Wine Spectator was founded in 1976. In 1979, the publication was purchased by Marvin R. Shanken, who transformed a bi-weekly newsletter focused on California into a glossy consumer magazine that covers the whole world of wine.
Today, Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the web’s most trusted wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events.
Wine Spectator provides dependable buying advice; in 2018, our editors reviewed more than 15,000 wines in independent blind tastings. We set stringent standards for ourselves and rely on the proven ability and experience of our editors as tasters and critics. (Read our Statement of Ethics.)
As journalists, we put wine in context, with a mix of news, analysis and opinion. We educate and entertain readers at every level of wine knowledge. Our editors uphold the highest standards of journalism—a commitment to truth and accuracy, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Wine Spectator is independent and unbiased.
We're not the voice of the wine trade; we are the gatekeeper and guide for the wine consumer.
Wine Spectator is the flagship publication of M. Shanken Communications, Inc., which also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
