The wine industry has lost one of its most influential figures. Marvin Shanken, the publishing pioneer behind Wine Spectator, passed away on October 29 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that fundamentally reshaped how Americans discover, appreciate, and consume wine.
For decades, Shanken helped bring wine into mainstream American culture, transforming what began as a modest California-based newsletter into one of the world’s most recognized wine publications. Under his leadership, Wine Spectator evolved into a glossy magazine during the 1980s, combining expert reviews and tasting scores with in-depth reporting on vineyards, winemakers, wine regions, and the lifestyle surrounding the industry.
The magazine covered not just wine, but the culture surrounding it. Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF
His influence extended well beyond wine. Shanken also launched or developed several influential publications, including Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily, and Impact Newsletter. Yet it was Wine Spectator that became his most significant contribution to the publishing and hospitality industries.
Although wine critic Robert Parker is widely credited with popularizing the 100-point wine-rating system, Shanken helped make wine journalism more accessible and engaging to a much broader audience. Rather than focusing exclusively on tasting notes and ratings, his magazine gave readers compelling stories about the people, places, traditions, and innovations behind the bottles.
It also became a major platform for wine education and discovery, helping readers develop an appreciation for different varieties, producers, and regions. At its peak, the publication reached millions of people annually, influencing both casual enthusiasts and serious collectors.
For wine writers Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, known professionally as the World Wine Guys, Shanken’s impact was deeply personal. Their careers received a significant boost in 2008 when Wine Spectator commissioned them to write an eight-page cover feature exploring the relationship between traditional winemaking and modern architecture in Rioja, Spain.
Although they never met Shanken personally, they understood his hands-on approach through their interactions with the magazine’s editorial team. Their work demonstrated the publication’s influence when a friend showed them a folded copy of their Rioja feature and explained that she was planning a vacation to Spain based on its recommendations, without initially realizing they were the authors.
Under Shanken’s direction, Wine Spectator also established an editorial standard that competitors struggled to match. The publication maintained its commitment to long-form journalism, combining detailed features with tasting reports and accessible industry coverage. Its success helped create a broader market for wine writing and contributed to the growing presence of wine in television, film, social media, and popular culture.
Another major part of Shanken’s legacy is the annual Wine Spectator New York Wine Experience. Established in 1981, the event has become one of the wine world’s most prestigious gatherings, bringing together more than 250 winemakers and winery owners to showcase highly rated selections.
The experience gives wine enthusiasts an opportunity to taste exceptional bottles while meeting the people responsible for producing them. It has also helped inspire similar large-scale tasting events organized by publications, critics, and wine organizations across the United States.
What was once an industry largely reserved for specialists and established collectors has become increasingly accessible to everyday consumers. Today, wine enthusiasts can interact with celebrated producers, attend exclusive tastings, and learn directly from some of the industry’s most respected names. Shanken played a significant role in creating that culture.
His influence was equally apparent among winemakers themselves. Jean-Charles Boisset, whose wines and career received early recognition through Wine Spectator, paid tribute to Shanken on Instagram, describing him as someone who gave wine a voice and celebrated the visionaries, pioneers, and passionate individuals behind every bottle.
Winemaker Adam Lee also remembered Shanken’s commitment to print publishing at a time when many media organizations were moving away from traditional magazines. He praised Shanken for continuing to invest in beautifully produced publications filled with photography and engaging stories that encouraged readers to discover new interests.
For DeSimone and Jenssen, Shanken’s greatest achievement was creating a generation of wine consumers who care about more than what is inside the glass. Through his publications and events, he encouraged people to explore the history, craftsmanship, and personalities that make the wine world so compelling.
His passing marks the end of an influential chapter in wine publishing, but the culture he helped establish continues to thrive. The next time a bottle is opened, whether it is a longtime favorite or a new discovery, Marvin Shanken’s contribution to the world of wine deserves a toast.
