In 1975, Parker began writing a wine guidebook. Taking his cue from consumer advocate Ralph Nader, Parker wanted to write about wine without the conflicts of interest that might taint the opinions of other critics who also make a living "selling" wine. In 1978, he published a direct-mail newsletter called "The Baltimore-Washington Wine Advocate", which was later renamed "The Wine Advocate." The first issue was sent free to consumers from mailing lists Parker purchased from several major wine retailers. Six hundred charter subscribers paid to receive the second issue published later that year.