Karen MacNeil — Author. Speaker. Wine Thought Leader.

Karen MacNeil is America’s foremost wine expert and author of The Wine Bible, the best-selling wine book in United States history with over one million copies sold. As the only American to have won every major wine award, she brings unmatched authority to elite corporate gatherings and private events around the globe.

When it comes to wine, Karen wrote the book. Now, she brings that expertise to life for executives and luxury audiences through dynamic presentations that educate, entertain, and inspire.

From Breaking Barriers to Building Global Influence

Karen’s journey to becoming the leading female voice in American wine began with passion and perseverance. Starting in an industry that was closed to outsiders—particularly women—she built her reputation over four decades through dedication to the craft and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her background in storytelling and language became the foundation for a powerful career that bridges deep technical knowledge with the ability to make wine fascinating for everyone. Whether addressing wine novices or seasoned collectors, Karen creates moments of genuine connection, excitement, and insight.

The path from determined newcomer to internationally recognized authority required navigating an insular field. That journey taught her lessons about resilience, excellence, and the impact of genuine expertise—themes that resonate in her presentations today.

The Voice Behind The Wine Bible

The Wine Bible is more than a book—it’s the definitive guide to wine for both professionals and enthusiasts. The first edition was a remarkable ten years in the making. This comprehensive work has sold over one million copies and earned recognition from wine lovers around the world, as well as from top sommeliers, educators, and collectors for whom it is the most authoritative wine book by an American author.

Sommeliers credit it as essential preparation for certification exams. Wine professionals keep it within reach. Curious drinkers turn to it for answers, recommendations, and inspiration. The book’s success stems from Karen’s ability to distill complexity into clarity while preserving the poetry and pleasure that make wine captivating.

This foundation in rigorous research and elegant communication shapes everything Karen does—from keynote speeches to intimate tastings. When she speaks, audiences know they’re learning from someone who has dedicated their life to mastering this subject.

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A Speaker Unlike Any Other

Karen combines deep wine expertise with engaging storytelling that captivates high-level audiences. Her presentations go beyond wine education—she uses wine as a lens to explore universal themes of excellence, leadership, and human connection.

When she asks, “What makes a great wine?” she’s really asking, “What makes a great anything?” This approach transforms wine tasting into an exploration of quality, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence—concepts that resonate with executives, leadership teams, and discerning audiences.

Her style adapts seamlessly to any group. Wine experts appreciate the technical depth. Beginners find the subject accessible and fascinating. Corporate audiences discover unexpected parallels between wine and business. Everyone leaves with new perspectives and, often, a glass of exceptional wine in hand.

Karen’s presentations integrate tastings that make learning tangible and memorable. The combination of intellectual substance and sensory experience creates events that attendees describe as transformative.

Award-Winning Impact

Karen’s contributions to wine communication have earned recognition from every major institution in the field:

Emmy Award for hosting the PBS series Wine, Food & Friends
James Beard Award for Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year
Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award
IWSC Global Wine Communicator of the Year Award
Named among the “100 Most Influential People in Wine” in the United States
Women In Wine & Spirits Award 2020
Wine Star Award’s “Person of the Year” 2025 Nomination

As Founding Chair of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America, she helped shape how wine professionals are educated. TIME Magazine recognized her influence by dubbing her “America’s Missionary of the Vine.”

These honors reflect decades of work elevating wine discourse and making sophisticated wine knowledge accessible to broader audiences.

Trusted by Discerning Organizations

Karen’s client roster reads like a directory of respected institutions:

Notable Clients:

Lincoln International (4+ years, annual events)
Shearman & Sterling (global law firm)
Morgan Stanley
UBS Wealth Management
Merrill Lynch
GE Enterprise Solutions
Lexus
Audemars Piguet
Mattel
YPO/WPO (Young Presidents’ Organization)
And dozens more across finance, law, luxury goods, and technology

Her events create the kind of impact that strengthens client relationships and impresses discerning guests. Corporate planners know that bringing Karen to their gathering means delivering something genuinely memorable—an experience that attendees will discuss long after the event concludes.

The investment reflects the value: these organizations recognize that Karen offers something rare. She’s not simply a wine expert who can speak; she’s a masterful communicator who has built her career on wine expertise.

Karen’s firm, Karen MacNeil & Company, creates customized events and wine experiences around the world for companies and individual groups. Among Karen’s clients are Lexus, Merrill Lynch, Notre Dame University, Disney, LVMH, General Electric, UBS, The Wine Institute, Shearman & Sterling, Singapore Airlines, and YPO/WPO, as well as numerous law and biotech firms. In 2019, the Lux Life awards named Karen MacNeil & Company the Best Dynamic Wine Consultancy in the United States.

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What Clients Say

"She is, quite simply, an extraordinary presenter."

“Karen is a consummate pro whose passion for wine easily ignites the interest of her audience, while also educating and entertaining them. She has conducted live and virtual wine events for us globally that have proven to be a uniquely effective way of strengthening our client relationships. She is, quite simply, an extraordinary presenter.”

David Beveridge
Managing Partner, Shearman & Sterling

"A memorable experience for our group"

“Karen’s unique combination of wine connoisseur and journalist brings the experience alive in a very engaging and magical way. Karen arranged for stunning settings for our wine and food pairings, creating a memorable experience for our group.”

Alison Plessman and Allison Libeu
Partners, Hueston Hennigan LLP

"One of the most knowledgeable wine educators"

“Karen MacNeil is one of the most knowledgeable wine educators and thoughtful communicators we work with. Our programs are always more polished, meaningful and relevant when Karen is involved.”

Patsy McGaughy
Communications Director, Napa Valley Vintners

"An incentive trip of a lifetime"

“At Lexus, our philosophy is to make the most of every moment in a way that makes a difference. Karen MacNeil’s experience combined with her extraordinary ability to engage our dealers made for an incentive trip of a lifetime.”

Steve Waddell
Lexus Central

"There is no other agency we would consider to support and strengthen our brands"

“Karen MacNeil’s team brings both a professional and creative eye to the task at hand. They have perfected the balance between research methodology and artistic inspiration to produce work that is educational, concise and on-strategy. Within the wine category, there is no other agency we would consider to support and strengthen our brands.”

Rebecca K. Robinson
Brand Manager, Moet Hennessy USA Estates & Wines

"She is a true talent, sophisticated, worldly, timely and extremely efficient."

“Karen is the most charming, pleasant, understanding and insightful mind in the wine world… her expertise has strengthened and improved our programs, at all levels…strategy, education, experiences, knowledge and inspiration…. she is a true talent, sophisticated, worldly, timely and extremely efficient.”

Jean-Charles Boisset
Owner Boisset Family Estates

Bringing Wine into Everyday Life

Beyond corporate events and private gatherings, Karen works to make wine more accessible and enjoyable for everyone:

Wine Speed

Her weekly newsletter reaches thousands of wine enthusiasts with insights, recommendations, and stories that make wine knowledge approachable. Readers describe it as their essential guide to the wine world.

Come Over October

This international cultural initiative, created by Karen in 2024, has reached 2.6 billion consumers to date. The intiative encourages people to gather and share wine during October, turning the month into a celebration of connection and conviviality.

Share & Pair Sundays

A weekly ritual, created by Karen in 2025, that inspires people internationally to bring food and wine together, fostering community through the simple act of sharing a meal.

These initiatives reflect Karen’s belief that wine’s greatest value lies in its ability to bring people together. That same philosophy animates her corporate work: the best wine experiences are those that create lasting connections.

Ready to Elevate Your Event?

Every engagement with Karen is distinct. Whether you’re planning a private corporate wine tasting, a keynote presentation that uses wine to illuminate broader themes, or an exclusive experience for VIP clients, Karen brings expertise that stands alone in the field.

For event planners and corporate hosts seeking something exceptional—an experience that will resonate with your most discerning guests—Karen MacNeil offers an opportunity that is genuinely rare.

BOOK KAREN FOR YOUR EVENT

CONTACT HER TEAM

When it comes to wine, Karen wrote the book.

When it comes to unforgettable events, she creates the experience.