Wine For Dummies

by Michelle Grant, Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Ed McCarthy

Overview

Become a wine connoisseur with this fun guide to the complex world of wine

Wine For Dummies helps you explore everything there is to know about wine—the different regions, types, flavor profiles, pairing techniques, and beyond. This edition is updated with the latest, must-know wine varieties and styles, so you can start building your collection (or just know what to order when you're out at restaurants) and discover pro tips on how to sip, share, and store it. This fruitful reference includes a new section full of vocabulary you'll need to describe your wine, plus a guide to all the key wine regions around the world, including the U.S. You'll also discover how apps and social media can enhance your enjoyment of this popular beverage.

• Discover the basics of winemaking in the vineyard and in the cellar
• Choose the best wine for any occasion, budget, or food pairing
• Learn about buying, storing, and collecting wine—plus, considerations for building your own cellar
• Start serving wine like a sommelier by mastering temperatures, opening techniques, and glassware
• For beginning and intermediate wine enthusiasts seeking a down-to-earth book about all things wine, Wine For Dummies is the perfect choice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394320073
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/15/2025
Edition description:	8th ed.
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Michelle Grant, PhD is a Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)–certified sommelier and founder of Era Wine Bar in Mount Rainier, MD. She is a wine writer, wine educator, and food and wine pairing expert with a focus on international cuisines. Michelle is a CMS advanced sommelier candidate and certified Italian Wine Ambassador.

Mary Ewing-Mulligan is the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine.

Ed McCarthy was a Certified Wine Educator.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Wine 5

Chapter 1: What Is Wine? 7

Chapter 2: How Wine Got Here 25

Chapter 3: Winemaking 101 35

Chapter 4: Honing Your Particular Taste (Buds) 49

Part 2: The World of Wine: Europe 67

Chapter 5: Italy: Wine and Passion 69

Chapter 6: France: The Super Model 91

Chapter 7: Spain: Con Vino 129

Chapter 8: Germany: A League of Their Own 147

Chapter 9: Portugal: Força! 159

Chapter 10: Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe: Old to Wine, New(er) to You 175

Part 3: The World of Wine: The Americas 191

Chapter 11: North America: Modern Winelands 193

Chapter 12: South America: Bold and Beautiful 223

Part 4: The World of Wine: Australia and New Zealand 239

Chapter 13: Australia: A True Wine Power 241

Chapter 14: New Zealand: Young and Powerful 251

Part 5: The World of Wine: Africa, the Middle East, and Asia 259

Chapter 15: Africa: Roaring Wines of the Continent 261

Chapter 16: The Middle East: Ancient Vines and Modern Appeal 269

Chapter 17: Asia: Wine’s Next Wave 275

Part 6: Building Your Wine Muscles 285

Chapter 18: Pairing Food and Wine 287

Chapter 19: Buying Wine to Enjoy at Home 301

Chapter 20: Serving Wine Like a Sommelier 313

Chapter 21: Enjoying Wine in Restaurants and Bars 333

Chapter 22: Continuing Your Wine Journey 347

Part 7: The Part of Tens 359

Chapter 23: Answers to Ten Common Questions about Wine 361

Chapter 24: Ten Wine Myths Demystified 369

Part 8: Appendixes 377

Appendix A: Pronunciation Guide to Wine Terms 379

Appendix B: Glossary of Wine and Wine-Tasting Terms 383

Appendix C: Vintage Wine Chart: 1996–2023 391

Index 395