Alison Napjus
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.
Spain on Top: 2026 Tasting Report
Classic reds, exciting whites and more shine a spotlight on the country’s stylistic range
Italy’s Greatest Grape: Sangiovese
Why Sangiovese reigns as the country’s most versatile and expressive variety
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: A Sangiovese Sleeper on the Rise
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is quietly producing some of Tuscany’s most compelling …
Sangiovese Through the Ages: A Timeline
Highlighting key dates, memorable references and innovative developments across 500 years …
Emilia-Romagna & Beyond: Sangiovese Expands Its Reach
Sangiovese is Italy’s grape, not just Tuscany’s—a guide to its reach across the peninsula
Spain’s Steady Rise: Over 460 Wines Up to 97 Points
Get the latest scores for recently tasted Spanish wines, including excellent bottles from …
Authentic Italy in the U.S.A.
Explore these American restaurants offering elevated Italian cuisine based on regional …
South Africa at the Crossroads
Quality is high across the board, but business challenges continue
Emidio Pepe, Pioneering Vintner of Italy’s Abruzzo Region, Dies at 94
Pepe demonstrated the potential of his region and the Montepulciano and Trebbiano grapes

