What does a wine critic do?

What is a Wine Critic?

Wine critics are trusted evaluators of wines. They possess expertise in oenology, the science and study of wine and winemaking, and viticulture, the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. Typically working as wine journalists or writers, these individuals analyze, assess, and review wines, offering insights into their aroma, flavor profile, structure, balance, and overall complexity. Their critiques, often accompanied by numerical ratings and/or qualitative descriptions, serve as valuable guides for consumers looking to make informed wine selections, influencing consumer preferences, industry trends, and the success of wineries and wine brands.

What does a Wine Critic do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Here’s a general overview of what a day in the life of a wine critic might entail:

• Tasting and Evaluating Wines – Wine critics often start their day by tasting and evaluating wines. This may involve attending organized tastings, sampling new releases, or revisiting wines for ongoing assessments. They focus on analyzing the various components of each wine, such as aroma, flavor profile, structure, and overall quality.
• Research and Study – Wine critics stay informed about the latest developments in the wine industry. This involves reading industry publications, researching wineries, and staying up to date on regional trends, new releases, and changes in regulations or wine production techniques.
• Writing and Reviewing – Much of a wine critic's time is spent writing, working on reviews, articles, or columns for publication. Crafting thoughtful and informative reviews requires not only an understanding of wine but also the ability to convey their assessments and impressions to their readers.
• Editing and Revisions – After writing, there's often a process of editing and revising to ensure their reviews meet the standards of the publication.
• Meetings and Engagements – Wine critics attend meetings with editors, publishers, or winemakers. They might also participate in industry events, tastings, or conferences. Networking within the wine community is essential for staying connected and building professional relationships.
• Social Media and Online Presence – In today's digital age, wine critics often maintain an active online presence. This includes updating social media profiles, engaging with followers, and possibly managing a personal blog or website where they share additional insights and reviews.
• Travel – Depending on the scope of their work, wine critics may travel to different wine regions to explore new offerings, meet winemakers, and gain firsthand knowledge of specific terroirs and wine production methods.

It's worth noting that the life of a wine critic can be demanding, requiring a balance between the sensory experiences of wine tasting, the intellectual aspects of analysis and critique, and the communication skills needed to provide insights to a diverse audience.

Types of Wine Critics
Now that we have a sense of the wine critic’s scope of work, let’s look at some different types of wine critics, each with their own focus, expertise, and style:

• Professional Critics – These individuals often work for established publications, magazines, or newspapers. They may have formal education in oenology or viticulture and are recognized for their expertise in the field. Examples include Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson.
• Freelance Critics – Freelance wine critics operate independently and contribute to various publications or maintain their own platforms, such as blogs or websites. They may have diverse backgrounds and offer a range of perspectives on wine.
• Social Media Influencers – With the rise of social media, there's a new breed of wine critics who have gained influence through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or X (formerly Twitter), where they can share their reviews, recommendations, and experiences with a broader audience.
• Wine Educators – Some critics focus on educating consumers about wine, providing insights into wine regions, grape varieties, and food pairings. They may conduct tastings, workshops, or write educational content.
• Industry Critics – These critics may have a background in winemaking, vineyard management, or the wine business. They offer insights from an insider's perspective and may focus on the technical aspects of winemaking.
• Regional Experts – Critics who specialize in specific wine regions, such as Burgundy, Napa Valley, or Bordeaux, are often sought after for their in-depth knowledge of the local terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions.
• Varietal Experts – Some wine critics specialize in specific grape varieties. They have particular understanding of the characteristics of individual grapes and can provide nuanced evaluations of wines made primarily from those varieties.
• Consumer Advocates – Some wine critics focus on wines that offer good value for money or are accessible to a broader audience. They cater to everyday wine consumers who are looking for budget-friendly yet quality options.

These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many individuals may work in multiple roles.

Some wine critics may undertake niche specializations, such as:

• Style and Winemaking Techniques – Critics may specialize in assessing wines based on winemaking styles, such as natural wines, biodynamic wines, or wines made using traditional methods. They might focus on evaluating the impact of winemaking techniques on the final product.
• Vintages and Aging Potential – Critics who specialize in vintages and aging potential assess how wines evolve over time. They may provide guidance on when to drink a wine for optimal enjoyment or which vintages are particularly noteworthy.
• Emerging or Uncommon Varieties – Some wine critics focus on exploring and promoting wines made from lesser-known or emerging grape varieties. They may seek out unique and unconventional offerings to share with their audience.
• Wine and Food Pairing – Critics may specialize in the art of pairing wines with food. They provide guidance on which wines complement specific cuisines or dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

What is the workplace of a Wine Critic like?

Wine critics can work for various entities across the wine and media industries. These are among their most common employers:

• Media Outlets – Many wine critics work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, television and radio stations, and other media outlets.
• Wine Publications – Some critics are directly employed or contracted by specialized wine publications. These publications focus exclusively on wine. Prominent examples include Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Wine Enthusiast.
• Book Publishers – Some wine critics write books on various aspects of wine, including guides, reviews, or educational materials. Book publishers may employ or commission wine critics to produce written works.
• Wine Competitions – Wine critics may be invited to judge at wine competitions, where they assess and rate wines alongside other industry professionals. These competitions often seek critics with expertise in specific regions or varieties.
• Consultancy – Wine critics may work as consultants for restaurants, wine retailers, or wineries.
• Educational Institutions – Wine critics may be hired by wine institutes or colleges with wine programs to teach classes and workshops.
• Wineries / Vineyards – Some critics have ties to the wine production industry and may work directly for wineries or vineyards. In this capacity, they may contribute to marketing efforts, write wine descriptions, or help with blending decisions.
• Event Organizers – Wine critics may be employed by event organizers or be invited by them to participate in wine-related events, tastings, or festivals. They often contribute to the programming and provide expertise to enhance the overall experience.

It's important to note that many wine critics, especially those with established reputations, may work independently and contribute to multiple outlets simultaneously. Work environments for wine critics span tasting rooms, cellars, and vineyards, corporate and home offices, media studios, and classrooms and lecture halls.