Wine Knowledge

Our handy visual guides to major wine-producing areas in Europe, the United States and the Southern Hemisphere

Look at almost any wine�s label, and you�ll find an indication of its origin, whether it�s as broad as an entire country or as specific as a particular vineyard. That�s because wines embody, and are shaped by, the places they come from�their distinctive combination of geography and climate.

Wine Spectator�s illustrated wine maps cover the whole world of wine. Love Cabernets from Napa Valley but not really sure where Oakville is? Confused by all the different appellations in Bordeaux? Let our maps be your guide to a deeper understanding of the wines you enjoy.

Maps by Richard Thompson, with exception of Alsace, Argentina, Austria and Oregon AVA maps by Henry Eng

The 100-point wine rating system has become the benchmark of quality in the wine industry. If you have ever looked around for good value �90-point� wine, then you have used ratings. The system does rate some aspects of wine quite well, including production quality, but there are a few inconsistencies that you should know about in order to shop smart.

See how wine ratings work, know their shortcomings, and then get a few pragmatic solutions that will improve how you buy wine.

Napa Valley winemaker Tod Mostero of Ulysses Vineyard and Dominus Estate explains one of his strategies in the midst of harvest.

How much wine is appropriate to pour in a glass? How can you avoid drips? What does it mean to “prime” a glass? These questions and more are answered in this 2-minute tutorial!

What even is decanting? Why do we do it? How does it work? Which wines should be decanted, and for how long? Why haven’t you clicked the play button yet?!