Michelle Gruben is a wine writer and WSET Level 3 certified wine professional based in Dallas. She is the creator of The Wine Fairy, an independent blog focused on wine travel, wine reviews, and approachable wine education.

A former chef and longtime writer, Michelle brings a sensory-driven and highly personal approach to wine criticism. Her work combines technical tasting analysis with humor, storytelling, and a deep curiosity about wine economics and regional wine culture. As a native Texan, Michelle continually advocates for the exciting, evolving category of Texas wine.

In her writing, Michelle strives to help newer drinkers navigate wine without intimidation--while still engaging seriously with viticulture, production, and the art of tasting. Recurring blog features like "Merlot Thursday" and "What Is This Thing?" highlight bottles on the fringes of fine wine culture. From high-end tastings to everyday pours, Michelle approaches every glass with a curious palate and contagious enthusiasm.

Michelle currently works in retail wine service at The Wine Authority in Dallas, where she pours and sells wine in a fast-paced consumer environment while continuing her formal education in wine. Her writing frequently explores the intersection between professional wine knowledge and real-world drinking experiences.

Her recent work has included coverage of industry and trade events such as TEXSOM, Pinot Forum Dallas and Vinexposium's Wine Paris. In 2026, Michelle was selected as a Fellow of the Wine Writers’ Symposium in Napa Valley and was longlisted for the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards.

Through The Wine Fairy and her growing social media presence, Michelle documents her ongoing journey through the wine world with candor and joy. Her favorite topics include Bordeaux, Italy, Texas wine, blind tasting, food pairing, and the modern evolution of wine education and service.