Entertainment · Books & Arts · 4 hrs ago
Wine Spectator Publisher Marvin R. Shanken Dies at 83
Marvin R. Shanken died in Manhattan at 83.
He was the longtime editor and publisher of Wine Spectator, a magazine that helped make wine more familiar to consumers.
He bought the struggling publication in 1979 and turned it into a glossy magazine with more than 100,000 subscribers.
Its 100-point ratings gave readers a straightforward way to compare wines and helped raise the profile of California’s Napa Valley.
Wine Spectator also influenced winemakers and created restaurant awards, events bringing producers and consumers together, and a scholarship foundation.
Shanken also founded Cigar Aficionado and led other publications, including Whisky Advocate; he is survived by his wife, three daughters, four grandchildren and two sisters.
Marvin R. Shanken, longtime publisher and editor of Wine Spectator, died Thursday in Manhattan at 83.
He bought the Wine Spectator newspaper in 1979 and turned it into a glossy magazine with more than 100,000 subscribers.
The publication helped educate consumers about wine and raise the profile of the Napa Valley wine region.
Shanken also founded Cigar Aficionado and several other publications through M. Shanken Communications.
- Who
- Marvin R. Shanken, longtime editor and publisher of Wine Spectator.
- What
- He died at 83.
- When
- Thursday. The article was published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Manhattan.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shanken began his career by buying the industry newsletter Impact.
He purchased the struggling Wine Spectator newspaper.
He relocated the offices from San Diego to San Francisco and became editor.
Shanken died in Manhattan at 83.
- Age at death
- 83
- Impact
- Bought in 1972
- Wine Spectator
- Purchased in 1979
- Wine Spectator subscribers
- More than 100,000
- Birthplace
- New Haven, Connecticut
What people are saying
He helped educate millions of Americans on the joys and virtues of wine, and tirelessly encouraged and pushed winemakers to produce the best for their customers
It was an extremely influential publication that, along with Robert Parker, actually affected the way wine was made. Wine Spectator could make wineries halfway around the world change the way they made wine