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 Magazine • VOLUME 38, NUMBER 7

WINE’S WELCOME MAT • A deal under $20 is the front door to discovery.

BEST IN CLASS • Forget keg stands—these California colleges are producing A+ wines.

CAN YOU DIG IT? • Clams’ versatility opens up a world of pairing possibilities.

PURPLE PEOPLE PLEASER • The piña colada gets a Filipino makeover.

Wetumka • This golden child from the 19th century is slowly making a comeback.

PADDLE ROYALE

UNFUHGEDDABLE • The Warren Hills AVA is producing wines that you won’t believe are from New Jersey.

THIS PIE IS NUTS • Peanut pie is a slice of Southern history.

SKÅL!

THE SPARKLING SCIENTIST • Nancy Irelan was an executive at the biggest winery in California. Now she’s doing her own thing in the Finger Lakes.

REAL RECOGNIZES REAL • Alain Ducasse is teaming up with bartender Margot Lecarpentier to make dazzling cocktails in a crystal palace.

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING • Ukraine’s black currant brandy tradition was nearly lost to history. Now, one distiller is bringing it back.

REAL STEALS • The November Buying Guide is a celebration of the best buys the wine world has to offer. More than 600 bottles for $20 or less achieved quality scores, so we’re confident that there’s something here for even the most particular palate. Highlights include an “enchanting” 92-point crémant from the Loire Valley and an earthy 94-point red blend from Bolgheri, both of which come in at $20.

GLASS HALF FULL • More half-pours would be good for the wine industry.

TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2025 • OUR REVIEWERS’ FAVORITE WINES OF THE YEAR FOR $20 OR LESS.

HONG KONG NIGHT SHIFT • In the wake of the pandemic and political upheaval, the city’s nightlife has grown up and found a new identity.

POINT FINDS a WAY • The world’s southernmost wine region was forged by three visionary amateurs and one movie star.

NEW ENGLAND RADICALS • The agony and ecstasy of making wine in Vermont and New Hampshire.

A GROWING SPIRIT • Hawai‘i’s »˛kolehao has a complex history, and it’s making a comeback.

BUYING GUIDE

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

TASTING METHODOLOGY AND GOALS

CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON

PIEDMONT

TUSCANY

PORTUGAL

SOUTH AFRICA

NEW ZEALAND

WORLD WHISKEY • Without regulation, there can be wild creativity.

A SHOCK IN THE VINEYARD • What not to do around an electric fence.