As we celebrate our 50th birthday, we take a look back at the journey of Decanter magazine and reflect on how it has helped wine enthusiasts around the world. In this special issue, we feature a timeline of key events, dates, and people that have shaped our history.
Decanter at 50: A Timeline
- 1965: Decanter magazine is first published, with a focus on wine reviews and news.
- 1970s: The magazine expands its coverage to include wine and food pairing, and features a regular column from renowned wine expert, Hugh Johnson.
- 1980s: Decanter introduces its iconic wine reviews, with detailed notes and ratings.
- 1990s: The magazine begins to feature more international coverage, including wine from regions outside of Europe.
- 2000s: Decanter launches its website and online presence, allowing readers to access wine reviews and news 24/7.
- 2010s: The magazine continues to grow in popularity, with a focus on wine and food pairing, and features a regular column from wine expert, Andrew Jefford.
- 2020: Decanter celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special issue, featuring a timeline of its history and a look back at its impact on the wine industry.
Decanter at 50: Time to Party
Our 50th birthday celebration was a night to remember, with wine friends from around the world in attendance. We feature photos from the event, which included past Hall of Fame award winners.
| Guests | Photos |
|---|---|
| Chris Woodall, Decanter Hall of Fame |  |
| Andrew Jefford | |
| Ines Salpico, Regional Editor | |
Decanter at 50: Over to You
We asked eight readers to share their experiences of how Decanter has helped them on their own wine journeys. Their stories are inspiring and demonstrate the impact that Decanter has had on the lives of its readers.
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Emily Wilson
“Decanter has been my go-to source for wine reviews and news. I’ve learned so much from the magazine and have even started my own wine club.”
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James Lee
“Decanter’s wine and food pairing tips have been invaluable to me. I’ve discovered new wines and cuisines that I never would have tried otherwise.”
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Sarah Taylor
“Decanter has inspired me to try new wines and explore different regions. I’ve even started my own wine blog!”
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Michael Davis
“Decanter’s expert advice has helped me to improve my wine knowledge and make informed purchasing decisions.”
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Jane Smith
“Decanter’s wine reviews have helped me to discover new wines that I love. I’ve even started a wine collection!”
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Tom Harris
“Decanter’s wine and food pairing tips have been a game-changer for me. I’ve discovered new flavors and combinations that I never knew existed.”
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Rachel Brown
“Decanter has helped me to develop my own wine tasting skills and appreciate the nuances of different wines.”
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David White
“Decanter’s expert advice has helped me to navigate the world of wine and make informed purchasing decisions.”
Albariño beyond Iberia
Is Albariño the wine world’s next Great White Grape? Kathleen Willcox thinks so, and shares her insights on this exciting wine.
“Albariño is a versatile grape that can produce wines with great acidity, flavor and texture. Its popularity is growing rapidly, and it’s an exciting time for this grape variety.” – Kathleen Willcox
Chianti Classico latest releases
Michaela Morris appraises the new-release vintages of annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione, with 30 wines to buy.
| Wine | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Castello di Ama | Chianti Classico | £30 |
| Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano | Chianti Classico | £35 |
| Riserva Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano | Chianti Classico | £40 |
| Gran Selezione Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano | Chianti Classico | £50 |
One to Watch: Trait Wines
A small producer very much on the rise in Western Australia. By Sophie Thorpe.
“Trait Wines is making waves in the Australian wine scene with its innovative approach to winemaking and its commitment to sustainability.” – Sophie Thorpe
Does affordable Champagne still exist?
Tom Hewson argues there is still value to be had below £40 per bottle in the UK, picking 15 to try.
| Champagne | Price |
|---|---|
| Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve | £25 |
| Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut | £30 |
| Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut | £35 |
| Laurent-Perrier Brut | £25 |
| Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut | £30 |
| Cristal Brut | £40 |
| Dom Pérignon Brut | £50 |
| Louis Roederer Cristal Brut | £60 |
| Salon Blanc de Blancs | £70 |
| Armand de Brignac Midas Brut | £100 |
| Pol Roger Brut Vieille Cuvée | £120 |
| Taittinger Comtes de Champagne | £150 |
| Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut | £180 |
| Château d’Yquem | £200 |
Piquette What?
A formerly forbidden by-product of wine, it’s the on-trend lower-alcohol option, reports Josh Dell.
“Piquette is a fascinating alternative to traditional wine, with a unique flavor profile and lower alcohol content. It’s an exciting time for this drink.” – Josh Dell
Spirits
Distilled Spirits news
| Brand | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Blue Label | £100 |
| Pernod Ricard | Chivas Regal 18 Year Old | £150 |
| Beam Suntory | Maker’s Mark | £40 |
| Brown-Forman | Jack Daniel’s | £30 |
Food & Travel
Head to head
Alder Yarrow and Fiona Beckett have strong views on the importance of food and wine pairing.
“Food and wine pairing is an art that requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of the ingredients and the wine.” – Alder Yarrow
“For me, food and wine pairing is all about balance and harmony. It’s about finding the perfect match between the flavors and textures of the dish and the wine.” – Fiona Beckett
What to pair with salads
Victoria Moore has the answers to this summer’s trickiest wine conundrum.
“When it comes to pairing wine with salads, it’s all about the acidity and the flavor profile. Look for wines with bright acidity and flavors that complement the ingredients in your salad.” – Victoria Moore
Travel: A wine lover’s guide to Margaux
Charlie Geoghegan in one of the world’s top-rated wine regions.
“Margaux is a region that’s steeped in history and tradition, with some of the most iconic châteaux in the world. It’s a must-visit destination for any wine lover.” – Charlie Geoghegan
Learning
Books etc
Sophie Thorpe on three very different introductory wine books.
“These books are perfect for anyone who’s just starting to explore the world of wine. They’re informative, engaging, and fun to read.” – Sophie Thorpe
Wine wisdom
Expert advice, and ‘The Ethical drinker’ on moves to better conditions for vineyard workers.
“As wine lovers, we have a responsibility to think about the impact of our purchases on the people and the planet. It’s time to make a change and demand better conditions for vineyard workers.” – The Ethical drinker
Buying guide
Editors’ picks
Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings.
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Decanter staff
“We’re excited to share our top picks from our recent tastings. From affordable wines to luxury bottles, we’ve got something for everyone.”
Panel tasting: Blaufränkisch
87 wines tasted, with six Outstanding, 38 scoring 90-93pts – a high standard for this still-niche European red.
| Wine | Score |
|---|---|
| Blaufränkisch | Outstanding |
| Blaufränkisch | 90-93pts |
| Blaufränkisch | 90-93pts |
| Blaufränkisch | 88-89pts |
| Blaufränkisch | 87-88pts |
| Blaufränkisch | 86-87pts |
| Blaufränkisch | 85-86pts |
Panel tasting: Aegean island whites
59 wines tasted, with plenty of flavor to discover among these wines.
| Wine | Score |
|---|---|
| Aegean island whites | Outstanding |
| Aegean island whites | 90-93pts |
| Aegean island whites | 90-93pts |
| Aegean island whites | 88-89pts |
| Aegean island whites | 87-88pts |
| Aegean island whites | 86-87pts |
| Aegean island whites | 85-86pts |
Expert’s choice: Portuguese rosés
Regional Editor Ines Salpico’s pick of 18 fascinatingly varied pink styles.
“Portuguese rosés are a hidden gem, with a unique flavor profile and style that’s gaining popularity worldwide. I’m excited to share my top picks with you.” – Ines Salpico
Weekday wines
Decanter’s in-house tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink and priced at £30 or less.
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Decanter’s in-house tasting team
“We’re excited to share our top picks from our recent tastings. From affordable wines to luxury bottles, we’ve got something for everyone.”
Weekend wines
Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress.
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Decanter’s in-house tasting team
“We’re excited to share our top picks from our recent tastings. From affordable wines to luxury bottles, we’ve got something for everyone.”
DWWA 2025 highlights
14 medal winners from lesser-known Spain.
| Wine | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Laureano Pinti | Valencia | £20 |
| Finca Monclova | Valencia | £25 |
| El Prior | Valencia | £30 |
| La Carraleta | Valencia | £35 |
| El Celler de Can Roca | Valencia | £40 |
| La Viña | Valencia | £45 |
| Finca Monclova | Valencia | £50 |
Collecting & investing
Marketwatch
Auction news and new releases, plus Bordeaux bright spots.
“The wine market is constantly evolving, with new releases and auction news emerging all the time. It’s essential to stay informed and make informed decisions as a collector or investor.” – [Name]
Regulars
Writing this month
Meet four of the authors from this month’s Decanter.
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Amy Wislocki
“I’m thrilled to be writing for Decanter this month. As the magazine editor, I’m passionate about sharing the latest news and trends in the world of wine.”
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Tom Hewson
“I’m excited to be sharing my expertise on affordable Champagne. It’s a topic that’s close to my heart, and I’m looking forward to exploring it further in this issue.”
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Josh Dell
“I’m delighted to be writing about Piquette, a drink that’s gaining popularity worldwide. It’s a fascinating topic, and I’m looking forward to sharing my insights with you.”
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Charlie Geoghegan
“I’m thrilled to be sharing my expertise on wine in Margaux. It’s a region that’s steeped in history and tradition, and I’m looking forward to exploring it further in this issue.”
Uncorked
News, inspiration & more
Andrew Jefford’s column
Alder Yarrow and Fiona Beckett have strong views on the importance of food and wine pairing.
“Food and wine pairing is an art that requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of the ingredients and the wine.” – Alder Yarrow
“For me, food and wine pairing is all about balance and harmony. It’s about finding the perfect match between the flavors and textures of the dish and the wine.” – Fiona Beckett
Hugh Johnson’s column
Laura Taylor on the need to attract more female buyers.
“As a woman in the wine industry, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of being underrepresented. It’s time for change and for us to work together to attract more female buyers to the world of wine.” – Laura Taylor
Guest column
Laura Taylor on the need to attract more female buyers
As a woman in the wine industry, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of being underrepresented.