[.ca] Wine For Dummies, 3rd Edition (ISBN 0764525441)

From Amazon.com:
In Wine for Dummies, Mary Ewing-Mulligan teams up with hubby and fellow wine educator Ed McCarthy to guide us on an exhaustive, entertaining trip around the enological--that's right, enological--world. Though clearly experts themselves (Ewing-Mulligan is one of a handful of Americans holding the rare title Master of Wine), the authors assure us that even the most basic knowledge will undermine the very notion of wine pretension. It's as simple as this: "This wine is named for a grape variety. This wine is named for a geographical region. When they make this kind of wine, it goes into this kind of bottle." And so on. By providing the context in which to begin exploring wine, Wine for Dummies can easily become the send-off for a lifelong education. McCarthy and Mulligan deflate many of the wine snob's attitudes; they assure us that most wine sold today is "good wine," and that any further distinctions made about wine are ultimately subjective. The practical, jovial mentoring the authors provide encourages readers to chart their own course toward drinking great wine (although the authors naturally recommend dozens of their own favorites along the way). In later chapters, McCarthy and Mulligan delve into more serious topics such as investing in and cellaring wine. Even these discussions seem appropriate, given that you'll probably find the allure of wine growing as its mystery subsides to the force of this superb introductory text. --Todd Gehman

It is worth 10 stars!:
I have always enjoyed drinking wines, but I never knew how to combine them with food, distinguish a good wine from a bad one or how to read a label. I had read some books about this topic before, but none of them was good enough for my level. This book answered all the questions I had. It is the first step that a beginner has to take in the fascinating world of wines, in order to enjoy more what they drink. In a very easy to understand language, the authors explain everything you need to know about different types of wine, grapes, how to taste a wine, vintages, what a wine consists of and what we should take into account when we taste it. Then the reader is presented in details the most important wine regions of the world. It has very interesting tips and charts about wines that you should try at least once in your life. The explanations are so clear and specific, that at the end of the book you will realise you have no more questions. Read each chapter attentively and try to remember every detail. Only after having done that, move on to the next chapter. So, you won't mix wine denominations, types of grapes and areas. The book is very entertaining and concise, by far one of the best manuals. After having read that, I promise, you will no longer be afraid to order a wine in a restaurant or will know what bottle to buy in a wine store by simply reading its label. Also, don't forget to practice what you read. Everytime you have a bottle of wine on your table, open the book and read. Next time you will remember easily that specific wine, the grapes it was made of and its taste. The are only two things I regret about the book: it is not updated (the vintage charts end in 1996) and it does not have attached a video tape. It would have been more useful in order to understand better certain chapters.

Good, but needs to be updated!:
A lot of useful information, but the book has not been updated in a few years and all of the vintage charts end in 1996. A lot has happened in the world of wines since 1996. Try a book that is updated every year like "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2003". I own both books and much prefer Windows on the World.

Wine snobs, beware!:
When I was a kid and I got to go out for dinner with my folks, I remember my dad teaching me how to choose a wine. He showed me how to select a wine according to what we were having for dinner, demonstrated swirling and sniffing techniques, and discussed the local California wineries. It was great! Then I grew up and forgot most of what he told me. The good news is that this book contains everything my dad told me and more! But what I liked best about this book (besides the refresher course) was that it was written in an easy-to-follow, matter-of-fact manner. The tips were practical, the commentary was light-hearted, and at times I almost felt like I was reading instructions written especially for me by a friend. A definite "must-have" for anyone who wants to add a bit of practical culture to his or her repertoire!

This Should Be Your First Wine Book:
The second edition of "Wine for Dummies" (WfD) is an excellent value. In an hour or so, you can get up to speed quick enough not to be totally embarrassed at a wine shop. After reading the whole book, you will have a surprising amount of information at your disposal. There is good coverage of tips on wine tasting, selecting, collecting, etc. There is also very good coverage of the various types of wine and the major countries that make it available. Near the end is a FAQ of sorts which is helpful, as are the appendices. Very little wasteful information (i.e., fluff) and the information is very good stuff. Highly recommended.

Great book !:
Wines for Dummies is an excellent, superb book (I actually read the Finnish version called "Viininystävän käsikirja"). I think the writers Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan not only know their topic but can really tell their story in intellectual, educational, and, last but not least, humorous way. Now I can know as much about wines as I ever need to ! Great book !