Anthony Dias Blue, who was fondly known by his close associates as Andy, was indeed the world’s most widely recognized expert in the alcohol beverage industry. He passed away on Christmas Day at his residence in Pacific Palisades, California. This piece of news was courteously shared with the world by Amanda Blue.

In his illustrious career of more than 25 years, Andy held the position of Wine & Spirits Editor of Bon Appétit. This publication is known as America’s most extensive and most influential lifestyle magazine. From 1981 till 2006, he contributed an in-depth column in each issue. Then in 2007, Mr. Blue, along with his partner Meridith May, established a new magazine known as The Tasting Panel. This publication soon became the most widely subscribed among people involved in the beverage trade.

Being a man of many talents, Mr. Blue also wrote and voiced a one-minute “Lifestyle” radio segment. It has been on air on WCBS in New York since April 1978 and on KNX in Los Angeles since 1999. His exceptional work in the segment won him a James Beard Award in the year 2001.

Over his extended six-decade career, Mr. Blue wrote nine books, including six about wine, a comprehensive book about spirits that is still used as a college textbook, and two cookbooks he co-authored with his wife, Kathryn. One of these cookbooks, Thanksgiving Dinner, has remained a favorite resource since its release in 1990.

Amanda Blue courteously supplied some additional details.

In 1975, Mr. Blue pivoted from business management to magazine writing, becoming the Food & Wine Editor of the Diversion magazine as appointed by Stephen Birnbaum. He later participated in the establishment of the Food & Wine magazine. In 1979, the family decided to move to San Francisco, leading Mr. Blue to step down as West Coast Editor for Food & Wine. However, a casual encounter at the inaugural Gilroy Garlic Festival changed that.

He struck up a conversation with an older couple from Los Angeles. As it turned out, the woman was the Food Editor of Bon Appétit magazine. As they were about to part ways, she invited Mr. Blue to contribute an article for them, which led to over three hundred articles spanning twenty-five years. Mr. Blue said of that time, “This was an incredible time of growth and exploration in the world of wine and spirits. As I continued to learn, so did my readers.”

Courtesy of Amanda Blue

Never lacking some musical background, Andy’s preferences spanned from Earth Wind & Fire to Luther Vandross to his steadfast favorite Steely Dan, a passion he imparted to his offspring and their offspring as a significant, if not non-negotiable, manifestation of art and sentiment.

A chronic traveler, Andy was joyfully received in the top-notch wineries, distilleries, and eating places internationally where they often anticipated his appreciated judgment of their inventiveness. A grandparent to 9, Pasha, as he was fondly called by Olivia, Chloe, Francesca, Seneca, Ruthie, Dominic, Misha, Asher, and Luca, reveled in the love and achievement of his grandchildren.

Andy’s survivors include his wife of 56 years, Kathryn, and his four children. Hearty appreciation to his daughter, Amanda Blue, for her contribution in piecing together this tribute article for her father. He will be deeply missed.