Wine Spectator has named Aaron Romano its new reviewer for Washington wine. Romano is currently the lead reviewer for Chile and Argentina as well as California’s Rhône-based wines.

Romano is based out of Napa, California. He joined Wine Spectator in 2012 as a tasting coordinator. He was subsequently promoted to senior editor in 2023.

Romano is a graduate of Sonoma State University, where he studied English and creative writing. Before joining Wine Spectator, Romano worked six and a half years in various hospitality-related jobs.

This included time at Iron Horse Vineyards (Sebastopol), C Donatiello Winery (Healdsburg), and Hawley Winery (Healdsburg). It also included a little over a year and a half as assistant manager at Affronti Bar & Restaurant (Healdsburg).

In addition to adding Washington to his review beat, Romano will now also cover South Africa. Romano takes over the Washington beat from Tim Fish. Fish had been reviewing Washington and Oregon wines since 2017. Fish will continue to cover Oregon.

The announcement from Wine Spectator included several other tasting beat changes as well as the appointment of a new taster. Wine Spectator is currently marking its 50^th year.

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