Meet the Talent

Robin Kelley O'Connor is a globally respected wine specialist, educator, speaker, and advisor to wine producers, regional trade councils, corporations, collectors, and trade organizations worldwide. Known throughout the sommelier community as "RKO," he brings more than three decades of experience and a lifetime of wine knowledge and credentials, including DipWSET-4, CSW, CWE, and SWE; Rioja DOCa Official & Certified Wine Educator; International Bordeaux Wine Educator Tutor; and founder of the U.S. Bordeaux Wine Educator Tutor program.

He is a former President of the Society of Wine Educators and spent 20 years with the Bordeaux Wine Bureau (CIVB). Robin co-hosts Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Virtual Wine School and serves as an advisor and mentor to Columbia Law School's DeVinimus Wine Society.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the world of wine, RKO was named Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Wine Person of the Year" for 2024. He is an integral part of PRWFF, bringing wine education to life. We are thrilled to welcome RKO as both a moderator and part of the sommelier team.