Resources
If you'd like a bit more wine information at your fingertips, check out these resources that have helped me learn more about wine over the years.
Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly
Kevin Zraly worked and conducted wine classes at the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center from its opening in 1976 until September 11, 2001. His easy to understand writing style coupled with this book's gorgeous photography make this one a must have for anyone interested in learning more about wine and the wine regions of the world. Available at Amazon.com.
The Wine Bible by Karen McNeill
Comprehensive is the way to describe this amazing book. While it may read a bit more like a textbook, the amount of information and attention to detail here are nothing less than staggering. No matter what you need to learn about in the world of wine, I can pretty much guarantee you'll find it here. Available at Amazon.com.
The New Wine Lover's Companion by Ron Herbst
With definitions for thousands wine terms, this is the must have quick reference for anyone interested in wine. I'm into this book constantly. And the thing that I love the most is...pronunciations! All those French, German, Spanish and Italian terms are phonetically spelled out for you so the next time you order from a wine list you will actually sound like you know what you're doing! Available at Amazon.com
The Society of Wine Educators
When most people think of wine certification, they think of the sommelier program and understandably so as it's he most commonly known. However there are other wine certifications available out there. I chose the CSW or Certified Specialist of Wine program through the Society of Wine Educators. This organization specializes in wine education and certification programs and they give exams in various major cities around the country. Their website has everything you need to know about the organization and certifications available. One caveat: this exam is fairly dificult. Even if you've been working around wine for years, don't expect to pass the exam without some earnest studying. However the SWE has terrific study materials to assist you.
You've probably already been on Wine.com but if you haven't, you need to take a look. It's one of the best places to go for wine info and ratings on the web. In fact, you can walk into a wine shop with this app on your phone and shop with conidence!
I remember way back when I worked at Chateau St. Jean winery we used to get a modest little newspaper called the Wine Spectator. Over the years it has become a premier wine publication with ratings acknowledged and respected by the world. Whether you subcribe or pick it up at the newsstand, it's the best way to stay on top of what's going on in the world of wine.
This little tool might seem a bit extreme to the casual wine drinker but in reality it is quite functional. This wine aerator allows your wine to "breathe" more thoroughly and in a fraction of the time it usually takes just opening the bottle. If you're not in the habit of letting your wine breathe, especially big bold reds, try this out. I think you'll be surprised how much the wine opens up, softens and shows added complexity. Vinturi has an entire line of different products at different price points to suit your needs. These make a great gift for the wine enthusiasts in your life. Available at Amazon.com or visit Vinturi.com
After years of research, George Riedel (pronounced Ree'-dle, not like the high school in the movie Grease) created high end, wine varietal specific glassware. Meaning they've created specific wine glasses for specific wine varietals to maximize your perception and enjoyment of that wine on your palate. And, after attending a tasting in Scottsdale with George Riedel himself, I became a believer. There is a distinct difference in the character of the wine when tasting from a Riedel glass versus a water glass or even a standard wine glass. They aren't cheap but if and when you're ready to take the next step in wine tasting you should check these out.
Available at Amazon.com or visit Riedel.com