Our Icons
We use the following icons throughout our site to help you quickly identify key attributes of each wine. Here's what they mean.
Wine Types
Red Wine
From smooth, supple, and light-bodied Reds to powerful, concentrated, and full-bodied, this symbol indicates "RED WINE."
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White Wine
From bright and fresh to rich and opulent, this symbol indicates "WHITE WINE."
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Rosé Wine
From light, fresh, and easy, to focused and minerally, this symbol indicates "ROSÉ WINE."
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Sparkling Wine
From Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, Champagne, and domestic Sparklers, this icon indicates "SPARKLING WINE."
Shop Our Sparkling WinesWine Attributes
Additional Savings
It pays to look for the Green Dollar Signs on our Site, as this Symbol Indicates "Additional Automatic Savings Applied at Checkout." Simply Add the Wine to your Cart to See your Discount.
Boutique Winery
Producing fewer than 500 cases annually, this symbol indicates a "BOUTIQUE WINERY." If you enjoy discovering small-batch, artisanal producers, look for this symbol.
Farming Practices
Many of the greatest wineries employ strict either organic, biodynamic, or sustainable farming practices. This symbol will help you identify them. Not all wineries with this icon are certified organic, biodynamic, or sustainable, but our research indicates that one or more of these practices are being performed.
Screw Cap
There's no need to carry a corkscrew with this type of enclosure. This symbol indicates "SCREW CAP."
Cork Closure
Whether you buy for cellaring or enjoy the romance behind popping a cork, this symbol indicates a traditional "CORK CLOSURE."
Who's Reviewing Your Wine?
There's immense value in learning about the individuals evaluating the wines you cherish. Our wine world is enriched by a network of dedicated wine professionals passionate about sharing their notes, insights, and discoveries with wine connoisseurs.
Recognizing the impracticality for most consumers to personally sample every wine before making a purchase, wine critics do much of the legwork for you, tasting tens of thousands of wines and sharing their notes and information as a resource for consumers and their subscribers.
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Jancis Robinson, Virgine Boone, Vinous, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, Wine & Spirits, The Wine Independent, Luca Maroni, The Tasting Panel Magazine, and Tim Atkin have no affiliation with WineCountryConnection.com. Their wine ratings are often based on a 100-point scale and selected by each publication's unique criteria. While ratings may help guide your decision, the ultimate judgment is your individual palate.
Kevin Vogt, Master Sommelier, is Vice President and Partner at Wine Country Connection, and his remarkable credentials are outlined below.
Anne Sewell, DipWSET, is an employee and expert wine writer at Wine Country Connection. At age 31, she graduated from the challenging WSET Diploma Program, and her passion for wine shines brilliantly in her reviews.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of some of the world's foremost wine critics, whose notes and reviews you'll see featured on many of the products on this website.
Jeb Dunnuck
American Wine Critic Jeb Dunnuck founded The Rhône Report in 2008 and, by 2013, became one of the leading authorities on Rhône variety wines. Approached by Robert Parker in 2013, Dunnuck, described as a younger version of himself by Parker, became the leading reviewer for CA, WA, and Rhone wines for The Wine Advocate through 2017, when he launched his publication. www.JebDunnuck.com
Robert Parker / Wine Advocate
One of the most influential wine publications, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, was launched in 1979. The pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1983 when Robert Parker's audacious accolades for the 1982 Bordeaux vintage, tasted from barrel, stirred controversy among fellow critics. Parker's keen enthusiasm for the vintage proved accurate, leading to a substantial surge in his subscriber base. Today, robertparker.com houses an online database of reviews and ratings of nearly a half billion wines. www.robertparker.com
Wine Spectator
Founded in 1976, Wine Spectator has evolved into a preeminent authority on all things wine, offering expert reviews, insightful features, and comprehensive ratings. With a reputation for guiding enthusiasts through the world of wine, Wine Spectator has become a prominent resource, celebrated for its rich content and commitment to elevating wine appreciation. Their team of critics reviews a staggering 15,000 wines each year in blind tastings, helping consumers navigate the world of wine. www.winespectator.com
James Suckling
Former European Bureau Chief for the Wine Spectator, renowned wine critic and journalist James Suckling has played a pivotal role in shaping the global conversation around fine wines. With a career spanning over four decades, Suckling's insightful reviews and passionate commentary have made him a respected figure in the wine industry, while his extensive travels and tastings contribute to his comprehensive understanding of wines from around the world. Today, James and his editorial team review an eye-popping 40,000 wines worldwide, bringing attention to many wineries and regions. www.jamessuckling.com
Jancis Robinson
Jancis Robinson, an influential British wine critic and journalist, has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of the world of wine. As the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine distinction, Robinson's expertise and extensive work, including books and articles, solidify her status as a leading authority in wine appreciation. www.jancisrobinson.com
Virginie Boone
Virginie Boone, a freelance wine writer, distinguished wine critic, and former lead editor at Wine Enthusiast, has carved a significant niche in wine journalism through her insightful reviews and compelling writing. Based in California, Boone's expertise in covering the state's diverse and dynamic wine regions has made her an invaluable resource, providing both enthusiasts and industry professionals with nuanced perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of American wines. She's recently launched her own publication. www.virginieboone.com
Vinous
Antonio Galloni, founder of Vinous, is a highly respected wine critic known for his discerning palate and in-depth exploration of global wine regions. With a focus on delivering comprehensive and eloquent reviews, Galloni, former lead critic at Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, has established Vinous as a premier platform for wine enthusiasts seeking expert insights and nuanced perspectives on a broad spectrum of wines. vinous.com
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, founded in 1988, is a leading authority in wine writing; their reviewers blind taste more than 24,000 wines from around the globe annually, offering a wealth of insight. Committed to educating and inspiring enthusiasts, the magazine provides expert reviews, informative features, and a platform for exploring wines' diverse and evolving landscape. www.wineenthusiast.com
Decanter
Established in 1975, Decanter carved a niche in wine journalism, offering a global perspective and a panel of esteemed experts. Today, Decanter is renowned for its authoritative wine reviews, insightful articles, and annual Decanter World Wine Awards, making it a tremendous resource for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. www.decanter.com
Wine & Spirits
Wine & Spirits Magazine, founded in 1982, is a leading source for expert reviews and analysis in wine and spirits. Known for its rigorous blind tastings and comprehensive coverage of classic and emerging wine regions, the magazine is a trusted guide for connoisseurs, offering a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of wine, spirits, and beer. www.wineandspirits.com
The Wine Independent
The Wine Independent, founded by Master of Wine Lisa Perroitt-Brown, has swiftly gained recognition for its fresh and independent approach to covering the intricate tapestry of wines. Former Editor in Chief for Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Lisa, is highly regarded for her reviews of Bordeaux, Napa, and Sonoma County wines. With a commitment to unbiased reviews and a focus on emerging trends in the industry, The Wine Independent offers a dynamic perspective, appealing to those exploring the vast world of wines. www.thewineindependent.com
Kevin M. Vogt — Master Sommelier
Kevin Vogt, a distinguished Master Sommelier and the only American to pass the exam in the US in 1999 brings unparalleled knowledge and expertise to the world of wine. Vice President and Partner at Wine Country Connection, Vogt, is known for his exceptional palate. The former Wine Director for over 20 years for Emeril Lagasse built a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list during his tenure, judging wine competitions for over two decades along the way. His career is marked by a passion for sharing his insights and contributing to the advancement of wine culture, making him a respected figure in the industry. www.winecountryconnection.com
Luca Maroni
Luca Maroni, an esteemed Italian wine critic and author, is widely recognized for his influential role in wine evaluation. Renowned for introducing the concept of "hedonistic" tasting, Maroni's approach focuses on the immediate pleasure derived from wine, and his prolific career has contributed significantly to shaping perceptions of Italian wines. www.lucamaroni.com
The Tasting Panel Magazine
The Tasting Panel Magazine, founded in 2007, established itself as a prominent voice in the beverage industry, offering insightful commentary and expert reviews across wine and spirits. With a dedicated focus on industry trends and exceptional wines, the magazine is a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking new discoveries in the world of wine. www.tastingpanelmag.com
Anne Sewell — DipWSET
Anne Sewell, an expert wine writer at Wine Country Connection, graduated from the challenging WSET Diploma Program and is working toward her Master of Wine Diploma. A native of South Dakota, Anne's passion for wine has taken her worldwide, including studying and living in Bordeaux through her studies to moving full-time to Napa Valley, where her deep passion and expertise shine through her wine reviews. www.winecountryconnection.com
Tim Atkin
Tim Atkin is a Master of Wine and a respected British wine critic widely acknowledged for his expertise and insightful contributions to the world of wine. With a career spanning over three decades, Atkin's articulate reviews and comprehensive assessments, particularly of South African wines, have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority in wine. www.timatkin.com
Ken's Wine Guide
Ken's Wine Guide is the brainchild of Ken Hoggins, a seasoned wine critic renowned for his astute palate and insightful reviews. With decades of experience in the industry, Ken's expertise shines through his comprehensive wine evaluations, offering enthusiasts a trusted resource for discovering exceptional wines from around the world.