Padma Lakshmi’s Next Chapter

In her post–Top Chef life, the empress of spice is on a quest to elevate immigrant cuisine

Padma Lakshmi stands on the roof deck of her home in Soho, New York, with a glass of red wine.
Padma Lakshmi’s career path has spanned supermodel, actress, culinary celebrity, author and philanthropist, and her energy and enthusiasm continue to fuel a wide range of projects, including a wine label. (Weston Wells*)

Since stepping away from her tenured role as a judge and producer on the culinary cult-classic show Top Chef, Lakshmi has embarked on a new chapter—one that leverages her broad celebrity appeal and affords her more artistic freedom. Learn more about her Emmy-nominated food and travel documentary series Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, the upcoming Taste the Nation cookbook and her many other projects focusing on philanthropy and activism in this issue’s cover story!

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Piero Antinori: The Interview with Marvin R. Shanken

Piero Antinori: The Interview with Marvin R. Shanken

The Italian wine visionary sat down with  Wine Spectator's editor and publisher to chat …

Apr 30, 2025
Carmenère “On the Rocks” in Italy

Carmenère “On the Rocks” in Italy

This Veneto winemaker is on a mission to elevate Bordeaux’s “lost” grape

Feb 20, 2025
Catching Up with Chris Gorman

Catching Up with Chris Gorman

This guitarist-turned-winemaker makes some of Washington’s most distinctive blends

Mar 31, 2025
Syrah Synergy

Syrah Synergy

Jaboulet’s La Chapelle and Penfolds Grange come together in an unorthodox new cuvée

Mar 31, 2025
13 Wonderful White Wines for Winter, According to Sommeliers

13 Wonderful White Wines for Winter, According to Sommeliers

Six wine professionals share their top varieties and regions for when the temperatures drop

Feb 7, 2025
Falling for Champagne (Again), Part 3: Giving Pinot Meunier the Spotlight

Falling for Champagne (Again), Part 3: Giving Pinot Meunier the Spotlight

Dehours set a new standard in the Marne Valley with its vineyard-designated bottlings that …

Feb 5, 2025