Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers of 2021

Meet the people shaping the future of wine, beer, cider and spirits. This is Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.  

These industry innovators challenge preconceptions, misconceptions and the status quo. They lead dialogues and amplify the voices of others. Plus, they inspire everyone around them to make the drinks business a better place.  

This year’s list includes boundary-pushing brewers, sommeliers who became digital superstars and community organizers, plus educators, bartenders and a soil scientist. All these forward-thinking individuals redefine hospitality as the pandemic continues to upend the industry and make us reconsider what we think we know about wine, beer and spirits. We’re proud to share their stories and honor their work. 

For the second consecutive year, the honorees were photographed remotely by the talented Matt Sayles. All were encouraged to bring their authentic selves to their virtual shoots, and Matt captured them beautifully. 

It’s an especially momentous chapter for us. Given the realities of creating and sustaining careers in the drinks industry, this is the final year Wine Enthusiast will highlight 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. In 2022, the feature will evolve to encompass qualified professionals of all ages.  

That decision in no way undermines the immense accomplishments of these 40 individuals or those celebrated in our pages in years’ past. These are extraordinary people whose accomplishments speak for themselves.  

Here’s to all of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. We raise a glass to these worthy recipients today, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds.