WineS Magazine

Have you ever heard of WineS Magazine (the "S" standing for "Simplified")? I had never heard of it before I stumbled upon a copy in a local book store. Their website says almost nothing about the magazine, mainly allowing you to sign up for a subscription.

The magazine is published bimonthly and I bought the June/July 2008 issue. It is noted as being Vol.2 No.3. So, the magazine may have started up last year. In persuing the contents of the magazine, it is truly dedicated to "wine simplified." It seems more like a magazine for those new to wine, for people who want to learn more about wine but in a very unpretentious manner. Though even those more knowledgeable about wine may find a few items of interest.

For example, one of the first articles, Wine Observer, are a serious of brief news articles about wine related topics. These items would appeal to any wine lover, and not just someone new to wine.

There is an article on making Toasts, which includes common toasts in other languages as well as the origins of a few common toasts. Another article is on Taste, and how a wine can change with when, where, why and how you drink it. You can also learn about Organic/Biodynamic wines, wine making in San Diego, and how to open a bottle of wine with various corkscrews. There is even a two-page dictionary of wine words with definitions.

There were no wine reviews, no scores for wines. It is more of a wine educational magazine than a wine review magazine. As such, I think it fills a nice gap in the world of wine magazines. It is a very approachable magazine and won't make you feel ignorant. The articles are well written and appear well researched as well.

If you want to learn more about wine, the I very much recommend you check out this magazine.