Fifty years ago, a 25-year-old with no money, no connections, and a lot of nerve showed up at an office on the 18th floor of the World Trade Center every single day for two and a half weeks until someone finally let him in. That someone was Barbara Kafka. The place was Windows on the World. And what Kevin Zraly built there over the next 25 years became the greatest restaurant wine program this country has ever seen.
On this episode of The Wine Centric Show, Kevin joins co-host Inez Ribustello, former Assistant Cellar Master and Beverage Director at Windows on the World, for a conversation that covers all of it. How a kid from Pleasantville, New York hitchhiked to California in 1972 when there were only 24 wineries in Napa. How Joe Baum told him to build the biggest and best wine list New York had ever seen and not to worry about what it cost. How 30,000 people have passed through the Windows on the World Wine School. How his book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, has sold four million copies and never gone out of print.
And what it felt like to dance alone on the roof of One World Trade Center on July 4th, 1976, above the fireworks, king of the world.
Inez brings her own stories from the 107th floor including a Krug 1976 mistake that became a masterclass, a phone call with Kevin that changed how she leads, and a girls weekend in August 2001 that she will never forget.
This one stays with you.
Kevin’s autobiography, A Glass Half Full, is coming soon. His 50th anniversary celebration of the Judgment of Paris takes place May 26th at City Winery in New York City. Details at citywinery.com.
Inez Ribustello’s book, Life After Windows, is available now.
We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners:
The preferred wine glass of Matt and the Wine centric show
▪️Glasvin: Use code WINECENTRIC for 10% off: https://tidd.ly/41vgdSQ
▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/
Episode Highlights
- Kevin Zraly’s journey from bartender to world-renowned wine educator
- The rise and influence of Windows on the World
- How wine education evolved in America
- The philosophy behind simplifying wine for everyone
- Mentorship, leadership, and building iconic wine programs
- The lasting impact of 9/11 on the wine community
- Kevin’s perspective on the future of wine
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🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com
Chapters:
00:00 Celebrating Windows on the World: A Legacy in Wine Education
02:43 Kevin Zraly's Journey: From Bartender to Wine Educator
05:21 The Evolution of Wine Culture in America
07:49 Teaching Wine: Simplifying Complexity for Everyone
10:44 The Birth of Windows on the World: A Restaurant Icon
13:29 Building a Wine Program: The Art of Selection
16:23 Mentorship and Leadership in the Wine Industry
19:05 Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Beverage Director
21:47 The Impact of 9/11 on Windows on the World
24:21 Legacy and Recognition: Balancing Career and Personal Life
33:35 The Legacy of Windows on the World
36:26 Innovative Concepts in Dining
39:14 Reflections on 9/11 and Its Impact
45:14 The Evolution of Windows on the World
48:53 Wine Buying Strategies and Experiences
55:20 Memorable Moments and Personal Stories
01:02:33 Looking Ahead: Celebrations and Future Events
The full episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at winecentricshow.com.
Kevin Zraly, Windows on the World, wine education, wine history, Inez Ribustello, sommelier, wine podcast, judgment of Paris 1976, Joe Baum, Windows on the World Wine School, complete wine course, New York restaurants, World Trade Center, American wine history, wine for beginners, hospitality, iconic restaurants, Wine Centric Show
