Marvin R. Shanken, a leading figure in the American wine publishing industry, died yesterday, October 29, at the age of 83. After acquiring Wine Spectator in 1979, he transformed it into an internationally recognized magazine. His work helped introduce millions of readers to wine, influencing the way it is described, selected, and enjoyed.
È morto il Marvin R. Shanken died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 83, founder of M. Shanken Communications, director and editor of Wine Spectator. The news was announced by the group’s publications. With his passing, we lose one of the leading figures in wine journalism of recent decades, who was able to build a magazine around an information, tasting, and event program aimed at an international audience.
From a newsletter to Wine Spectator
His career in publishing began in 1972 with the purchase of Impact, a newsletter dedicated to the alcoholic beverages industry. Seven years later, he acquired The Wine Spectator, a magazine founded in 1976 by Bob Morrisey in San Diego and distributed free of charge in wine shops.
The publication was facing financial difficulties and was in danger of closing. Shanken recognized its potential and gradually transformed it into a magazine capable of reaching millions of wine enthusiasts. At the heart of the project was the reader: someone to be informed and guided in the world of wine, through accessible language and content that was also useful for making purchasing decisions.
An Influence That Extends Beyond the Pages
Wine Spectator’s influence has also grown through initiatives that have brought together producers, restaurateurs, and consumers. The Restaurant Awards, which focus on restaurant wine lists, and the Wine Experience. An event featuring meetings and tastings with leading companies in the industry—have expanded the magazine’s reach far beyond print.
It is also through this work that wine has gained a more prominent place in American media and consumer culture. Shanken understood how important it was to tell the stories of the wines alongside the people and places where they are made, thereby building an ongoing relationship with those who buy them.
The Publisher and Its Commitment to Education
The group expanded into other publications: in 1992, Cigar Aficionado was launched, reflecting his passion for cigars, while the portfolio grew to include trade publications and magazines dedicated to spirits, including Whisky Advocate.
Alongside the growth of his publishing business, Shanken was committed to education. In 1983, he established the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation. Which was also supported by proceeds from the Wine Experience. According to a tribute published by the group, the initiative has raised over $40 million for scholarships and grants for those pursuing careers in wine and hospitality.
The industry’s legacy
Among the first tributes was one from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. President and CEO Francis Creighton highlighted his contribution to independent reporting on the industry and his ability to make millions of consumers more curious, informed, and confident in their choices.
Shanken is survived by his wife, Hazel, three daughters, and four grandchildren. His passing comes in the year that Wine Spectator celebrates its 50th anniversary—a milestone that underscores the journey of the publication and the publisher who shaped its international growth.
