Ever been lost in a wine store, staring at a sea of unfamiliar bottles, unsure what to do? You're not alone: Two thirds of Americans drink wine at least once a week, but few know as much as they'd like. Meet the ultimate wine-lover's guide! We'll chart the world's great wine regions and delve deeply into the grapes, terroirs, vintages, and vineyards. We'll show you how to read a wine list, pair wine properly with foods, and taste wine like a pro. And we'll give you the lowdown on the glassware, gear, and techniques you need to optimize every wine-drinking experience. Whether you're building a wine cellar or just trying to get out of the store with something amazing, this magazine is a must-have—for about the price of a reasonably good bottle of wine.
“My only regret in life is that I didn't drink more wine.”
Uncork Your Curiosity • AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE
History of Wine • THE PROCESS OF TURNING GRAPES INTO BLISS HAS BEEN WITH US FOR A LONG, LONG TIME
The Ancient Origins of Wine • AN 8,000-YEAR-OLD STORY OF VINES, WISDOM, AND HUMAN CONNECTION
Medieval Times • MONKS, VINEYARDS, BARRELS, AND GERMS: THE COMMERICAL SPREAD OF WINE
Modern-Day Wine • TRENDS, BLENDS, AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE USHERED IN AN ONGOING RENAISSANCE IN WINEMAKING
Wine Myths and Mysteries • DISCOVER THE TRUTH BEHIND SOME COMMON WINE HABITS, RITUALS, AND PHENOMENA
Understanding Wine • FROM GRAPE TO GLASS, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CURIOUS CONCOCTION
How Wine is Made • THE CAREFUL, PATIENT PROCESS THAT PUTS GRAPES IN YOUR GLASS
White Wines • FIRST IN OUR FLIGHT: A HARMONIOUS MEDLEY OF CRISP, CLEAR WHITES
Red Wines • NEXT IN OUR FLIGHT: AN ELEGANT ENSEMBLE OF RICH, ROBUST REDS
Dessert and Rosé Wines • LAST TASTE: SWEET, LIGHT, AND FRUITY VARIANTS SURE TO DELIGHT
Choose Wines Like a Pro • LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE THE WINE STORE’S ENDLESS SEA OF UNFAMILIAR LABELS.
Taste Wines Like a Pro • MASTER THE ART OF USING ALL OF YOUR SENSES TO GAIN A DEEPER APPRECIATION OF EVERY WINE
Specialty Wines • BRANDY, COGNAC, MEAD, SAKE: EXOTIC FLAVORS TO ROUND OUT YOUR COLLECTION
Make Your Own Wine • A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO STOMPING GRAPES INTO SOMETHING AMAZING
Become a Sommelier • COULD YOU BE A PROFESSIONAL WINE WHISPERER? THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.
The World’s Great Wine Regions • WHEREVER CONDITIONS ARE JUST RIGHT, WINE HAPPENS. WELCOME TO THE TASTIEST TOUR ON EARTH.
North American Wines • FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TO NEW ENGLAND, MEET THE GREAT WINES OF NORTH AMERICA.
European Wines • THE LEGENDARY WINE-MAKING PROWESS OF WINE’S MOTHERLAND CONTINUES TODAY
South American Wines • FROM OBSCURE VARIETALS TO NEW TAKES ON CLASSIC GRAPES, THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO TAKE YOUR GLASS SOUTH.
Australian Wines • DOWN UNDER IS ON THE WAY UP: MEET A SURPRISE LEADER IN WINE INNOVATION.
Upping Your Wine Game • GLASSES, GADGETS, AND INNOVATIONS TO TAKE YOUR PASSION TO NEW HEIGHTS
Get the Right Glassware • WHEN YOUR FAVORITE WINE MEETS THE PERFECT GLASS, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHY IT MATTERS.
Gear Up Like a Star • IMPROVE YOUR WINE EXPERIENCE WITH SOME CLEVER, ELEGANT, HELPFUL ACCESSORIES.
Build a Wine Cellar • BECAUSE YOUR LOVE OF WINE ISN’T A ONE-NIGHT STAND…IT’S A RELATIONSHIP.
All Hail the Vino! • WINE RESOURCES TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING
The Final Pour • WRAPPING UP OUR VINEYARD VOYAGE
CREDITS
The Essential Guide to Wine
Take Your Love of Wine to the Next Level.