Because we never stop learning, this guide offers five books to boost your wine knowledge. From technical guides to entertaining personal memoirs, we’ve got suggestions for every type of wine lover.
The Wine Bible (3rd edition), by Karen MacNeil.
With more than 800,000 copies sold, this is the third edition of this beautifully written work by the award-winning wine communicator Karen MacNeil. It’s an exhaustive guide to wine that explains the fundamental concepts and includes a glossary of more than 400 grape varieties; 400 color photographs, labels, and maps; and some new chapters exclusive to this latest edition. In addition to sharing tips and anecdotes, the author also offers insight into recent trends such as regenerative viticulture and the latest on the science of aroma and taste.
Available here.
Beyond Flavour: Wine Tasting by Structure, by Nick Jackson, MW.
In this second edition, Master of Wine Nick Jackson returns to deliver a practical guide to help all wine lovers in their blind tastings. The book has been completely rewritten and includes new material, such as his approach to tasting that goes beyond flavor analysis to focus on the structure of the wine. He also includes producer recommendations for each grape, information on three new varieties (Verdejo, Tanat, and Saperavi), the world’s primary wine regions, analytical tables, the structure of the grape varieties, and more. Clearly an essential book for those who want to truly appreciate a wine as serious as the Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere.
Available here.
To Fall in Love, Drink This, by Alice Feiring.
Hailed by The New York Times, Forbes, and the Washington Post as one of the best books on wine in 2022, this collection of smart and funny autobiographical essays by wine chronicler (and renowned promoter of the natural wine movement) Alice Feiring is a must-read for 2023. First, as a refreshing addition to the genre of wine literature, and second, for her memoirs that guide the reader through Jura, in France and Moravia, in the Czech Republic, chronicling her childhood, her adventures, the death of her father, and the development of her career. An unpretentious book that is sure to captivate those who enjoy good wine.
Available here.
Wine Talk, by Raymond Blake.
Raymond Blake is an Irish wine writer who has been contributing to various publications around the world for more than 25 years. His latest book, Wine Talk, aims to simplify the terminology and increase the understanding of wine. His pages will help you learn about vineyard work, sparkling wines, and the business of food and wine pairing, and will demystify certain wine accessories and gadgets. If you are the kind of wine lover who enjoys a deep dive into technical details, this book is for you.
Available here.
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2023.
In its most recent edition (number 46), the world’s best-selling annual wine guide is an indispensable document for all wine buyers, because it reveals the best vintages to buy, drink, and cellar in 2023. It provides clear information on grape varieties, viticulture, and wine regions around the world and also includes a color supplement called “How to age wine (and why).” If you’re one of those people who likes to play with the pairing wine and food, this guide includes relevant information for tasting gastronomically versatile wines, such as the Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir.
Available here.
