New Website Offers Objective Wine Reviews

SALISBURY – Wine lovers can now review objective wine recommendations online before their next trip to the wine store.

DelmarvaWine.com is a new website created by wine writer John Rankin, who says he launched the site to provide wine reviews and to educate the growing number of wine consumers.

“Despite the weak economy, the number of wine consumers continues to grow, particularly in the 25 to 40 age bracket,” he said. “The recent growth of this segment can be seen in the number of new beverage stores and wine bars opening across the Shore.”

A wine enthusiast for 17 years, Rankin studied wine at Anne Arundel Community College and Wine Spectator School. He writes wine stories for the Shore Life and Annapolis Lifestyle magazines and wrote the monthly wine column for Salisbury’s Metropolitan magazine from 2011-2012. Recently he began conducting wine tastings at local art galleries and wine bars.

His online wine picks are nationally-available wines that can be purchased locally. The recommendations are selections that he tasted personally and considers to be good a good value for the price. Generally, the wines are in the $10 to $25 price range, but premium labels are also listed.

DelmarvaWine.com presents consumer tips and information about local wine retailers, wineries and wine bars. As the site evolves, Rankin plans to add restaurants that offer distinctive wine lists, and lifestyle content which will bring wine consumers together with wine-related businesses.

Future postings will also include profiles about Eastern Shore wine lovers and their personal favorites.

“The goal is to add personality to the site and engage my readers as members of a wine community that stretches from the ocean to the bay,” he said.