Wine Enthusiast Magazine: Want To Know More About Selecting Wines?

I've been a subscriber to Wine Enthusiast Magazine for a year, maybe two now. I have to admit that I'm not one that goes crazy over fine wines but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine and enjoy sampling new ones. This magazine is a good read, especially for beginners in aiding selections for special occasions, holidays, fine dining or just to enjoy at your leisure around the house.

What Does Wine Enthusiast Magazine Offer?

Wine Enthusiast Magazine is a monthly publication and averages about 105 pages each month. The magazine is in a slightly larger format with the pages measuring 8 3/4 inches wide by 13 inches in height.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine is about half full of monthly columns and feature articles. The other half compromises the extensive Buyer's Guide. In addition to information on wines and wineries from all over the world, Wine Enthusiast Magazine also covers some nice food selections, cocktail choices and even beer.

Each issue sells for $3.95 on the newsstand and I find this a very good value. Subscriptions are also available with a saving off the normal newsstand price.

Monthly Columns And Departments

Enthusiast's Corner- This is a monthly one page column by staff writer Adam Sturm. It covers different subjects each month from restaurant hype to differing opinions by two wine enthusiasts.

Letters To The Editor- This is where the reader's submit letters to the editor with questions and/or comments about articles in previous issues.

Enth Degree- This is where you will find all the news and noteworthy happenings in the wine world.

Calendar- Features special events noted all over the United States such as wine tasting events, charity events, grand openings, fund raisers, and wine festivals.

Case Closed- Feature article by a different staff writer each month.

Pairings- This article will feature a different food item, entree each month with the suggested and appropriate wine pairing.

Proof Positive- Here you will explore what the spirits of hard liquor have to offer. This section is devoted to unusual mixes, the many ways to mix, and even recipes!

The remaining half of the magazine is The Buyer's Guide. It is broken down into the following areas:

France
Southern Italy
California
Oregon
Chile
Spirits

Each wine is listed with name, year, label, and location and has it's own concise description of flavor, body, balance followed by the average selling price.

My Thoughts On Wine Enthusiast Magazine

I enjoy reading Wine Enthusiast Magazine and learning about different wines from all over the world. The magazine has a pretty good balance between the articles and advertisements. If you are a serious wine buyer, you will appreciate the extensive Buyer's Guide. Otherwise, you may resent that half of the magazine is taken up and devoted entirely to The Buyer's Guide.

The articles are all very short, many just one page in length. I found them to be very basic and good for anyone just starting to learn about fine wines. Feature articles are not much longer with an average of about 3 pages in length. They are interesting but not very detailed. Again, I would have to say this magazine caters to the beginning wine enthusiast in reading material.

The Buyer's Guide is presented very well and easy to read. I like the way it is divided by areas and types of wines. If you are looking for a nice Merlot, for example, you would just flip to the "Merlot" section. You will find anywhere from 10-20 selections from all price ranges. I really like this section as you can refer to it to buy a nice bottle of wine for a special dinner at home or for doing your homework before going out to dinner in a fine restaurant.

One of my favorite parts of this magazine is reading about vineyards and wineries all over the world. Another is the Pairings feature each month. Not only will you find great suggestions for pairing wine with different kinds of meats and entrees, they also have some great recipes.

The photography in Wine Enthusiast Magazine is nice and sharp. I think the larger pages lead to larger images and this sometimes gives the reader a better feel for the items being advertised. Some of the photos are almost real life size (grapes for example) and look very tantalizing. The desserts shown are also very appetizing in appearance.

Subscription Information

You can subscribe to Wine Enthusiast Magazine for only $29.95 for 14 issues.

Phone: 1-800-829-5901

Recommendation

I recommend Wine Enthusiast Magazine to beginning wine enthusiasts and hobbyist. It's not a detailed and through magazine that would hold the attention of someone that is an experienced wine enthusiast. I think it is a good magazine for those just learning about wines and the different types of wines. As mentioned in my review, the articles are all written in a basic understanding and for the most part short and brief. For those wanting to know more, you are left to do your own research. I give Wine Enthusiast Magazine 4 Stars.

© 2006 Birdfeather