Great news! I’m delighted to share that I (Michelle Gruben of The Wine Fairy) have been selected as a Fellow of the 2026 Wine Writers’ Symposium. It’s a huge honor, and I’m blissfully excited.
This coming February, I will be joining some of the best writers in the biz for several days of mentorship and tasting in Napa Valley. While the schedule of presenters has yet to be announced, 2024’s participants included some of the most respected names in wine journalism and the contemporary beverage industry.
I applied for the fellowship in October and figured it was a long shot. The in-person event is open to wine writers at all stages of their careers. I don’t have a lot of publications or professional wine experience–but I am a passionate and consistent beginner. I submitted a 500-word essay, personal statement, and a couple of sample blog posts. Happily, my entry made it through the selection process, and I accepted a seat at the 2026 Symposium this past week.
When I started the wine blog in late 2024, I had a few goals in mind:
● To taste all kinds of wines–cheap, fancy, and in-between–and tell compelling stories about their flavors and origins.
● To spread the word about local winemakers, sommeliers, bar owners, importers, teachers, and other folks who are building a community of wine lovers here in Texas.
● And, perhaps most selfishly, to force myself to pay attention to all the little details about climate and geography so I can pass my certification exams. 😇
Almost a year later, The Wine Fairy has a small but loyal readership. Although my wine writing doesn’t pay the bills (not even the web hosting bills–such is blogging in 2025), I’m optimistic because this project continues to open new doors to education and travel.
The fellowship is a tremendous opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the invited writers and wine pros in California! Heartfelt thanks to co-producers Napa Valley Vintners and Meadowood Napa Valley, and to 2026 sponsor Natural Cork Council.
The current Wine Writers’ Symposium Fellows were announced on December 1, 2025. A complete list of the 2026 Fellows is available here.
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