Links
There are so many great wine-related websites out there that we couldn't possibly link to all of them. We've linked to a few sites that we highly recommend. If you can think of others we should list here, please let us know.
Wine Magazines
The Wine
Advocate
Published by Robert Parker, undoubtedly the world's most influential wine
critic, the Wine Advocate is a must-have magazine for any enthusiast.
Although I regularly disagree with his ratings, view the extent of his influence
as detrimental to wine, and consider his opinions about certain regions (Burgundy
in particular) to be myopic, his contribution to wine and to wine-lovers is
immense. Knowledgeable, astute, and as unbiased a critic as anyone, Parker's
opinions cannot be ignored.
Winepros
This Australian website is one of the best wine websites I've seen. The subscription
fee they charge for unrestricted access to the site is a bargain. The site
contains a wealth of information and is a treasure-trove that must be explored
by anyone with even a passing interest in wine.
The Vine
Published by Clive Coates MW, one of the world's foremost wine experts, The
Vine is a great magazine. A little on the pricey side if you're based
in the USA, but well worth the money. If you're looking for an alternative
to the California-centric views of Parker, Coates is your man. And by the
way, it takes more than a smile and a pretty face to earn a Master of Wine
qualification. It takes serious expertise.
Wine Buying
Winebid.com
This website revolutionized the auction process and is a great place to pick
up hard to find wines. Can't get Screaming Eagle at your local store? Well,
you can get it here if you're prepared to cough up an arm, a leg, and a vital
organ. Old auctions close and new ones open regularly, so check this site
regularly for gems you just can't live without.
Wine Searcher
A great site to help you find the unfindable. This site is essentially a searchable,
centralized database of wine store and auction inventories. If the wine you're
looking for is on an auction block or a retail shelf somewhere in the world,
it will probably be listed here.
The Brown Derby
I've actually never darkened the door of this store, but I have seen their
catalogs, searched their website, and purchased from them on numerous occasions.
If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri then consider yourself lucky.
This is a great store. If you're passing through that area, be sure to check
it out.