Must have Books on Wine

The most intriguing thing about wine for me is the endlessness of the craft and the knowledge to be acquired. Most wine professionals will agree, the more you learn about wine, the more you realize you don't know all that much.

As such, allow your interests to lead you but these texts may get you started.

First, definitely grab a few reference texts that will allow for quick look up of wine facts and details to confirm what you think you know.

The process of winemaking is touched upon from the 1,000 foot level but the science of viticulture and winemaking (craft, if you will) is another area of exploration you will find in the literature and the chemists, biologists and artisans among you will appreciate these!

I also recommend a few deep dive in history books to be very valuable in contextualizing wine within human history, from its origins to the bottles in your pantry. These are great reads for history buffs!

There are a few listed here within my specific areas of interest, so I am happy to provide more recommendations if you seek a different research question or area of study.

Finally, we have non-fiction page turners that are great book club, airport and road trip companions that are easy and entertaining to read without too much painstaking detail.

Reference Texts

Wine Folly Magnum Edition

by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack

It's no secret that Wine Folly has taken the wine world by storm with approachable information sharing, education, and graphics that bring wine education to life.

The Magnum Edition Master Guide is a wonderful quick reference text to quickly check factoids on winemaking, varietals details and pairing suggestions. It's a wonderful companion to wine student, admirer and aficionado alike.

World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson

Wine Folly is a great quick reference, but the World Atlas of Wine will give you the in-depth look into wine grapes, the regions and climates they grow in and the cultural intricacies of wine making.

What began as a Hugh Johnson project has been edited into industry dominance by Jancis Robinson and while owning absolutely every edition is not necessary, each edition is better than the one before it.

These authors are the establishment of wine literature and continue to pursue wine publishing projects, education and industry innovation. They have their blind spots however so be sure to follow your interests beyond the pages of the World Atlas of Wine if you find joys in the a particular grape, region or area of interest. There is plenty to geek out over.

Wine in Austria

Edited by Willi Klinger and Karl Vocelka

Kindly gifted to me by Austrian Wine to aid in my research, their book is in impressive work of national pride in wine. Before I delve into just how extensive and in-depth the research is, and the incredible contributions of many gifted authors I will state that this book is a collectors piece. It's construction is gorgeous with maps, graphics, thoughtful artwork, and inserts highlighting producers and estates.

Training Document

You can also purchase a Training Manual for focused study of Austrian wine grapes, winemaking regions and and wine laws of Austria.

Amber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine by Simon Wolff

The title is self explanatory, however the text reveals so much more about the rising star that is Orange wine and it's time honored traditions abandoned in history. Wolff's exploration of the wine, its history and extensive list of producers gives the craft of orange wine the attention it deserves and is a staple piece in any orange wine lover's library.

Winemaking

The Science of Wine

by Jamie Goode

Wine can be reviewed from all 360 degrees-- the elixir itself, its producers, places of origin, history, and the science. Enter The Science of Wine-- the chemical and mechanical processes of wine, the geological contributions, breeding grapes and many more scientific processes that contribute to the success of wine.

Vineyards, Rocks and Soils: The Wine Lover's Guide to Geology

by Alex Maltman

If the Science of Wine makes you want to dig into the crust of the earth, then Maltman's Vineyards, Rocks and Soils will have you licking rocks in no time, fully describing the quality of the silt and the magic it imparts on the wine.

History and non-fiction

The Story of Wine

by Hugh Johnson

Johnson does not consider himself a historian, but his mastery of the historical evidence and relationship between humankind and fermented grapes over the course of time is more than storytelling.

Wine and War: The French, The Nazis & The Battle for France's Greatest Treasure

by Don and Petie Kladstrup

I'll start by stating as a World War II buff with a deep respect for the suffering of so many at the hands of the Nazis, I'm grateful this book exists. The storytelling and capture of the people and the lengths they pursued to protect their treasured wine is remarkable and bad ass. Your opinion of Champagne will change completely.

Whites and Reds: A History of Wine in the lands of the Tsar and Commissar

by Stephen V. Bittner

Bittner's study of wine in Imperial and Soviet Russia in the 19th and 20th century is the best work I've read since graduate school-- yes, I'm biased and partial to the areas of study, but there is no mistaking that Bittner has captured the investment and failure of Imperial and Soviet leadership's lack of understanding for the spirit and joy of wine.

Champagne: Wines of Kings and Queens

by Tom Bruce-Gardyne

Bruce-Gardyne takes the reader on the the ascension of Champagne to beverage of celebration, luxury and top quality outlining every aspect of the beverage from winemaking, history of the region and beyond. If you know any one who loves Champagne, this is the book for them.

Wine Markets and Economics

Wine Wars and Wine Wars II

by Mike Veseth

The wine market place is a hard place to compete it with so many variables and barriers to consider and Veseth pulls the leaves off the vine to bring the grapes out into sunshine. With excellent case studies, in detail market trend case studies that presented major shifts in the wine industry Wine Wars gives .

Wine Wars II digs into globalization and the competition between "Old World" and "New World" production and their consumers. This competition goes beyond the basic economics of supply and demand to winning the palate of consumers in a saturated market.

If you or a loved one enjoy the world of wine economics and markets, be sure to follow the Wine Economist, Veseth's blog and central hub. It's brilliant.

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