William Chris Wine Company’s Kelsey Kramer Named to “Wine Enthusiast’s” Future 40 List
The Director of Education is committed to promoting Texas wines on a national level
An avid Texas wine advocate, Kelsey Kramer is passionate about elevating the state’s viniculture scene through education and outreach. The Director of Education at Hill Country winery William Chris Wine Company has just been named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list, which recognizes the best and brightest young talents in the wine industry. Kramer is at the forefront of shaping the future of wine in Texas–and beyond.
Journey into Wine
Kramer’s journey into the wine world began unexpectedly after her acting career took a backseat to her passion for wine. She gained valuable experience working at Takashi Restaurant in Chicago, where she was exposed to diverse wines and sake. This experience ignited her love for wine and inspired her to pursue a career in the industry. Returning to her hometown of San Antonio (after too many parking tickets), Kramer joined High Street Wine Company, where she continued to honed her skills and knowledge. Her expertise and dedication led her to William Chris Wine Company, where she was captivated by their unique Texas Mourvèdre.
“A ‘delicate Mourvèdre’ is something that I would never put together in a sentence, but that’s what this was. So I was fascinated,” Kramer explains.
Wine Education
As Education Director, Kelsey Kramer plays a vital role in developing staff across all William Chris Wine Company properties. Her responsibilities include training on various aspects of wine, including international varieties, to better understand and appreciate Texas wines. Kramer’s passion for education extends beyond staff training, as she also spearheaded the creation of the Hill Country Wine Academy.
The Hill Country Wine Academy offers a Texas-specific ambassador certification program, providing wine enthusiasts with comprehensive knowledge about Texas wines. The academy also partners with Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to offer global professional development opportunities. Kramer’s innovative approach to wine education emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
“I believe that wine education should be fun and accessible to everyone,” Kramer says. “I want to help people learn about wine in a way that is engaging and informative.”
In addition, Kramer is a co-founder of Grafted, an organization supporting women in the Texas wine business. Grafted focuses on professional and personal development, providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and address industry challenges.
Kelsey Kramer’s contributions to the wine industry have earned her a place on Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list, recognizing her as one of the country’s top talents in wine education. This recognition has further fueled her passion for innovation and education within the Texas wine community.
Kramer shares, “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.”
Future Endeavors
Kramer’s mission is to challenge the traditional notions of wine quality and to promote wines that reflect balance and elegance. She believes that bigger doesn’t always mean better in Texas wine and that the diversity of styles should be celebrated. Kramer believes that Texas wines deserve recognition for their quality and elegance, and she continues to dispel misconceptions about the region’s wine production.
Looking ahead, Kramer has ambitious plans for the future. She hopes to travel more extensively, exploring different wine regions and expanding her knowledge. She’s “so very close” to finishing her WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and will then continue onto the Master of Wine program. She also aspires to write a book about sweet wine, sharing her unique insights and experiences.
“I think there’s a lot of misinformation about sweet wines, and I want to help people understand and appreciate them.”
Her ultimate goal is to establish the Hill Country Wine Academy as a lasting institution, offering a wide range of courses and resources for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike. Kelsey Kramer’s dedication to wine education, her passion for Texas wines, and her commitment to empowering women set her apart as a future leader in the industry. Her innovative approach and unwavering enthusiasm are shaping the future of Texas wine and inspiring a new generation of wine lovers.
