Wine Enthusiast magazine names local wine expert among top 40 educators in the nation

Kelsey Kramer, Director of Education at the Hill Country Wine Academy was named to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Future 40 Tastemakers list.

Kramer, a resident of Stonewall, was chosen as one of the best talents in the country for her innovative approach to wine education and her dedication to broadening the awareness and understanding of Texas wines on a national scale.

Kramer is the founder of the Hill Country Wine Academy, which offers a Texas-specific ambassador certification. In addition, Kramer is the co-founder of Grafted, an organization that helps elevate women in the Texas wine business.

“Being recognized for what you do is great, but loving it is better,” says Kramer. “Last year, I spent time with a group of colleagues, and we shared moments of feeling burnt out on wine and the industry as a whole. That conversation now serves as the pivotal point in rekindling my love of wine. I’m grateful to share daily that renewed passion with students and lovers of wine. Being a Future 40 honoree lights a fire in me to continue innovating, educating and empowering others with Texas wine.'

Kelsey Kramer is the Director of Education at William Chris Wine Company, an award winning winery in Hye, Texas.

Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers list, formerly 40 Under 40, recognizes a diverse set of tastemakers bringing the drinks business into the future, including winemakers, educators, sommeliers and other trailblazers in the wine industry, including William Chris Wine Company Co-Founder/Winemaker Chris Brundrett, who was named to the list in 2020.

Kramer’s efforts in developing the unique wine education programming across all of William Chris Wine Company’s vineyards and brands have significantly contributed to putting Texas Hill Country in front of a national audience, establishing her as one of the industry’s top influences.