrite fellowships for 30 qualified wine writers to attend the program, and additional Editor's Choice attendees are sponsored by their related publications. Q. What would make me ineligible for participation in the Symposium? In order to maintain the editorial caliber and collegial atmosphere of this conference, the Symposium registration is not open to winery personnel or wine marketing and communications professionals. Attending writers and editors must be professionals who can demonstrate their active working status. Details are posted on the Register page. Attendees of the 2017 Symposium are not eligible to receive a fellowship for February 2018.

Q: Will I need my laptop during the Symposium? A: We strongly encourage you to bring your laptop, though some writers appreciate the opportunity to disconnect for a couple of days and write in longhand. There are also computers available in the Business Center at Meadowood Napa Valley, conveniently located next to several Symposium event rooms. “It was a pleasure to be at the symposium. I learned a lot about a world that's still rather exotic to me, and can only admire those who participated. Their energy and passion are impressive. I hope I was able to help those I ‘coached’ (they were more like discussions of their work, really); they certainly taught me a lot.” Author, journalist, wine merchant "I came away from the symposium feeling energized and ready to rock out the year. I made a to-do list on the plane ride home, and am happy to report at the end of the year that the majority of my full-time freelance income came from wine writing. Even more significant on a personal level, the craft discussions and writing workshops helped inspire me to keep the quality of writing high, which in turn leads to its own success."

Writer, Cooking Light, Wine Enthusiast “Never say I'm not attentive at the symposium seminars! Here's a column that resulted directly from sitting in on Janet Fletcher's seminar back in February.” Chief wine critic, The New York Times New York, New York “Happy to say I've just assigned my first article to an alum of The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood Napa Valley -- Janis Miglavs.” “When I attended the symposium as a fellowship recipient, I was brand new to the world of wine writing. The symposium gave me the confidence I needed to become a real life wine writer. When a year had passed I still made use of the contacts I made at the symposium -- I’ll email other wine writers for advice; touch base with other bloggers to flesh out post ideas; The followinig year was incredible and the symposium played an important role in this success. So if you’re a wine writer, go to California!” “The symposium is a great, fun event.

In pulling together key opinion formers from across the US wine scene, this is a forum where attendees are getting their finger on the pulse of the major issues being dissected by the wine press, and getting themselves in front of key editorial names. You're also at the heart of the California wine scene for a busy week of events – so from my perspective, it was an extremely useful environment in which to take Napa's temperature, and to pick up some new wine writing talent – I went away with several potential new contributors to the magazine.”A few weeks after attending the symposium my little column for the Star newspaper is a winner in the National Society of Newspaper Columnists column competition, in the category of humor (naturally) for print publications with circulation under 50,000.” Attorney, author, freelance writerVery well run and insightful. What I thought most fascinating was how wine attracts people from all backgrounds. I learned something from each person I spoke with.”