Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator[edit | edit source]

Wine Spectator is a widely recognized American magazine that focuses on wine and wine culture. The magazine publishes 15 issues per year with content that includes news, articles, profiles of wine personalities, and on average, more than 1,000 wine reviews in each issue.

History[edit | edit source]

Wine Spectator was founded in 1976 by Bob Morrisey and is currently published by Marvin R. Shanken, who purchased the magazine in 1979. The magazine initially started as a tabloid newspaper in San Diego, California, but has since evolved into one of the most influential publications in the wine industry.

Wine Ratings[edit | edit source]

Wine Spectator uses a 100-point scale to rate wines. This rating system has been widely adopted by many other wine publications. The magazine's ratings are often used as a benchmark by wine retailers, and are therefore influential in the wine industry.

Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation[edit | edit source]

The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation was established in 1986. The foundation provides scholarships and grants to students pursuing careers in the wine industry. It has donated millions of dollars to various universities and institutions, including the University of California, Davis and Cornell University.

Wine Spectator Grand Tour[edit | edit source]

The Wine Spectator Grand Tour is an annual event where attendees can taste wines that have been rated 90 points or higher by the magazine's editors. The event is held in multiple cities across the United States.

Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards[edit | edit source]

The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. The awards are given in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Award.

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

Despite its influence, Wine Spectator has faced criticism. Some critics argue that the magazine's rating system is too subjective and that it favors more expensive wines. Others have criticized the magazine for conflicts of interest, as it accepts advertising from wine producers.