Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Wine Enthusiast Magazine is one of the most respected and quoted authorities in the world of wine and spirits. We feature the hottest trends in everything related to wine. Our seasoned editors do the work for you, with over 700 expert ratings and reviews in each issue. Plus, in-depth features on all aspects of cocktails, spirits, beer, inventive wine and food pairings, trendy recipes, savvy travel features, and more.

WINE ENTHUSIAST • VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8

IN THIS ISSUE: A CELEBRATION OF CELLARING • Our holiday issue has this year’s greatest ageworthy wines and ways to celebrate.

SIPS AND SNAPS AROUND THE GLOBE

WINEMAG.COM: CULT CLASSICS

THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • From stocking cellars to shopping till we drop, we’re in celebration mode. These items will get you in the spirit.

GLASS FROM THE PAST • Learn about the long and winding road from clay cups to stemware.

PAIROLOGY: ODE TO OYSTERS • The modest oyster spends its life in one spot, immobile, filtering seawater for an average of three years until it grows to market size. While a fresh-shucked oyster comes bathed in that briny dressing, it also has flavors and textures that aficionados scrutinize with the rigor of a wine tasting. Its multifarious character invites a surprising range of pairing options (the popular Irish pairing of raw oysters with Guinness stout is a must-try). Try them with different wines to bring out all their complexities.

FLIGHT SCHOOL: ALBARIÑO STANDS OUT • Lauded for its lively aromas, texture and how well it pairs with seafood, this grape finds its home in Rías Baixas.

Q&A: THE FINER THINGS WITH PATTI LABELLE AND THE MCBRIDE SISTERS • Patti LaBelle joins the McBride sisters to talk wine, food and family traditions.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: LOVE BIRD • This spicy-sweet chicken will become a family favorite.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: TODDY WITH A TWIST • Hot saké is a natural fit for this warming cocktail.

UP-AND-COMING OREGON • In order to experience exciting, small-production wines, you’ll have to buy direct.

THE RISE OF SPIRITS TASTING CLUBS

MATTERS OF SIZE • Do big bottles age better? We investigate.

VIEWPOINT: ARE YOU MISSING HALF THE FUN? • There’s no wrong way to drink wine, but seeing how bottles change with age adds a layer of enjoyment.

WINE ENTHUSIAST WINE STAR AWARDS • This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Annual Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and beverage world. Here are the nominees across 14 categories for the 2021 Awards. The winners of these categories, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award and American Wine Legend, will be announced in the magazine’s Best of Year issue and celebrated at our annual event in February 2022. We salute the dedicated beverage professionals who have innovated and flourished this year.

TOP 100 CELLAR SELECTIONS 2021 • The best bottles to hide away and the perfect time to pop them

NEBBIOLO WITH ALTITUDE • Italy’s beloved red grape reaches dazzling heights in the Alpine region of Valtellina.

AMERICA’S 50 BEST WINE RETAILERS® • We celebrate what these stores have in store.

THE MANY FACES OF AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ • From lively and linear to savory and earthy, the country’s signature grape has a style for every palate.

NATURAL GROWTH • The category has become exceedingly popular seemingly overnight. But its growth has been slow and steady. We trace the arc of its spread and examine how the nation’s retail landscape has kept in stride with changing tastes.

FROM THE SOURCE • Four Central Coast vineyards supply grapes for many of the region’s producers. We learn how they express dramatic differences in...