I’m Kiana Keys -Wine Educator, Wine Translator, and Founder of Unpolished Grape.
Wine is one of the most fascinating subjects in the world. Science, culture, history, people – all in a glass. I’m here to translate it for you!
For too long, wine education has lived behind intimidating language, gatekeeping and a culture that made people feel like outsiders.
That’s exactly why I built Unpolished Grape!
I spent years studying wine at the highest levels so I could do one thing: make wine make sense for the average person. Like you.
This isn’t a site that talks down to you, it’s a site that brings you in.
Here, you will find hundreds of lessons covering everything from grapes and regions to flavor, structure, science and culture – all written in plain English.
Welcome to Unpolished Grape!
– Kiana, Your Wine Translator
I am the author of two wine translations books:
Little Black Book of Wine + Food – 2026
The Basics of Wine – 2024
Current Credentials & Affiliations Include:
-WSET Diploma – 2025, American Wine School
–Bâtonnage Forum – Board Member, Secretary
–Napa Valley Wine Academy WSET Exam Proctor
–Jancis Robinson 2026 Wine Writing Competition Publication
–67 Global Communicator: Laurent-Perrier Award For Best Global Wine Communicator In Long-Form Writing (Long-listed 2026)
–67 Awards: TexSom Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Short-Form Writing (Long-listed 2026)
–Barrel and Bottle Awards -LUXLife 2026 Nominee
–Juneteenth Family Festival – Board Member, Program Director
–“Fuel Your Dreams” – 2024 Scholarship Recipient, E. &. J. Gallo Winery “Women Behind the Wine”
-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., – Active Member
