Wine: A Beginner's Guide

by Kenneth Fredrickson

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646110551
Publisher:	Callisto
Publication date:	06/17/2025
Sold by:	OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Chicago-based master sommelier and serial entrepreneur Ken Fredrickson spent his early career working alongside culinary giants Wolfgang Puck and Charlie Trotter. Currently, he operates Tenzing, A Wine and Spirits Company, which is dedicated to the hospitality sector In his free time, you can find Ken entertaining friends end traveling with his family.

Table of Contents

Foreword viii

Introduction x

Chapter 1 Wine 101

Chapter 2 Wine Builds Character 27

Chapter 3 Style and Substance 35

Chapter 4 How to Taste Wine 55

Chapter 5 Handle Wine Like a Sommelier 71

Chapter 6 Wine Around the World 89

Chapter 7 Pairing Wine with Food 123

Conclusion 137

Resources 138

Index 140

Editorial Reviews

Ken has captured a sense of discovery, revelation, and celebration in Wine: A Beginner’s Guide. The book is chock-full of important and thoughtful foundational knowledge as well as unique personal insight. Young somms just beginning their journey should grab a copy, read it two or three times, and hit the ground running.”—Rajat Parr, 2015 James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional

“Wine: A Beginner's Guide is exactly the kind of book I needed when I first got into wine. It's well-written and highly informative without dumbing down the subject matter. I look forward to recommending Ken's book to my staff or anyone interested in learning more about wine. It's the key to having a better understanding of wine and, most importantly, enjoying it.”—Alpana Singh, master sommelier and restaurateur, host of Emmy Award-winning WTTW show, Check, Please!

“What I most enjoyed about Wine: A Beginners Guide is how it combines theory, history, and culture in such a smart and harmonious way. Ken borrows from his professional and personal experience, zest for life, and love of teaching to show how, when combined, seemingly complex and arcane wine knowledge comes together with clarity and joy.”—Grant Achatz, James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Chef (2008) and Best New Restaurant (Next, 2012)

From the Publisher