Wildfires 2020: Is the Vintage Lost?

Vintners continue to assess damage to wineries and crops

News

Ken Evenstad, Co-Founder of Oregon's Domaine Serene Winery, Dies at 77

After building his fortune in pharmaceuticals, Evenstad and his wife, Grace, helped create one of Willamette Valley's most prominent wineries

Ken Evenstad and his wife, Grace, fell in love with Oregon wine and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly.Ken Evenstad, Co-Founder of Oregon's Domaine Serene Winery, Dies at 77

Ken Evenstad and his wife, Grace, fell in love with Oregon wine and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly.Ken Evenstad, Co-Founder of Oregon's Domaine Serene Winery, Dies at 77

News

The Social Distance Vintage: Harvest in Bordeaux

While picking required creativity and an ocean of hand sanitizer, leading château owners report promising wines

A worker picks Cabernet at Château Haut-Bailly in Bordeaux. Wineries had to be creative to keep workers distanced and safe.The Social Distance Vintage: Harvest in Bordeaux

A worker picks Cabernet at Château Haut-Bailly in Bordeaux. Wineries had to be creative to keep workers distanced and safe.The Social Distance Vintage: Harvest in Bordeaux

Wine IQ

Beakers and Bottles: A Wine Science Quiz

Researchers have found everything from shockwaves in a wineglass to new tools for fighting vineyard diseases. Do you know these wine-sci discoveries?

Scientist in wine labBeakers and Bottles: A Wine Science Quiz

Scientist in wine labBeakers and Bottles: A Wine Science Quiz

Unfiltered

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Franzia Costumes, Haunted Wineries Ring in Hallowine Season

The Vampire Slayer's Apothic adventure, wine flights of fright, bedeviled beers, "scream cheese" and a more will thrill this Halloween

Sarah Michelle Gellar knows what you did this last summer (nothing).Sarah Michelle Gellar, Franzia Costumes, Haunted Wineries Ring in Hallowine Season

Sarah Michelle Gellar knows what you did this last summer (nothing).Sarah Michelle Gellar, Franzia Costumes, Haunted Wineries Ring in Hallowine Season

Tasting Highlights

8 Satisfying Burgundy Values

These new reviews of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay show off Burgundy's potential for impressive values from top domaines

The Bouchard Père et Fils lineup ranges from affordable Bourgognes to top-flight <em>grands crus</em>.8 Satisfying Burgundy Values

The Bouchard Père et Fils lineup ranges from affordable Bourgognes to top-flight <em>grands crus</em>.8 Satisfying Burgundy Values

Restaurant Guides

8 Impressive Miami Wine Lists

At the southern tip of the Sunshine State, these Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners boast serious wine programs

Komodo is a hot spot in Miami's Brickell neighborhood with a strong wine collection.8 Impressive Miami Wine Lists

Komodo is a hot spot in Miami's Brickell neighborhood with a strong wine collection.8 Impressive Miami Wine Lists

Join Us for Instagram Live Chats

Oct. 27, 7 p.m. ET: Napa winemaker Dan Petroski
Oct. 29, 3 p.m. ET: Katharina Prüm, owner, Joh. Jos. Prüm

View full chat schedule

Tastings and Reviews

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Tastings and Reviews

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The Salvestrin family has farmed their parcel of Dr. Crane Vineyard for nearly a century.

The Salvestrin family has farmed their parcel of Dr. Crane Vineyard for nearly a century.

Napa's Salvestrin Family Carries the Legacy of Dr. Crane

The Salvestrins, now making top-flight Cabernet, have long stewarded their piece of the historic Dr. Crane Vineyard

Oct 20, 2020

La Crema explores cool-climate sites along the West Coast, including the vineyards that produce its fresh and direct Pinot Noir value from Sonoma Coast.

La Crema explores cool-climate sites along the West Coast, including the vineyards that produce its fresh and direct Pinot Noir value from Sonoma Coast.

13 Diverse Sonoma Values for $40 or Less

New reviews of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel

Oct 19, 2020

Top bottles of California Pinot Noir present diversity and world-class quality.

Top bottles of California Pinot Noir present diversity and world-class quality.

Cascade Effect: California Pinot Noir Tasting Report

California vintners continue to build on their success with Pinot Noir

Oct 15, 2020

Image for the article titled:Daily Wine Picks

Image for the article titled:Daily Wine Picks

Daily Wine Picks

Recently reviewed wines for all tastes and budgets, free to read. Cabernets, Pinots and fresh whites for under $15!

Winemakers in vineyard

Winemakers in vineyard

Vintage Charts: Spain

Updated with 2016 and 2017 vintage ratings and drink recommendations for Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat

Oct 20, 2020

The Bourgeois family of winery Henri Bourgeois has worked vineyards in France's Loire Valley for 10 generations, primarily in the hills of Sancerre.

The Bourgeois family of winery Henri Bourgeois has worked vineyards in France's Loire Valley for 10 generations, primarily in the hills of Sancerre.

9 Global Sauvignon Blancs Up to 91 Points

Sauvignon Blanc's diverse styles are on display in these new reviews of wines from New Zealand, France and beyond

Oct 15, 2020

Leeuwin vineyard

Leeuwin vineyard

Advance: Nov. 15 Edition

Our member newsletter previews the Best Values, Smart Buys, Collectibles and Highly Recommended wines

Oct 13, 2020

Korbel has been been making sparkling wines in the Russian River Valley since 1882, and its winemakers continues to place emphasis on value and consistency.

Korbel has been been making sparkling wines in the Russian River Valley since 1882, and its winemakers continues to place emphasis on value and consistency.

11 Vibrant California Bubblies

New reviews of exciting Golden State sparkling wines from Napa, Sonoma and beyond, up to 91 points

Oct 12, 2020

Top 100 Wines of 2019

Ask Dr. Vinny

Ask Dr. Vinny

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Image for the article titled: Do boxed wines contain more preservatives than bottled wines?

Image for the article titled: Do boxed wines contain more preservatives than bottled wines?

Do boxed wines contain more preservatives than bottled wines?

Oct 23, 2020

Image for the article titled: Do dessert wines lose their sweetness with age?

Do dessert wines lose their sweetness with age?

Oct 21, 2020

Image for the article titled: Should you hold a bottle of wine by the punt when pouring?

Should you hold a bottle of wine by the punt when pouring?

Oct 19, 2020

Image for the article titled: What does “angular” mean in wine tasting lingo?

What does “angular” mean in wine tasting lingo?

Oct 16, 2020

Image for the article titled: Can a wine's score improve as it favorably ages?

Can a wine's score improve as it favorably ages?

Oct 14, 2020

Wine IQ

Wine IQ

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Vine rows

Vine rows

What Am I Tasting?

This zesty red has berry, sage and cracked pepper flavors with polished tannins ... Play the game!

Smoke from the Riverside fire drifts over an Oregon vineyard. But it's unclear if it will affect the grapes.

Smoke from the Riverside fire drifts over an Oregon vineyard. But it's unclear if it will affect the grapes.

How Will Weeks of Wildfire Smoke on the West Coast Impact the 2020 Vintage?

Blazes have left smoke hanging over the region, and some vintners worry it could impact their grapes

Take advantage of time alone to deep dive into an aspect of wine new to you.

Take advantage of time alone to deep dive into an aspect of wine new to you.

Mixed Case: Opinion and Advice

Staying Home: Essential Wine Books to Read Now

Our editors pick their favorite memoirs, histories and reference books

Videos

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Video

Staying Home: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Just in time for holiday entertaining, cheese geek Robert Taylor shares this super simple recipe for a decadent crowd-pleaser.

See More Videos ❯

Staying Home: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Staying Home: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Just in time for holiday entertaining, cheese geek Robert Taylor shares this super simple recipe for a decadent crowd-pleaser.

Oct 19, 2020

Staying Home: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry — Staying Home: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Just in time for holiday entertaining, cheese geek Robert Taylor shares this …
Oct 19, 2020

(Sponsored) Trapiche: Exploring Leads Us to New Challenges — (Sponsored) Trapiche: Exploring Leads Us to New …

Since its early days, in 1883, Bodega Trapiche has received worldwide recogniti…
Sep 30, 2020

Staying Home: Sazerac No. 9 — Staying Home: Sazerac No. 9

Wine Spectator news editor Mitch Frank introduces us to his original take on a …
Oct 13, 2020

Meatless Meatballs with Red Pepper Sauce — Meatless Meatballs with Red Pepper Sauce

This vegan-friendly recipe for vegetable-based "meatballs" and red pepper sauce …
Oct 7, 2020

Drink the Best in House Arrest: Video Contest 1st Place — Drink the Best in House Arrest: Video Contest …

How do you brighten the dull days of a pandemic? Wine—and song! Join Troy …
Sep 8, 2020

Grilled Lamb and Charred Corn — Grilled Lamb and Charred Corn

The grill serves double-duty in this recipe from chef Joe Carroll of Brooklyn’s …
Sep 22, 2020

News

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News

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Ken Evenstad and his wife, Grace, fell in love with Oregon wine and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly.

Ken Evenstad and his wife, Grace, fell in love with Oregon wine and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly.

Ken Evenstad, Co-Founder of Oregon's Domaine Serene Winery, Dies at 77

After building his fortune in pharmaceuticals, Evenstad and his wife, Grace, helped create one of Willamette Valley's most prominent wineries

A worker picks Cabernet at Château Haut-Bailly in Bordeaux. Wineries had to be creative to keep workers distanced and safe.

A worker picks Cabernet at Château Haut-Bailly in Bordeaux. Wineries had to be creative to keep workers distanced and safe.

The Social Distance Vintage: Harvest in Bordeaux

While picking required creativity and an ocean of hand sanitizer, leading château owners report promising wines

Oct 23, 2020

Co-proprietors Lally Brennan and Ti Martin are handing the top position in the Commander's Palace kitchen to Meg Bickford, the restaurant's first-ever female executive chef.

Co-proprietors Lally Brennan and Ti Martin are handing the top position in the Commander's Palace kitchen to Meg Bickford, the restaurant's first-ever female executive chef.

Landmark Restaurant Commander’s Palace Makes History with New Chef

The New Orleans Grand Award winner appoints its first female lead in the kitchen. Plus, City Winery debuts a sprawling New York flagship and Wolfgang Puck Steak closes in Detroit

Oct 22, 2020

Chef Aaron Bludorn expedites in the kitchen of his eponymous Houston restaurant. He's happy to give diners good food while making them feel safe.

Chef Aaron Bludorn expedites in the kitchen of his eponymous Houston restaurant. He's happy to give diners good food while making them feel safe.

Opening Night During a Pandemic

At a time when the hospitality industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, some restaurateurs are finding ways to open new places and deliver dining joy

Oct 20, 2020

Senior editor Bruce Sanderson

Senior editor Bruce Sanderson

Ipsus: The Creation of a Brand

In October 2019, senior editor Bruce Sanderson received an invitation he couldn't refuse: to taste an unusual new Chianti Classico from the Mazzei family

From the Oct 31, 2020, issue

Executive editor Thomas Matthews

Executive editor Thomas Matthews

I Miss Restaurants!

Executive editor Thomas Matthews reflects on a life of restaurant experiences. What he misses most, with the pandemic closing restaurants temporarily or permanently, is the sense of community.

From the Oct 31, 2020, issue

These (authentic) bottles of Sassicaia are worth a lot more than the fakes police found filled with Sicilian wine.

These (authentic) bottles of Sassicaia are worth a lot more than the fakes police found filled with Sicilian wine.

Italian Police Uncover Counterfeit Sassicaia Ring

Authorities exposed an international plot to produce phony bottles of the celebrated super Tuscan, including Wine Spectator's 2018 Wine of the Year

Oct 16, 2020

Lucas, left, and F.X. Pichler feel the old Wachau system of classifying wines by ripeness no longer works in a warming climate where grapes fully ripen every year.

Lucas, left, and F.X. Pichler feel the old Wachau system of classifying wines by ripeness no longer works in a warming climate where grapes fully ripen every year.

F.X. Pichler Drops Long-Established Wachau Classification System from Its Labels

Renowned Austrian producer walks away from the Vinea Wachau Association it helped found in 1983, adopts country's terroir-focused DAC regulations in light of climate change

Oct 16, 2020

Popular Posts

Popular Posts

The wines yearned for free run at Bodegas Vitivinos in Spain.

The wines yearned for free run at Bodegas Vitivinos in Spain.

Punctured Tanks to Pilfered Grapes, Global Wine Crimes and Blunders Run Rampant

A Frenchman tries a self-checkout scam with a classified-growth Bordeaux. A famed wine merchant falls prey to an elaborate heist. A wine distributor defrauds investors with a Shark Tank product. And on, and on

Oct 21, 2020

Ken Evenstad and his wife, Grace, fell in love with Oregon wine and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly.

Ken Evenstad, Co-Founder of Oregon's Domaine Serene Winery, Dies at 77

The Bouchard Père et Fils lineup ranges from affordable Bourgognes to top-flight <em>grands crus</em>.

8 Satisfying Burgundy Values

Oct 22, 2020

Sarah Michelle Gellar knows what you did this last summer (nothing).

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Franzia Costumes, Haunted Wineries Ring in Hallowine Season

Oct 22, 2020

Vine rows

What Am I Tasting?

Oct 16, 2020

Staying Home

Staying Home

Get more ideas!

Animal rescue specialists in Napa gather two donkeys at a property along Quail Lane during the Glass fire.

Animal rescue specialists in Napa gather two donkeys at a property along Quail Lane during the Glass fire.

California Wildfires: How You Can Help from Home

Relief efforts are being mobilized to help evacuees and those who have lost homes and businesses

It's hard to meet new <i>people</i> right now, but somms have been able to make new acquaintances nonetheless.

It's hard to meet new <i>people</i> right now, but somms have been able to make new acquaintances nonetheless.

Sommelier Roundtable

Wine Discoveries in Unusual Times

Here’s what 7 wine pros are, unexpectedly, loving now

Steak on grill

Steak on grill

Recipes for All Occasions

Try these dishes for easy weeknight cooking or more sumptuous occasions, plus wine pairings

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California Cabernet Sauvignon

The top 2017 Cabs showcase the diversity of California terroir , hailing from warm sites, cool sites, valley floor or mountain vineyards. The vintage offers many great wines, from heavy-hitters to …

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