Staying True to Our Values

Editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken introduces our top values and smart buys of 2025

Wine lovers instinctively understand that a wine doesn’t have to be rare or expensive to be meaningful. What it does require is care—thoughtful farming, attentive winemaking and, just as important, a clear-eyed approach to quality and price. With that vision in mind, a wide range of delicious wines are being made around the world at accessible prices, and consumers are taking advantage of the bounty.

Read editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken’s introduction to the Jan. 15 - Feb. 28, 2026, issue, which includes a feature on smart buys, tasting reports on Portugal and Port, a roundup of 2025’s New York Wine Experience and more.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Napa Valley, Uncorked

Napa Valley, Uncorked

The heart of California wine country as you’ve never seen it before

Jun 30, 2026
Oregon in the Spotlight

Oregon in the Spotlight

An issue for world-class wine, from the Willamette Valley to 2023 Bordeaux

May 31, 2026
Family Ties

Family Ties

With torches passing from one generation to the next, the future of Italian wine looks …

Apr 30, 2026
Wine & People

Wine & People

Isabel and Guillemette Ferrando have taken Châteauneuf by storm, so what’s their next move?

Mar 31, 2026
Our 2025 List

Our 2025 List

Editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken introduces this year’s Top 100 wines and explains …

Dec 31, 2025
From One Generation to the Next

From One Generation to the Next

How Barbara Banke is taking Jackson Family Wines to new heights

Dec 15, 2025