Alison Napjus

Alison Napjus

Senior Editor and Tasting Director, New York
Tasting Beats: Italy, Champagne, 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 region, 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 10,000 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.

Tasting Northern Spain’s Txakoli
Tasting Reports

Tasting Northern Spain’s Txakoli

Spain’s Basque country yields vivid whites and rosés

Aug 31, 2025
8 Sunny Rioja Reds Up to 91 Points
Tasting Reports

8 Sunny Rioja Reds Up to 91 Points

New reviews of delicious Tempranillo-based wines from Marqués de Cáceres, Beronia and more, …

Jul 10, 2025
2025 Grand Award Winner: Soby’s
Restaurants

2025 Grand Award Winner: Soby’s

Southern hospitality meets a world-class cellar

Jun 20, 2025
9 Refreshing Spanish Wines Up to 93 Points
Tasting Reports

9 Refreshing Spanish Wines Up to 93 Points

New reviews of red and white values, including Ribera del Duero, Albariño and Mencía

Jun 20, 2025
Frédéric Panaïotis, Dynamic Winemaker at Ruinart Champagne, Dies at 60
News

Frédéric Panaïotis, Dynamic Winemaker at Ruinart Champagne, Dies at 60

The Champagne native spent 18 years leading the winery with a dynamic, innovative style

Jun 18, 2025
10 Exciting White Grapes to Know
Wine IQ

10 Exciting White Grapes to Know

Distinctive, palate-pleasing varieties to broaden your white wine horizons

Jul 31, 2025
9 Tasty Txakoli Whites, Rosés and Sparklers Up to 91 Points
Tasting Reports

9 Tasty Txakoli Whites, Rosés and Sparklers Up to 91 Points

New reviews of refreshing Spanish wines ideal for summer sipping

May 15, 2025
Rioja Rising
Tasting Reports

Rioja Rising

Spain’s signature wine region is thriving, offering both traditional and dynamic modern …

May 31, 2025
9 Sensational Spanish Wines Priced $35 or Less
Tasting Reports

9 Sensational Spanish Wines Priced $35 or Less

Take a vinous tour of Spain with new reviews of Rioja, Cava, Albariño and more up to 91 …

Apr 3, 2025