14 November 2007 by Sandy Hemphill
Books for Wine Lovers
Wine lovers are an inquisitive lot. The world of wine is just too interesting but oh-so-intricate to remember every little detail about the magic inside each bottle.
But most wine lovers will want to share with you every little detail they know. It’s not because they are trying to get the best of you. It’s because they just can’t help themselves.
Wine is as captivating as it is delicious and most wine lovers will admit that the best wine is wine shared with valued companions. Real wine enthusiasts can’t stop at sharing just the liquid pleasure; they want to share the details, too.
It’s this thirst for knowledge that leads many wine collectors to collect books on wine, too. The selection listed here is merely a drop in the barrel, so to speak, of the books on wine available.
“Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Wine,” by Michael Schuster is an outstanding book to begin your wine explorations. First published in Great Britain in 1989, it contains many color photos that guide you through the entire world of wine, from the ground to your glass.
“Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2008 Edition,” by Kevin Zraly is the latest in a series of revisions that began more than 20 years ago. Many wine lovers wouldn’t trade this one for anything.
“The Oxford Companion to Wine, 3rd Edition,” by Jancis Robinson goes much deeper in depth than many others. It may be a little too much for novice wine enthusiasts but seasoned oenophiles are sure to treasure this one. Jancis Robinson holds the title, “Master of Wine” and her expertise comes through on every page.
”The Wine Bible,” by Karen MacNeil is an exceptional learning tool. MacNeil is the director of wine studies at the Napa Valley branch of the Culinary Institute of America, so she’s a true veteran when it comes to teaching all things wine.
“Wine for Dummies,” by Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, is the place to go for getting the scoop on the world of wine in humorous, easy-to-understand lingo. Nothing pretentious here. Just fun. As wine itself should be.
There is something timeless about pulling a musty, dusty bottle of wine out of the cellar, where it’s been lovingly sheltered for years, awaiting the perfect moment to be enjoyed. There’s something enchantingly timeless about old books, too.
For a historical perspective, consider older books on wine, to see how attitudes and the language have changed over the years. These books are a little more time-consuming to find but they are certainly available.
To learn more about something specific to the world of wine, there are books written for every specialization. For the person totally devoted to all things Burgundy, for example, there are many books available that are so well written they seem to transport the reader to the charming French countryside, home of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Or perhaps you’re a Champagne lover and want to know all there is to know about this sparkling delight. And if you want to try your hand at making your own wine, there are many books available that will take you step by step through the entire process.
Shop around your favorite bookstores in person and online to find a mind-boggling array of even more books. Visit your local library for wine books to try before you buy. And always check the book selection at yard sales, thrift shops, and consignment stores.
Treasures are everywhere and reading about wine is sure to boost your confidence when selecting and serving wines for every occasion.