Alison Napjus

Alison Napjus

Senior Editor and Tasting Director, New York
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.

Stylish Wines That Show South Africa in Motion
Tasting Reports

Stylish Wines That Show South Africa in Motion

These 13 bottles—Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and more—offer excellent …

Apr 16, 2026
Are We Winning the Wine War (Gen) Z?
Opinion

Are We Winning the Wine War (Gen) Z?

A wine lover’s call to consumers coming of age: wine club culture is not all that it seems

Apr 30, 2026
Italy’s Next Generation: The Young and the Restless
People

Italy’s Next Generation: The Young and the Restless

Twelve wine families proving the country’s great estates are in good hands for the future

Apr 30, 2026
Alto Adige’s Next Generation at Elena Walch
People

Alto Adige’s Next Generation at Elena Walch

Julia and Karoline Walch are forging high standards at high elevations

Apr 30, 2026
Prosecco’s Next Generation at Villa Sandi
People

Prosecco’s Next Generation at Villa Sandi

Diva and Leonardo Moretti Polegato parlay strengths into strategies

Apr 30, 2026
Friuli’s Next Generation at Marco Felluga
People

Friuli’s Next Generation at Marco Felluga

Ilaria Felluga is perfecting the chemistry of communication

Apr 30, 2026
Abruzzo’s Next Generation at Masciarelli
People

Abruzzo’s Next Generation at Masciarelli

Miriam Lee Masciarelli sees opportunity in an evolving wine world

Apr 30, 2026
Basilicata’s Next Generation at D’Angelo
People

Basilicata’s Next Generation at D’Angelo

Ermina and Rocco D’Angelo fuse passion with progress

Apr 30, 2026
Sicily’s Next Generation at Donnafugata
People

Sicily’s Next Generation at Donnafugata

Gabriella Favara is building bridges for success on the global stage

Apr 30, 2026