Wine Tasting & Reception with Kevin Zraly: A Benefit for Opus 40

Kevin Zraly — renowned wine expert, educator, and author of the #1 selling wine book in the world, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course — is hosting a benefit event for Opus 40, of which he is a Trustee. The event, his famous One-Hour Wine Expert class, includes a tasting two wines at a reception, followed by a seated tasting of six different varietals from around the world: three whites (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay) and three reds (Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon).

Kevin is the youngest person ever to receive the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award. Other recipients, since 1991, include Craig Claiborne, Madeleine Kamman, Alice Waters, Jacques Pepin, and Wolfgang Puck.

A graduate of Ulster County Community College and SUNY New Paltz, Kevin started his wine/restaurant career at John Novi’s Depuy Canal House in High Falls. From there he studied wine in New York, California, and Europe, and was offered the Wine Director position at Windows on the World Restaurant atop One World Trade Center at 25 years old. He stayed until September 11, 2001.

Kevin created the Windows on the World Wine School which has graduated 20,000 students since 1976 and has written 8 books on wine and food.

After the wine tasting, guests will join Kevin for a reception with hors d’oeuvres on a beautiful terrace overlooking Esopus Creek falls. Everyone present will be able to purchase a signed copy of Kevin’s bestselling wine books, and to meet the staff and Board of Opus 40 sculpture park and arts center.

Mr. Zraly notes, “I am thrilled to be offering this course, which I have taken around the world, to Saugerties and for the benefit of such a remarkable organization.” Former attendees note that learning about wine is half the fun of the course, the rest comes from Kevin’s stories and humor.

Format for the event is: Opening Reception from 4:30 – 5:00 //Seated Tasting   5:00 – 6:30// Book Signing     6:30 – 7:00