While you don’t need to be a wine industry professional to enjoy a wine tour or tasting, we think it’s helpful if you study a bit about the regions you’ll be visiting and the wines you’ll be tasting. Knowing even a little of the basics will make your travel experience better.
Here are my favorite wine books that I own with well-worn dog-eared pages. Some are for beginners, some are tailored toward experts, but all of them will help you get a little more wine knowledge before your trip.
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Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker
Cork Dork is such a fun, entertaining read! Bianca Bosker tells us about her 18-month journey going from novice to certified sommelier and her deep dive into the wine world. It’s both witty and informative and the perfect book to take with you on a trip.
Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette
I recommend Wine Folly for folks starting their wine journey. Madeline Puckette, a somellier, breaks down the overwhelming world of wine into easy-to-follow graphics. No fluff, no pretension, just great information.
Wine For Normal People by Elizabeth Schneider
The book Wine For Normal People and the podcast by the same name are both entertaining ways to get an introduction to wine. As a wine educator, Elizabeth Schneider aims to “bring the love of wine to people who don’t take themselves too seriously.”
The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil
The Wine Bible is the perfect book for those who want to learn as much as they can about wine and its history and regions. Karen MacNeil has won every major wine award, and this best-seller is as entertaining as it is comprehensive.
The World Atlas of Wine by Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson
The World Atlas of Wine is a deep dive into the wine world and regarded as the most authoritative wine reference — seriously, this book is THE encyclopedia of wine. I greatly admire Jancis Robinson, a pioneer in the industry and probably the most important writer in wine literature.
The 24-Hour Wine Expert by Jancis Robinson
Here’s another by my hero. The 24-Hour Wine Expert is the ultimate stocking stuffer for wine novices. Known for her epic, in-depth guides, Jancis Robinson keeps it short and sweet here, offering an approachable, informative book that covers all the basics. It’s everything you need to start building your wine knowledge—and feel like an expert in no time.