Meadowood Napa Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Kelly as Lead Wine Educator at The Wine Center, expanding the estate’s renowned wine-education program with his extensive knowledge of and excitement for wine. Under the direction of wine author and authority Kelli White, The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley offers a unique immersion into the nuances of wines from the Napa Valley and around the world through individual classes, curated weekend retreats, and year-round programming that features notable vintners and wine leaders. Josh comes into his role as Lead Wine Educator with an impressive background in the industry that will enhance The Wine Center’s offerings and further enrich Meadowood Napa Valley as an engaging retreat for wine enthusiasts.
“It is an incredible honor to join the brilliant team at Meadowood Napa Valley and take on this role with The Wine Center,” said Josh Kelly. “This is an exciting opportunity to share my passion for wine and education with guests while contributing to the legacy of excellence that has made this estate so celebrated. I look forward to working closely with the team and the community to create meaningful and memorable experiences for all who visit.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Josh Kelly to The Wine Center team. He is a talented teacher with a wealth of wine knowledge who will bring our guests deeper insights, enhanced appreciation, and unforgettable experiences,” commented Kelli White, Director of Education at The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley. “I am delighted to work alongside him and to learn from him myself.”
Josh’s combination of experience, education, and passion for wine positions him as one of the most promising young talents in the industry. At the age of 21, Josh, an Ontario native, earned the title of North America’s youngest sommelier in Toronto, Canada, where he continued to work in the vibrant wine scene, curating wine programs for some of the city’s most successful restaurant concepts. Josh graduated from the winemaking program at Niagara College, where he honed his craft further by working across several prestigious wineries in the Niagara Peninsula, gaining invaluable experience and deepening his knowledge of viticulture and terroir. Using his experience, Josh became the winemaker behind the label Desert Wren, producing acclaimed Chardonnay and rosé over two successful vintages.
In his first role in the Napa Valley, Josh managed the tasting room at Darioush Winery, where he refined his ability to illuminate for guests the finer nuances of wine, all while bringing an exceptional level of service and education to the experience. During his earliest roles in the Napa Valley, Josh achieved the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma, building an impressive proficiency in the world of wine. Most recently, Josh served an integral role in establishing the Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs, California, a new venture that has quickly garnered attention.
“We are delighted to welcome Josh to our flourishing team. Not only does he offer a remarkable expertise, but his passion for and commitment to the art of wine education will undoubtedly enhance our programming and offer our guests a deeper, more enriching experience,” said Mr. Patrick Nayrolles, General Manager at Meadowood Napa Valley. “We look forward to the incredible contributions he will make to our team and to the Meadowood Napa Valley community.”
Situated among 250 acres of private, forested hillsides in Northern California wine country, Meadowood Napa Valley has dedicated itself for more than half a century to delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for visitors. The Wine Center is an amenity unique to Meadowood and led by Kelli White. Guests can select from a menu of courses geared toward all levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced, or tailor a single class to the proclivities of their palate. The Wine Center also curates one-ofa-kind seasonal retreats that take participants behind the scenes with notable winemakers, deep into vineyards with viticulturists, and back to the table over dinners that explore the nuances of wines from the Napa Valley and beyond.
The Wine Center is exclusive to Meadowood Napa Valley guests, Meadowood Club members, and members of The Napa Valley Reserve. Advance reservation is required. For reservations, kindly call (707) 531-4788 or email [email protected].
