Story

Napa Valley Noir is a testament to my life’s journey, connections and passion for curating exceptional experiences. My career as a luxury lifestyle writer and affinity for travel have taken me to nearly 50 countries and territories, allowing me to enjoy the art of living well globally. Although I’ve resided in iconic cities from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New York and Florence, Italy, it was in the heart of Napa Valley where I found my true calling in 2015.

Spurred by memories of the rolling hills of Tuscany, I planted roots in America’s premier wine destination. Establishing myself as a respected figure in the Napa Valley community, I built strong relationships with winery owners, winemakers, restaurateurs and chefs. Along the way, I also attained my Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification.

As a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, I’m committed to helping evolve the wine industry narrative. Combining a rich background in sports, entertainment, travel, food, wine, spirits and fashion media with seven years as a director at Napa Valley’s esteemed Alpha Omega winery, I’ve cultivated an expertise in this region’s sophisticated lifestyle culture. My insider knowledge and extensive contacts enable me to craft bespoke itineraries that offer unique and unforgettable adventures for everyone, from longtime Napa Valley and Sonoma County aficionados desiring undiscovered delights to newcomers pursuing proper introductions.

Join me on this exquisite Napa Valley Noir journey where we create inclusive and exclusive experiences, catering to a diverse array of enthusiasts seeking the best that Napa Valley has to offer.

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Giving Back

At Napa Valley Noir, we believe in supporting the future of the wine industry. A portion of our proceeds is proudly donated to Wine Unify, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering wine education for underrepresented minority groups and amplifying the voices of people of color thriving within the wine community. As a mentor with Wine Unify, Napa Valley Noir Founder Kelly E. Carter is committed to contributing to a more inclusive and diverse wine industry.

WineUnify.org