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Windows on the wine world
By KEITH ST. CLAIR
Published October 19, 2005
With his sense of humor and a love of the grape that's contagious, Kevin Zraly is the Pied Piper of wine. The self-described "educator" invites folks to follow him down the path to wine appreciation. And they do so in droves.
He doesn't take himself too seriously, and that's his approach to wine. He treats it as it is: something to be enjoyed, preferably with family and friends.
His "keep it simple" method obviously works: His Windows on the World Complete Wine Course (Sterling, $24.95) is going into its 20th edition, with nearly 2.5-million copies sold.
Zraly, 54, spoke to the St. Petersburg Times when he was in Tampa recently to teach a class on Burgundies at West Palm Wines.
What do you see as your role, your place in the wine world?
I'm an educator. It's not a job, it's a passion. It's never been a job. I've gotten to meet presidents, kings, queens, famous celebrities, because they're all into wine.
Why do you think your book has been so popular?
It's the common sense book of wine. I read a lot of Thoreau, and the Thoreau philosophy is "keep it simple." I grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y., which is the home of Reader's Digest. They give you the abbreviated version of everything. Maybe that had something to do with it.
Other than yours, what's a book or publication that you think someone just getting into wine should read?
Andrea Immer's Great Wines Made Simple, Wine for Dummies. I hate the title, but the writers know what they're talking about. And The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil.
My job in life, I suppose, is not to turn people off to wine. (That can happen) if you make anything too complicated. People want to play it safe.
What's the best bottle of wine you've ever had?
There have been so many. I've had wines from the 1860s. There have been so many experiences. California wineries pulling out wines from the 1930s and '40s . . . (But) it has never been all about the wine; it has always been the company - wine with the people and the occasion.
What's the "next big thing" in wine?
This is the absolute best time in history for wine drinkers to get wines at all price points that are going to give them pleasure. And in terms of interest (in wine), this is going to explode more.
What's your best advice for someone who's just getting into wine?
The joke answer would be: Buy my book. Honestly, I think it's to join a local wine club or find a group of friends (to share wine with). At Windows on the World, all the waiters would buy a case of wine, each take a bottle home and come back the next week and talk about it. Also, find a retailer that you can trust (for recommendations).
What's your advice for the serious wine drinker?
Stop being so serious. It's only a bottle of water - it's 86 percent water. Get over it.
- Keith St. Clair can be reached at 727 869-6258 or stclair@sptimes.com
[Last modified October 18, 2005, 09:05:05]
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