Do You Have a Wine Lover on Your Gift List?

I think it is safe to say that most people enjoy wine, so it can make a great gift, especially if you know someone’s tastes.  But what if you don’t?  One person’s plonk is another person’s favourite, and that is totally OK.  By the same token, it can be a great waste if you splurge on an expensive bottle and the person prefers their $9.99 regular buy.  It can be a bit tricky.  Some people only drink reds, others only white as long as it’s not chardonnay.

 

What’s a safer bet?  Wine books of course.  There are so many available at your favourite book store.  There are technical resources, entertaining wine books, ‘day in the life of’ books about wine buyers and wine makers, even wine related novels.  The following is a short list of some of my favourite wine books and I am confident that any of these will be a welcomed gift by any oenophile on your gift list.

Red, White and Drunk All Over Natalie MacLean

If I had to select just one book, this would be it.  Natalie MacLean is one of Canada’s best known and highly awarded wine writers.  This is her first book and it is filled with easy to read, humourous and entertaining stories.  Everyone, no matter what his or her level of wine knowledge, will enjoy this book and learn something new along the way.

Unquenchable Natalie MacLean

More of the same in Natalie’s second book.  This one takes the reader on a series of wine explorations around the world.  Both books are available as eBooks.  Check out her web site.

Bacchus and Me Jay McInerney

Similar to Natalie’s books but with more of a rock and roll point of view and biting wit – “Not since Baudelaire smoked opium has corruption resulted in such beauty”  (on describing Sauternes).  I love his musical references to describe wine – “Martinelli’s ’94 Jackass Hill Vineyard zinfandel is, on the other hand, more “Layla” or “Free Bird” than “Jumpin’ Jack”.”

The Juice Jay McInerney

Another of Jay’s many books, this one is a collection of wine essays from his wine columns.

British Columbia Wine Country John Schreiner

John is, without a doubt, the most respected authority on BC wine and it’s history.  He has been writing about Canadian wine for over thirty years and has published over fifteen books on the subject.  Buy any of them, especially the Okanagan and Coastal ‘Tour’ books.  They are a wonderful resource to read before visiting any of BC’s wine regions.

Blood is Thicker Than Beaujolais Tony Aspler

Tony is a well-known authority on Canadian wine.  This is his first in his “Wine Lover’s Mystery” trilogy, which includes The Beast of Babaresco and Death on the Douro.  I recommend buying the set from his web site.  They are very reasonably priced.

The Wine Bible Karen MacNeil

Want to know anything about wine?  Buy this book.  It is one of the best books out there.  Easy to read and well formatted.

The Vintage Caper Peter Mayle

Peter is well known for his earlier books, some of which were made into movies, A Year in Provence and A Good Year, among others.  This wine mystery involves a major wine heist.  You’ll enjoy this yarn best, with a glass in hand.

Adventures on the Wine Route Kermit Lynch

This is one of the earlier books about a wine buyer searching for new treasures as he travels throughout France; colourful, entertaining and educational.  Be forewarned though, after reading this book, you’ll be tempted to call your travel agent to book your own French wine tour.

Wine Course Jancis Robinson

Jancis is one of the most highly respected wine critics in the world.  This book is designed to help the reader get the most out of a glass of wine, by describing how it is made, the different types and the wines associated with countries around the world.

None of these books are brand new.  They are simply some of my favourites pulled from my bookshelf.  Most should still be available from bookstores and some have more recent updated editions.  For others, you might want to check with used bookstores or go online.  It is well worth searching them out.