Are you looking to give wine-related books as gifts this holiday season? The suggestions below will satisfy a broad range of palates, from wine newbies to experts. These books won’t wind up gathering dust on a shelf. Your wine-loving recipient will cherish them and keep them handy.
FOR THE IRREVERENT FOODIE
Big Macs & Burgundy – Wine Pairings for the Real World
By Vanessa Price and Adam Laukhuf
Are you looking for a wine to pair with Cheetos? Are you unsure about what to pair with KFC or nachos on Super Bowl Sunday? This book is for anyone who enjoys wine. From fast food to dinner parties, there are more than 300 wine-and-food pairings from which to choose. The extensive list of suggested cheese and meat pairings is invaluable for charcuterie enthusiasts. The book also teaches readers how to experiment with matching wine styles and components (e.g., acid, tannin, sugar) to complement or contrast different food flavors (e.g., fatty, spicy, salty). All of this is done in a very approachable and entertaining way.
FOR THE HISTORY LOVER OR TRIVIA BUFF
The Wine List
By Grant Reynolds
This book begins in 1787 with America’s first wine snob and takes the reader on a global tour of influential vintages from then to now. Both notable and unmemorable vintages are highlighted. The author also shares factors that contributed to the popularity of certain varietals and the introduction of new wine styles. With nuggets about significant events in politics, science and culture, each page serves as an entertaining self-contained history lesson covering a notable year about a particular wine or region.
FOR THE NON-SCIENTIST WINE GEEK
Understanding Wine Technology – The Science of Wine Explained (4th Edition)
By David Bird and Nicolas Quille
Making wine involves much more than just fermenting grapes. This book takes a vineyard-to-glass approach to demystify the technology behind the transformation of grapes into wine. Although comprehensive, it does not read like a textbook and does not have to be read from beginning to end. The additives chapter is particularly eye-opening. Written by two Masters of Wine, they recommend this book to anybody studying for the Wine and Spirit Trust diploma or Institute of Master of Wine exams. For mere mortals like me, this book will be popular among Discovery Channel binge-watchers and Bill Nye the Science Guy fans.
FOR THE NATURE-LOVING ECO-ACTIVIST
Slow Wine – Guide USA 2024
By Deborah Parker Young and Pam Strayer (Editors)
This yearly guide’s most recent edition showcases environmentally conscious vineyards that create exceptional wines. Only wines grown without synthetic herbicides are represented. Each winery review includes details about the people, vineyards and wines, plus an evaluation of growing practices. Wineries that best represent the commitment to Slow Food Values are given a “Snail” emblem. Wines are reviewed based on sensory experience and value. The best wines overall receive a “Slow Wine” accolade, while the top value wines — those priced under $30 — are designated as “everyday.” While most of the wineries are in California, 72 wineries in Washington and Oregon are represented as well.
