Product Description

The first edition of this popular wine reference was hailed by Jurgen Gothe of the Vancouver Sun as “the best new wine book in more than a decade.” The New Wine Lover’s Companion has been completely rewritten and updated to make it even better. No wine snobbery here. This book’s style is relaxed and conversational, serving up information without intimidating its reader. Arranged alphabetically, nearly 4,000 entries include innumerable details on grape varieties; wine styles; wine-growing regions; wine label terms; winemaking techniques; how to buy, store, and serve wine; how to have a wine tasting; wine-testing terms; sizes and styles of glassware, wine bottles, and wine openers; ordering wine in a restaurant; opening and serving wine at home; temperatures for serving wine; and much more. This book is the only A-to-Z wine reference that offers phonetic pronunciations. It boasts a totally revised and expanded appendix enhanced with charts, line art, and sample labels. Praise for the previous edition came from many food and dining authorities: “…an invaluable, user-friendly reference. I learned something from the very first page I turned to, and keep learning as I keep turning.” —William Rice, Food and Wine Columnist, Chicago Tribune . . . “A great reference! . . . excellent and accurate source for both wine professionals and those involved with wine purely for the love of it.” —Jacques Pepin, cookbook author and TV chef

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10650 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 684 pages

Review
“… One of my favorite compact reference books.”


—Laurie Daniel, San Jose Mercury News, December 2003





“At a mere $14.95, it’s a steal. … The sections are not stody textbook like entries, but are well-written, informative and upbeat. It’s so enticing that I find myself picking it up, opening it at random, reading and learning. … In the back of the book is a wide array of indices including a pronunciation guide to winery names and brands. The authors sagely recognize that such guides are essential for new wine buffs who want to get it right. … For any wine lover, beginner or old-timer, this work is a must. There is a wealth of information presented in a logical user-friendly manner. Highly recommended.”


—Bob Foster, California Grapevine, January 2004





“Know what geropiga is? Neither did I until I saw the entry in this new edition… Obscurities like this make this squat book as addictive to flip through as it is useful. … a great addition to anyone’s library, novice through expert.”


—Tara Q. Thomas, Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News Grapevine, December 21, 2003



“…a handy reference …”


—John Griffin, San Antonio Express—News Morning Edition , December 10, 2003

About the Author
Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst are food and wine writers, consultants, and connoisseurs. Sharon is an award-winning author who appears frequently on TV. Her bestselling previous book for Barron’s, Food Lover’s Companion, was praised by The New York Times for being “As thick and as satisfying as a well-stuffed sandwich.”

Customer Reviews

The true encyclopedia of wine
This is the be all end all of information as far as wines are concerned. We keep a copy in the shop at all times for new employees, and when they encounter a question on a certain varietal or terminology, it answers all the customers questions. Highly recommended.

Excellent Resource
If you love food and wine, this book is the perfect companion to the Food Lover's Companion. It's the ultimate dictionary for wine terminology.

Everything I hoped for from the Oxford Companion, but in an easy to use format.
This book was my favorite dealing with wine. It contains much of the same info as the Oxford Companion, but you can hold it in your hands and carry it about. It contains very useful information if you are learning about wine. Also has a great pronunciation guide for wine terms.