The approaching Christmas season can seem like a little nightmare for everybody who loves wine and has friends who also love wine. It's because it is getting more and more difficult to find something interesting, helpful, or smart to give to people like that. When I run out of wine gift ideas, including a wine magazine subscription, and can't afford to break my bank, I usually give away a book. They never disappoint.
This time, I suggest the work of one of the most renowned and enjoyable wine bloggers you can find out there in the mare magnum of the web: the only and unique 1WineDude, Joe Roberts. A guy who doesn’t take himself (too) seriously, let alone the wine. Yet, he is highly esteemed internationally as a trustworthy (and award-winning) wine blogger (don’t call him “wine expert”, he hates it). Which makes what he writes on his blog or, as in this case, in a book even more important and meaningful.
How to Win at Wine can be seen both as a manual for wine novices and as a book of tips and tricks for seasoned wine enthusiasts. Because, let's face it, when you're passionate about something, the risk of spending much more on it than you had anticipated is always just around the corner. Thus Joe’s book is “A Practical Playbook for Getting Maximum Enjoyment from Every Bottle — Without Spending a Fortune”. A promise aimed at everyone.
In just 8 chapters, Joe Roberts takes and debunks any fear, embarrassment, or doubt you can have about the wine you like. “You don’t need to know details of particle physics to enjoy shooting a game of pool; the same principle kind of applies here, too.” It is the general rule here. No worries if you don't care about “being educated” about wine: Joe will guide you where you want to go, or better yet, will avoid you getting lost along the way.
Everybody can win at wine, if only they know how to do it. “The “game” of wine is knowing how to spot what really matters: how a bottle tastes, how it was made, and whether it fits you. Once you know those things, you stop guessing. You start winning.”
Winning at wine means, Joe writes,
• Know what you like and why you like it.
• Recognize quality without chasing prestige.
• Spot value faster than hype.
• Relax into every pore because you’re no longer second-guessing yourself.
You’ll still have surprises, but they’ll be good ones.
Conclusion: Is this book worth buying for yourself and some friends? Absolutely YES. Not only because it is truly enjoyable to read. I had the luck to meet Joe some years ago in Montefalco, so it seems to me to hear his voice in these pages.
But overall because it is helpful.
It opens some pots that wine pros would prefer not to open.
Encourage yourself to trust your curiosity- and don't listen to what others say about your wine choice.
To sum up, if you want:
Understand your taste
Find better bottles for less
Taste and pair with confidence
Make wine part of your lifestyle, this book is for you.
Purchase it here.