20 Best 「wine making」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for wine making. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition
  2. Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide
  3. Great Winemakers of California: Conversations with Robert Benson (Interviews with 28 California Winemakers)
  4. The Winemaker's Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley
  5. The Oxford Companion to Wine (Oxford Companions)
  6. Knowing and Making Wine
  7. Decoding Italian Wine: A Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Grapes, Regions, Practices and Culture of the "Land of Wine"
  8. Matt Kramer's Making Sense Of Italian Wine
  9. The Wine Bible
  10. The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide To Becoming A Wine Expert: Take a Whiff of That
Other 10 books
No.1
100

Few wine books can be called classic, but the first edition of The World Atlas of Wine made publishing history when it appeared in 1971. It is recognized by critics as the essential and most authoritative wine reference work available. This eighth edition will bring readers, both old and new, up to date with the world of wine.To reflect all the changes in the global wine scene over the past six years, the Atlas has grown in size to 416 pages and 22 new maps have been added to the wealth of superb cartography in the book. The text has been given a complete overhaul to address the topics of most vital interest to today's wine-growers and drinkers.With beautiful photography throughout, Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, the world's most respected wine-writing duo, have once again joined forces to create a classic that no wine lover can afford to be without."The World Atlas of Wine is the single most important reference book on the shelf of any wine student." - Eric Asimov, New York Times"The most useful single volume on wine ever published... If I owned only one wine book, it would be this one." - Andrew Jefford, Decanter"Like a good bottle of wine, you'll find yourself going back to it again and again... Perfect for anyone who has a thirst for greater wine knowledge." - Edward Deitch, NBC/today.com"The World Atlas of Wine belongs on your shelf... The essential rootstock of any true wine lover's library. A multi-layered snapshot of wine and how it has evolved." - Dave McIntyre, Washington Post

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No.2
100

JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNERThe expanded wine guide from the creators of Wine Folly, packed with new information for devotees and newbies alike.Wine Folly became a sensation for its inventive, easy-to-digest approach to learning about wine. Now in a new, expanded hardcover edition, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is the perfect guide for anyone looking to take his or her wine knowledge to the next level. Wine Folly: Magnum Edition includes:More than 100 grapes and wines color-coded by style so you can easily find new wines you'll love; A wine region explorer with detailed maps of the top wine regions, as well as up-and-coming areas such as Greece and Hungary; Wine labeling and classification 101 for wine countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Austria; An expanded food and wine pairing section; A primer on acidity and tannin--so you can taste wine like a pro; more essential tips to help you cut through the complexity of the wine world and become an expert.Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is the must-have book for the millions of fans of Wine Folly and for any budding oenophile who wants to boost his or her wine knowledge in a practical and fun way. It's the ultimate gift for any wine lover.

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No.4
88

There is a saying among winemakers that "great wine begins with dirt." Beginning from this intriguing premise, The Winemaker's Dance embarks on an eye-opening exploration of "terroir" in one of the greatest places on earth to grow wine―California's Napa Valley. Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell weave a tale that begins millions of years ago with the clash of continental plates that created the Napa Valley and go on to show how this small region, with its myriad microclimates, complex geologic history, and dedicated winemakers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of winemaking and the only comprehensive book that covers Napa's geology, history, and environment, The Winemaker's Dance will help wine enthusiasts better understand wine talk and wine writing and, most importantly, wine itself. The Winemaker's Dance is animated by the voices of Napa's winemakers talking about their craft. The book also contains two driving tours through the valley that highlight the landscapes and wineries discussed. An array of unique illustrations―including shaded relief maps overlaid with color aerial photographs―provide a new and illuminating look at the region: its bedrock, sediments, soils, sun, wind, and rain. The expansive narrative considers how these elements influence wines from particular vineyards and how specific winemaking practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the winemaking industry today. Unraveling the complex relationship between the people, the earth, and the vines of Napa Valley, The Winemaker's Dance brings the elusive concept of terroir to a broad audience, adding a vibrant dimension to the experience of the valley's wines. It also provides insights that enhance our understanding of wines and winegrowing regions the world over.

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No.5
88

Published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, the first edition of Jancis Robinson's seminal volume immediately attained legendary status, winning every major wine book award including the Glenfiddich and Julia Child/IACP awards, as well as writer and woman of the year accolades for its editor on both sides of the Atlantic. Combining meticulously-researched fact with refreshing opinion and wit, The Oxford Companion to Wine presents almost 4,000 entries on every wine-related topic imaginable, from regions and grape varieties to the owners, connoisseurs, growers, and tasters in wine through the ages; from viticulture and oenology to the history of wine, from its origins to the present day. More than 180 esteemed contributors (including 58 new to this edition) range from internationally renowned academics to some of the most famous wine writers and wine specialists in the world.Winner of the 2016 James Beard Award for Beverage, this exhaustively updated fourth edition incorporates the very latest international research to present 300 new entries on topics ranging from additives and wine apps to WSET and Zelen. Over 60 percent of all entries have been revised; and useful lists and statistics are appended, including a unique list of the world's controlled appellations and their permitted grape varieties, as well as vineyard area, wine production and consumption by country.Illustrated with almost 30 updated maps of every important wine region in the world, many useful charts and diagrams, and 16 stunning colour photographs, this Companion is unlike any other wine book, offering an understanding of wine in all of its wider contexts--notably historical, cultural, and scientific--and serving as a truly companionable point of reference into which any wine-lover can dip and browse.

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No.6
88

Knowing and Making Wine

Spencer, Alan F.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

A veritable digest of enology, Knowing and Making Wine deals with all aspects--both practical and theoretical--of wine-science. Emile Peynaud, noted research enologist and teacher, brings us the knowledge from his long career and his considerable contributions to current practices in enology.This complete survey of wine-making techniques and wine appreciation examines the latest scientific developments and shows how the results of this research can be applied in everyday practice. It uses simple terms without complicated chemical formulas and includes practical exercises supported by related theories.Conceived as a handbook not only for the student but also for the practicing enologist confronted with day-to-day problems, Knowing and Making Wine gives each an opportunity to solve particular cases which arise, and guides the practitioner where there may be several possible solutions

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No.7
88

Updated for 2022! Wine books typically fall into two categories: those that are 1,000 pages and cover every acre of grape growing across a particular country, and those that try to squeeze the same amount of information into a smaller number of pages. While there’s a place for those books, we believe an introductory study of wine can be achieved without committing to an academic, encyclopedic read or bulling through a condensed group of dry facts. Written by the creators of CostcoWineBlog.com and VivaItalianMovies.com, "Decoding Italian Wine" is a fun, entertaining and easily digestible guide to enjoying Italian wine. Set against a backdrop of fast facts, regional breakdowns with maps, pop culture references and interesting historical tidbits, "Decoding Italian Wine" allows readers to absorb a plethora of Italian wine information without the effort required to study dense text filled with obscure grape varietals and arcane industry lingo.Our goal is for readers to feel comfortable visiting the Italian wine section at their local wine shop, engaging in dialogue about the wine, and picking out a bottle they’ll enjoy. We want readers to open the wine list at an Italian restaurant, understand what they’re looking at, and have fun picking a wine that will pair best with their meal. Along the way we’ll show you how to read Italian wine labels, discuss how Italian wines are classified, suggest some amusing Italian phrases to work into your vocabulary, highlight rappers’ passion for Moscato, and even share a little bit about the wine scenes in classic Italian films like "Bicycle Thieves" and "La Dolce Vita." Salute!

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No.8
83

Matt Kramer, longtime Wine Spectator columnist and author of the classic Making Sense series of wine books, now turns his palate toward Italy. Though Italian wine is the most popular wine among consumers, it remains puzzling to most wine lovers who wouldn't know a Barolo from a Barbaresco. Though shrouded in mystery, Italian wine has some of the most exciting and affordable varieties being produced today. Kramer is a trusted companion in the wine store, telling his readers the essentials: which wines can't be missed, and which are safe to skip. Organized like a “Shopper's Guide,” this unique book offers the lowdown on the most dazzling wines in every price range-their regions, traditions, and which foods to match with them. With Kramer's trademark wit and intelligence, here is an invaluable tool to finding treasures in the local wine shop.

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No.9
83

The Wine Bible

MacNeil, Karen
Workman Publishing Company

No one can describe a wine like Karen MacNeil.Comprehensive, entertaining, authoritative, and endlessly interesting, The Wine Bible is a lively course from an expert teacher, grounding the reader deeply in the fundamentals—vine-yards and varietals, climate and terroir, the nine attributes of a wine’s greatness—while layering on tips, informative asides, anecdotes, definitions, photographs, maps, labels, and recommended bottles. Discover how to taste with focus and build a wine-tasting memory. The reason behind Champagne’s bubbles. Italy, the place the ancient Greeks called the land of wine. An oak barrel’s effect on flavor. Sherry, the world’s most misunderstood and underappreciated wine. How to match wine with food—and mood.Plus everything else you need to know to buy, store, serve, and enjoy the world’s most captivating beverage.

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No.10
81

Richard Betts is one of fewer than two hundred master sommeliers in the world, but he’s no wine snob and he hates wine-speak. In the first book of its kind, he helps readers scratch and sniff their way to expertise by introducing the basic components of wine—the fruits, the wood, the earth—enabling anyone to discover the difference between a Syrah and a Sangiovese and get the glass they love every time. Humorously illustrated, with 16 scents, this irresistible gift puts the fun back in wine fundamentals.

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No.11
80

From the world-renowned sommelier Aldo Sohm, a dynamic, essential wine guide for a new generationNAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY FOOD52Aldo Sohm is one of the most respected and widely lauded sommeliers in the world. He's worked with celebrated chef Eric Ripert as wine director of three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin for over a decade, yet his philosophy and approach to wine is much more casual. Aldo's debut book, Wine Simple, is full of confidence-building infographics and illustrations, an unbeatable depth of knowledge, effusive encouragement, and, most important, strong opinions on wine so you can learn to form your own. Imbued with Aldo's insatiable passion and eagerness to teach others, Wine Simple is accessible, deeply educational, and lively and fun, both in voice and visuals.This essential guide begins with the fundamentals of wine in easy-to-absorb hits of information and pragmatic, everyday tips—key varietals and winemaking regions, how to taste, when to save and when to splurge, and how to set up a wine tasting at home. Aldo then teaches you how to take your wine knowledge to the next level and evolve your palate, including techniques on building a “flavor library,” a cheat sheet to good (and great) vintages (and why you shouldn't put everything on the line for them), tips on troubleshooting tricky wines (corked? mousy?), and, for the daring, even how to saber a bottle of champagne. This visual, user-friendly approach will inspire readers to have the confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm to taste smarter, drink boldly, and dive headfirst fearlessly into the exciting world of wine.

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No.12
80

As thousands of wines from around the globe enter the marketplace and the American palate continues to adopt flavors from a range of cultures, the task of pairing wine and food becomes increasingly complicated. No longer is the choice simply red or white, or wines from California, France, or Italy. The typical shopper today has access to wines from those regions plus South Africa, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. If that isn’t confusing enough, Asian, Creole, and Latin American dishes might find their way onto the same table. Perfect Pairings, by well-known Master Sommelier and respected restaurant industry veteran Evan Goldstein, provides straightforward, practical advice for how to pair wine with each meal. The quintessential resource for matching wine and food, Perfect Pairings acts as a guide to wine, wine terminology, and wine-growing regions as well as a cooking guide: this versatile coffee table book includes 58 companion recipes developed by celebrated chef Joyce Goldstein that showcase each type of wine.Perfect Pairings combines in-depth explorations of twelve grape varietals, sparkling wines, and dessert wines with guidance about foods that enhance the wide range of styles for each varietal. Whether the Chardonnay is earthy and flinty, or rich, buttery, and oak-infused; whether the Pinot Noir fruity and tropical, or aged and mature, Goldstein explains how to match it with dishes that will make the wine sing. His clear, educational, and entertaining approach towards intimidating gastronomical questions provides information for all readers, professional and amateur chefs alike.* 16 full-color photos* Six seasonal and special occasion menus* Tips for enhancing food and wine experiences, both at home and in restaurants* Glossary of wine terminology* Overview of the world’s primary wine-growing regions* Recommendations of more than five hundred wines, ranging in price from everyday to splurge

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No.13
79

From the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Wine for Normal People, described by Imbibe magazine as "a wine podcast for the people."Wine for Normal People is an unpretentious guide to everything you ever wanted to know about wine.Learn a not-snobby wine vocabulary, how and where to buy wine, how to read a wine label, and so much more. This is the go-to wine book for men, women, and all other people who want to know more without becoming sommeliers.• Rich with charts, maps and lists• Includes tips on how to smell, swirl, and taste wine• Both highly comprehensive and approachableExplore the basics of wine, including tasting, regions, wine making, etiquette, and buying with this vividly illustrated handbook.Author Elizabeth Schneider's deep knowledge and unintimidating delivery make this a friendly introductory wine book.• . The perfect gift for Mother's and Father's Day, millennials who are starting to get serious about wine, fans of the Wine for Normal People podcast, and people in the restaurant industry• A down-to-earth resource for anyone seeking an introduction to the world of wine• Great for those who loved Wine Folly: The Master Guide by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack, The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil, and Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste by Bianca Bosker

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No.14
79

2020 JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNERJANCIS ROBINSON - 2020 JAMES BEARD COOKBOOK HALL OF FAME HONOREE"The most useful single volume on wine ever published... If I owned only one wine book, it would be this one." - Andrew Jefford, DecanterA major new edition of this landmark wine book that has sold 4.7 million copies worldwide.Few wine books can be called classic, but the first edition of The World Atlas of Wine made publishing history when it appeared in 1971. It is recognized by critics as the essential and most authoritative wine reference work available. This eighth edition will bring readers, both old and new, up to date with the world of wine.To reflect all the changes in the global wine scene over the past six years, the Atlas has grown in size to 416 pages and 22 new maps have been added to the wealth of superb cartography in the book. The text has been given a complete overhaul to address the topics of most vital interest to today's wine-growers and drinkers.With beautiful photography throughout, Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, the world's most respected wine-writing duo, have once again joined forces to create a classic that no wine lover can afford to be without."The World Atlas of Wine is the single most important reference book on the shelf of any wine student." - Eric Asimov, New York Times"Like a good bottle of wine, you'll find yourself going back to it again and again... Perfect for anyone who has a thirst for greater wine knowledge." - Edward Deitch, NBC/today.com"The World Atlas of Wine belongs on your shelf... The essential rootstock of any true wine lover's library. A multi-layered snapshot of wine and how it has evolved." - Dave McIntyre, Washington PostA "masterwork" and a "must-have" - Food & WineWinner Andre Simon Award Best Drinks Book of 2019Shortlisted for the Louis Roederer Wine Book of the Year 2020

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No.15
79

A fascinating exploration of the inside world of sommeliers, sharing their unique perspectives, extensive expertise, and best stories.Rajat Parr’s profound knowledge of wines, deep relationships with producers, and renowned tasting abilities have made him a legend in the business. As wine director for the Mina Group, Parr presides over the lists at some of the country’s top restaurants. In Secrets of the Sommeliers, Parr and journalist Jordan Mackay present a fascinating portrait of the world’s top wine professionals and their trade. The authors interviewed the elite of the sommelier community, and their colleagues’ insights, recommendations, and entertaining stories are woven throughout, along with Parr’s own takes on his profession and favorite winemakers and wines. Along the way, the authors give an immersion course in tasting and serving wine; share strategies for securing hard-to-find bottles at a good price and identifying value sweetspots among the many regions; and teach readers how to make inspired food pairings.Winner - 2011 James Beard Cookbook Award - Beverage Category

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No.16
78

This essential reference for oenophiles -- long used as the go-to text for the prestigious Master Sommelier examination -- is the most comprehensive guide to the world of wine, featuring authoritative information on the history, culture, geography, and taste of vintages around the globe.Fully updated and revised for the first time since 2011, this new 800-page edition of Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia reflects the most recent trends in the dynamic world of wine, written by experts around the globe. Beautifully illustrated with more than 400 images and 100 brand-new National Geographic maps, this definitive guide is arranged geographically to highlight the regions and climates that produce the best vintages. From the countries of Southeast Europe to the Eastern Mediterranean, each page is packed with information on flavor notes, vineyard profiles, tasting room guides, grape know-how, and special information on unique varietals. The book also features top wines organized by maker and year; a troubleshooter's guide to potential wine faults; a taste chart to help identify flavors; up-and-coming producers; unusual wines, food pairings, and more. You'll find time lines depicting the chronology of wine from 500 million B.C., expert sommelier tips, and thousands of recommendations for the latest and greatest reds, whites, and rosés. The most up-to-date and comprehensive wine refence in the world, this stunning book is an oenophile's dream--and a must-have for anyone looking to become an expert in wine.

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No.17
78

The ultimate course for wine lovers! Learn your sauvignon blanc from your chardonnay and your merlot from your grenache.Smell, swirl and taste your way to transforming from wine novice to expert. The pages of this wine book make a comprehensive, no-nonsense wine tasting course that covers every aspect of wine from grape to glass.Explore the nuances of your favorite red and white and discover new cultivars. Inside, you’ll find:• A dynamic course in understanding wine ― through tasting and appreciation ― with every subject given a high-impact visual treatment.• A structure that reflects how people approach wine ― talking, tasting, and buying wine comes before exploring grape varieties and wine regions.• All key wine subjects are covered, shown and explained in an easy-to-understand way.• Themed tasting exercises are located throughout the book, encouraging readers to learn at their own pace.Follow expert wine advice in the latest edition of Wine: A Tasting Course. The updated text and refreshed design bring concepts to life like food and wine pairing, identifying the style spectrum, and distinguishing taste and smell. It explores fun wine facts and explodes myths, giving you everything you need to talk, taste and enjoy your favorite vintage.Can't smell honeysuckle in that glass of sauvignon blanc, or wondering which end of a bottle of chianti is the "nose?" With this immersive guide to all things wine, you'll soon become an expert. Pour over vibrant infographics and learn through "Did you know?" boxes as you try out a selection of taste tests, and get a handle on grape varieties and regions. This wine guide is a beautiful gift for the wine lover in your life, or the book for beginners you’ve been searching for to enjoy, understand and appreciate wine.

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No.18
78

Wine: A Beginner's Guide

Fredrickson, Ken
Callisto Media

Everything you need to know about the fruit of the vine―From A to Zinfandel.If you enjoy wine―but can't articulate why―you're not alone! From terroir to global varieties, Wine: A Beginner's Guide breaks down the complex bouquets of winemaking and tasting into ways that are fun and easy to understand.Learn what really makes a cabernet sauvignon red. Taste how it's possible to detect a hint of leather, chocolate, or even rubber in a single sip. Confidently discuss the subtleties of different types of grapes with the guide that has everything you need to know to grow your love of wine.Wine: A Beginner's Guide includes: Taste right―The 4-Step process to tasting wine means you'll get the most flavor from every swish and swirl. Pour with poise―Handle a bottle of vino just right, with tips on proper serving temperature, glass style, and long-term storage. Perfect match―An entire chapter on pairing with food means you'll select a bottle that complements every meal.Uncork your inner sommelier and sip confidently with Wine: A Beginner's Guide.

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No.19
77

Raise a glass to the 35th anniversary edition of the definitive guide to understanding and appreciating wine—written by James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Kevin Zraly and with more than three million copies sold.“When it comes to beginners’ wine guides, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is one of the perennial best.” — The Wall Street JournalKevin Zraly is America’s ultimate wine educator, and his entertaining teaching style has made this must-have book a treasured favorite for more than three decades. He demystifies every aspect of wine: grape varieties, winemaking techniques, different types and styles of wine, how to read a wine label, and how to evaluate a wine in just 60 seconds. Ranging from the renowned reds of Bordeaux and California to the trailblazing whites of New York and Burgundy, this essential volume features maps of each region, lush photographs, a wealth of infographics, more than 800 of the best-value wines from around the world, over 100 labels—including some new to this edition—to help you find the right wines, and guided tastings. It also highlights the best vintages to savor and includes comprehensive notes on food pairings, frequently asked questions, and quizzes to test your knowledge. In short, Kevin Zraly Windows on the World Complete Wine Course provides all the tools you need to discover and enjoy the perfect wines for you. This revised edition includes new chapters on Prosecco, Rosé, and the wines of Sicily, plus a fascinating chapter written from the author's unique 50-year perspective on how wine and food culture has changed since 1970.

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No.20
77

Winner of the 2007 IACP Cookbook of the Year AwardWinner of the 2007 IACP Cookbook Award for Best Book on Wine, Beer or SpiritsWinner of the 2006 Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year AwardWinner of the 2006 Gourmand World Cookbook Award - U.S. for Best Book on Matching Food and WinePrepared by a James Beard Award-winning author team, "What to Drink with What You Eat" provides the most comprehensive guide to matching food and drink ever compiled--complete with practical advice from the best wine stewards and chefs in America. 70 full-color photos.

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