Stephen Tanzer is a highly respected American wine critic known for his significant contributions to the wine industry. He was the driving force behind the International Wine Cellar (IWC), which he founded in 1985 and led until its acquisition by Vinous in 2014. Under Tanzer’s leadership, IWC became a critically acclaimed publication with a devoted readership across 50 U.S. states and 34 countries. The publication made a lasting global impact, being the first American wine periodical translated into French and Japanese, underscoring its broad international appeal.

Tanzer’s expertise spans some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, California, Washington State, and South Africa. His wine reviews are known for their “controlled prose”, offering insightful, clear, and balanced evaluations that have guided wine enthusiasts and professionals for decades. Tanzer’s writing style reflects his deep knowledge of these regions and his commitment to providing accurate, accessible wine assessments.

The IWC was one of the early adopters of a modern wine rating system, using a 70-100 point scale to evaluate wines. This method allowed for precise and nuanced rankings of wines, a system Tanzer continues to use in his role at Vinous. His reviews, whether in the IWC or Vinous, remain highly regarded by wine lovers and industry professionals alike, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the world of wine criticism.