Where To Buy Pacific Pinot Noir: A Comprehensive Winery Guide for Consumers and Connoisseurs

An excellent book. The only problem is that the world of wine changes faster then books can keep up. I live in Paso Robles and this book has very little on the exciting things being done with Pinot Noir here. Both Jack's Creek and Windward were worth inclusion, but were probably just overlooked. Still, it is really essential to have this book if you love good Pinot Noir.Get more detail about Pacific Pinot Noir: A Comprehensive Winery Guide for Consumers and Connoisseurs.

Shop For Espresso: Ultimate Coffee

A GOOD COFFEE TABLE CONVERSATION BOOK IN THE GENERAL SENSE, NOT OVERLOADED WITH DETAILED INFORMATION BUT VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW.Get more detail about Espresso: Ultimate Coffee.

Women of Wine: The Rise of Women in the Global Wine Industry

Interesting and informative... Only complaint would be that it has kind of a feminist driven undertone;-)
I do love reading about women in wine and I'm glad that they get recognized for their hard work.Get more detail about Women of Wine: The Rise of Women in the Global Wine Industry.

Monet's Table: The Cooking Journals of Claude Monet Review

The book had water damage all along the back upper jacket cover - not disclosed in description of product on Amazon.com
Otherwise the product was to my satisfaction.Get more detail about Monet's Table: The Cooking Journals of Claude Monet.

Into the Earth: A Wine Cave Renaissance Top Quality

This is a very impressive and beautiful book. It is very obvious a tremendous amount of work went into this book. The passion and knowledge is also very obvious.Get more detail about Into the Earth: A Wine Cave Renaissance.

Absolut Book.: The Absolut Vodka Advertising Story This instant

I have always enjoyed the Absolut ads in the New Yorker magazine and was thrilled to find this book at Amazon. It's a great book with interesting and amazing pictures.Get more detail about Absolut Book.: The Absolut Vodka Advertising Story.

From the Earth to the Table: John Ash's Wine Country Cuisine Best Quality

It is so refreshing to fine a new and simple to follow cookbook. I have hundreds of cook books, Chef Ash teaches and reminds of things we should all know about cooking. If you are just starting to cook or are a seasoned cook you will absolutely love have this in your kitchen. I received this for a Christmas and have not stopped cooking from it. I've made all my friends buy it because I'm tired of writting down the recipes. Get yours now. Get more detail about From the Earth to the Table: John Ash's Wine Country Cuisine.

California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles Get it now!

This book was great! Amazing pictures, insightful, informative narratives about various wineries from Santa Barbara up through Paso Robles. Yes, it hits only a fraction of the vineyards in these wine regions, but it gave a wonderful starting place in knowing a little about some of them! We ended up making a point to hit 6 or 7 of these vineyards because of the write ups about the history or uniqueness of them. This book is fairly accurate--Beckman, Clautierre, Eberle, Rideau, etc...all great wineries. Don't take this book for an end-all guide to the only must see wineries, but it's a great starting point!Get more detail about California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch Buy Now

the Guide is out of print so I had to purchase a used copy. Unbelievably, the copy was pristine. It arrived quickly and was just what I had hoped. Completely detailed and choc' full of info. Perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything.Get more detail about Michael Jackson's Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch.

How to Keep Slim, Healthy and Young With Juice Fasting Order Now

This was a gift for my friend who is fond of juicing. She does not want to take the blood pressure medicine perscribed to her so she is trying to control it through diet. She is thrilled with this book. So I suppoose I would have to say if you are into juicing, this is a good book to get. Get more detail about How to Keep Slim, Healthy and Young With Juice Fasting.

The New Italy: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Italian Wine Decide Now

While this would certainly not be my first pick as a reference book for Italian wine, it is an enjoyable addition to the shelf.
For those who want regions to come alive with photographs, this book will accomplish that - and most likely whet ones appetite for a visit to Italy, where the next stage of study awaits. Get more detail about The New Italy: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Italian Wine.

Beer (Eyewitness Companions) Right now

Well I have to say, for me this was simply a fun book to brows through and pick up bits and pieces of information. It is certainly not the beginning nor the end of beer books, but like all of the Eyewitness books, it is a class act and you really cannot help but learn while reading.

I am not a big beer drinker and am certainly not a beer gourmet, aficionado, or expert in any way. I like beer but when I drink it I do so very selectively and indulge in relatively small amounts; usually no more than two glasses at a time. Now that being said, I am adventuresome in my beer drinking and am constantly trying any new brand that I come in contact with, both foreign and domestic. For the life of me I cannot even pronounce the names of some of the brews I have tasted over the years. This is sort of a pity because when I have found a special drink that I like, I cannot remember the name of the thing. This work, on a limited scale, can help me solve some of that problem.

The format used in this work is pretty typical Eyewitness. We have a good short history of beer, an overview of the brewing process which includes methods from different countries and regions and different grains and additives used now and through the ages. This was all quite interesting as I now know why I am tasting what I am tasting.

The book then goes on to give a short review, country by country, region by region of some of the known, and in some cases least known brands of beer in the world. Of course, like any such work, not every product of every country you are familiar with will be addressed here. As has been pointed out by other reviewers, some great beer brands have been excluded or one reason or another. Now this may upset those of you who are true followers of this delightful drink, but for me it did not matter much. I learned of some brews I have never heard of nor seen and now have high hopes of crossing paths with them in the future.

The author has used lively and descriptive prose and I actually found myself thirsty for the taste of some of the products he was describing. Think of this book as a small travel book, a tour guide to stick in your tucker bag when you next hit the road. It is sort of like a bird identification field guide, except in this case it is beer you want to spot, try, and then record; at least in your taste memory.

As I said, this is a fun little book to read and flip through. I did learn much, but then again I did not know much to begin with, so that is probably not the best endorsement found here. I would just love to be knowledgeable enough to pontificate on this subject and dazzle you with my vast knowledge of the subject, but I fear I really don't know enough to pull that off....yet.

Bottom line: I enjoyed it and feel most others interested in the subject will also. This is a worthwhile read and a definite book to take with you on your travels as it at least will give you a starting point.
Get more detail about Beer (Eyewitness Companions).

Low Price Making Liqueurs for Gifts: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-101

All the Storey Country Wisdom Bulletins are short and full of information. They are one of the first places I look for quick overviews to learn basics and to get ideas if I will really be interested in something. This one covers making liqueurs using a vodka or brandy base and flavorings.
It has a lot of great recipes that can be used as launching areas for your own concoctions and was just what I was looking for. The techniques. I want to make a vanilla cream liqueur for some people for Christmas, and this book didn't have a recipe for exactly what I was looking for but did give me the information to create my own recipe.
Recommended if it's something you're just interested in trying out.Get more detail about Making Liqueurs for Gifts: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-101.

Save Northern Wineworks: Growing Grapes and Making Wine in Cold Climates [2nd Edition]

The second edition is a huge step forward. There has been a tremendous amount of progress since the first edition (2002) in wine grape growing in the colder regions of the United States and into Canada. Tasting Minnesota wines I've seen real progress even in the last couple of years. There really can be good wines, not just novelty wines, produced in the colder climates of the upper Midwest, New England, and into Ontario Province.

The winemaking has also changed and improved, though not as dramatically as the viticulture. There's some information of yeasts and methods particular to colder climates.

Overall an excellent book, with a major (2009) update. Recommended for anyone interested in wines from colder climates than the Yakima Valley.Get more detail about Northern Wineworks: Growing Grapes and Making Wine in Cold Climates [2nd Edition].

Discount A Year of Wine: Perfect Pairings, Great Buys, and What to Sip for Each Season

I've always liked wine, but admit I've never really known as much about them as I'd prefer. I've purchased SEVERAL books. They look good on my bookshelf, but I've never gotten more than about half way through any of them... until now.

"Dr. Vino" packs a LOT of information into a book that's easy to read, informative and ENTERTAINING. And - what's this?? NO SNOBBINESS!

I learned a LOT of things I hadn't known, and had some fun in the process. Finally, pairing wine to the season... who'd have thought? And I actually know which wine to have at my Superbowl party - how cool is THAT?!!

This is a COMPLETE, well-organized book that will benefit you whether you're an amateur or an expert!Get more detail about A Year of Wine: Perfect Pairings, Great Buys, and What to Sip for Each Season.

Cheapest Healing Herbal Teas: A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages

Green Tea 18 Health Benefits for You!
========================================
By Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D,

Green Tea has been highly regarded for thousands of years ans healing medicinal beverage. And in recent years, scientists have confirmed the validity of its ancient reputation, discovering the green tea can fight disease and even lengthen life by:
1. Preventing normal cells from turning cancerous;
2. Suppressing the formation and growth of tumors;
3. Guarding against free radical damage that can bright about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, radiation damage, and aging;
4. Enhancing immune systems functions;
5. Controlling cholesterol levels;
6. Lowering the risk of stroke by making blood platelets less "sticky";
7. Controlling blood pressure levels;
8. Fighting deadly food-borne bacteria;
9. Promoting "friendly" bacteria in the intestines and encouraging bowel regularity;
10. Fighting viruses, including those that cause herpes simple, polio, and even HIV;
11. Lowering the risk of post-traumatic epileptic seizures in laboratory animals;
12. Assisting in weight loss by blocking the breakdown of starch;
13. Providing a mild stimulating effect without causing sleepless nights or nervousness;
14. Fighting bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and bad breath;
15. Slowing the aging process;
16. Maintaining the body's fluid balance;
17. Reducing stress;
18. Acting as a safe and effective natural preservative in food and cosmetics.

No other substance on the face of the earth, including the most potent drug, can claim such wide-ranging and powerful health benefits, and all without a single side effect. Yes, Green Tea can truly perform "miracles" for just pennies a cup.

By Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D, <>, Page: 87-88

Yuexi Cuilan (Yuexi Green Orchid Tea) - Organic Green Tea 10 Tea Bag 30g

Green Tea and Weight Loss - Losing Weight the Natural Way!
===============================================

Green tea weight loss has become a hot topic of discussion in the weight loss and medical circles. The documented positive effects of green tea on losing weight has caused more and more people looking to lose weight to seek out this ancient brew.

However does green tea actually help you to lose weight? Is this all simply hype or is there something real and factual to the stories? Well here are some interesting facts about drinking green tea and weight loss.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss

Green tea and boosting your metabolism - Recently the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported its findings on the effect of drinking green tea and weight loss. Researchers found that green tea extract actually increased the metabolism of green tea drinkers dramatically. So much so that in a 24 hour period the average metabolic rate of the green tea drinkers in the studies increased by over 4%. Green tea possesses extremely high levels of catechin polyphenols. These substances actually aid your body in increasing its ability to oxidize fat and speeds up thermo-genesis which is how quickly your body burns off excess fat and calories. This is a critical factor of drinking green tea and weight loss.

Researchers also found that green tea regulates glucose leevels. Green tea helps to keep your blood levels stable after each meal and prevents spikes in insulin. This means less fat is stored after each meal while drinking green tea. This is directly tied to the active ingredients called catechins found in high levels in green tea.

Green tea also reduces your cravings and appetite - In a recent study it was found that green tea extracts caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight after a week of being injected with green tea extract. These rats were injected daily with the green tea extract. As a result the rats consumed up to 60 percent less food after a week. It's believed that this is tied directly to green tea's ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Green Tea and Weight Loss - The Bottom Line

Green tea helps you lose weight by increasing your metabolic rate boosting your body's ability to burn excess calories and stored fat. Green tea also regulates your blood sugar levels and suppresses your appetite. Green tea is also a far superior choice to drinking coffee each day. So overall the stories are indeed true in regards to the power of drinking green tea and weight loss.

Kancura Herb Slimming Tea + Genseng Tea


How to Brew Green Tea ?
==================
Although it's not hard to do, there are a few things to be considered when brewing green tea

Water quality...
Good quality water is essential for making a good cup of green tea. Make sure you're using good water.

Water temperature...
This is where most mistakes are made. Brew your green tea too hot, and your tea will become bitter. The correct temperature does vary depending on the green tea, but for most it is around 165-170 degrees F (73-76 C.)

Proportion of green tea to water...
Most of our green teas are brewed at 1 heaping teaspoon (5 grams) per 8 ounces of water, but this can vary depending on the tea.

Brew time...
Generally, two minutes is all it takes Any longer, and the taste may becomes too bitter. Also, it's very important to NOT stir, shake, or mix the tea.

Allowing the tea room to expand...
This is rather important. Chinese green tea is compact - it needs room to expand. Tea balls do not work well at all. You'll be much better off using a Japanese teapot that was designed with green tea in mind. It is a one time investment of between $30-$100, and will make your life so much easier.

Take a good look at the inside of this green tea teapot to the left, made in Japan. The infuser screen goes all the way around the inside of the teapot, allowing the tea leaves to expand fully. This is the best kind to use. These teapots are rather small, about the size of a grapefruit, and usually hold 8-13 ounces or so.

Lipton Green Tea - 100% Natural, 2009 New Spring Green Tea, 50 Fresh Tea Bags from China by A2AWorld Green Tea


Get more detail about Healing Herbal Teas: A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.

Cheap Somersize Appetizers: 30 Scintillating Starters to Tantalize Your Tastebuds at Every Occasion

This is a wonderful book that is filled with scrumption recepies that will keep you tummy trim and belly full. I highly recommend this book for someone who loves food and is also watching their waistline. If you like this book, don't forget to try her original book Sommerizing! This book is a wonderful addition to her collection.Get more detail about Somersize Appetizers: 30 Scintillating Starters to Tantalize Your Tastebuds at Every Occasion.

Buying Green Tea: 50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers, and Sweet and Savory Treats

Green Tea 18 Health Benefits for You!
========================================
By Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D,

Green Tea has been highly regarded for thousands of years as healing medicinal beverage. And in recent years, scientists have confirmed the validity of its ancient reputation, discovering the green tea can fight disease and even lengthen life by:
1. Preventing normal cells from turning cancerous;
2. Suppressing the formation and growth of tumors;
3. Guarding against free radical damage that can bright about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, radiation damage, and aging;
4. Enhancing immune systems functions;
5. Controlling cholesterol levels;
6. Lowering the risk of stroke by making blood platelets less "sticky";
7. Controlling blood pressure levels;
8. Fighting deadly food-borne bacteria;
9. Promoting "friendly" bacteria in the intestines and encouraging bowel regularity;
10. Fighting viruses, including those that cause herpes simple, polio, and even HIV;
11. Lowering the risk of post-traumatic epileptic seizures in laboratory animals;
12. Assisting in weight loss by blocking the breakdown of starch;
13. Providing a mild stimulating effect without causing sleepless nights or nervousness;
14. Fighting bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and bad breath;
15. Slowing the aging process;
16. Maintaining the body's fluid balance;
17. Reducing stress;
18. Acting as a safe and effective natural preservative in food and cosmetics.

No other substance on the face of the earth, including the most potent drug, can claim such wide-ranging and powerful health benefits, and all without a single side effect. Yes, Green Tea can truly perform "miracles" for just pennies a cup.

By Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D, <>, Page: 87-88

Yuexi Cuilan (Yuexi Green Orchid Tea) - Organic Green Tea 10 Tea Bag 30g

Green Tea and Weight Loss - Losing Weight the Natural Way!
===============================================

Green tea weight loss has become a hot topic of discussion in the weight loss and medical circles. The documented positive effects of green tea on losing weight has caused more and more people looking to lose weight to seek out this ancient brew.

However does green tea actually help you to lose weight? Is this all simply hype or is there something real and factual to the stories? Well here are some interesting facts about drinking green tea and weight loss.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss

Green tea and boosting your metabolism - Recently the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported its findings on the effect of drinking green tea and weight loss. Researchers found that green tea extract actually increased the metabolism of green tea drinkers dramatically. So much so that in a 24 hour period the average metabolic rate of the green tea drinkers in the studies increased by over 4%. Green tea possesses extremely high levels of catechin polyphenols. These substances actually aid your body in increasing its ability to oxidize fat and speeds up thermo-genesis which is how quickly your body burns off excess fat and calories. This is a critical factor of drinking green tea and weight loss.

Researchers also found that green tea regulates glucose leevels. Green tea helps to keep your blood levels stable after each meal and prevents spikes in insulin. This means less fat is stored after each meal while drinking green tea. This is directly tied to the active ingredients called catechins found in high levels in green tea.

Green tea also reduces your cravings and appetite - In a recent study it was found that green tea extracts caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight after a week of being injected with green tea extract. These rats were injected daily with the green tea extract. As a result the rats consumed up to 60 percent less food after a week. It's believed that this is tied directly to green tea's ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Green Tea and Weight Loss - The Bottom Line

Green tea helps you lose weight by increasing your metabolic rate boosting your body's ability to burn excess calories and stored fat. Green tea also regulates your blood sugar levels and suppresses your appetite. Green tea is also a far superior choice to drinking coffee each day. So overall the stories are indeed true in regards to the power of drinking green tea and weight loss.

Kancura Herb Slimming Tea + Genseng Tea


How to Brew Green Tea ?
==================
Although it's not hard to do, there are a few things to be considered when brewing green tea

Water quality...
Good quality water is essential for making a good cup of green tea. Make sure you're using good water.

Water temperature...
This is where most mistakes are made. Brew your green tea too hot, and your tea will become bitter. The correct temperature does vary depending on the green tea, but for most it is around 165-170 degrees F (73-76 C.)

Proportion of green tea to water...
Most of our green teas are brewed at 1 heaping teaspoon (5 grams) per 8 ounces of water, but this can vary depending on the tea.

Brew time...
Generally, two minutes is all it takes Any longer, and the taste may becomes too bitter. Also, it's very important to NOT stir, shake, or mix the tea.

Allowing the tea room to expand...
This is rather important. Chinese green tea is compact - it needs room to expand. Tea balls do not work well at all. You'll be much better off using a Japanese teapot that was designed with green tea in mind. It is a one time investment of between $30-$100, and will make your life so much easier.

Take a good look at the inside of this green tea teapot to the left, made in Japan. The infuser screen goes all the way around the inside of the teapot, allowing the tea leaves to expand fully. This is the best kind to use. These teapots are rather small, about the size of a grapefruit, and usually hold 8-13 ounces or so.

Lipton Green Tea - 100% Natural, 2009 New Spring Green Tea, 50 Fresh Tea Bags from China by A2AWorld Green Tea

Get more detail about Green Tea: 50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers, and Sweet and Savory Treats.

Buy The Homebrewer's Answer Book (Answer Book (Storey))

Ordered this book from this seller 3 weeks before Christmas. Got it in one week. The book is almost brand new, just like described. Get more detail about The Homebrewer's Answer Book (Answer Book (Storey)).

Purchase Wine Appreciation

I also took Dr. Vine's class at Purdue and worked for his enologist, Ellie Harkness. Dr. Vine's knowledge goes beyond just academic as he was the director of the largest wine lab in California. This book gives great insight about not just wine, but about how it is produced and why grapes growing on a hill are better than on flat land (struggling vine theory). I would recommend this book for anyone really interested in wine and the wine industry.Get more detail about Wine Appreciation.

Order Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became Great Business

With the passing of Robert Mondavi I felt compelled to learn more about the man who has done more for the credibility and quality of American wine than probably anyone else;no doubt he will tell you he has in this book. Besides, it was the perfect reading in the evening after a recent visit to Napa and Sonoma. That is another story. Anyway, the book does much more than examine his personal and families contributiuon to winemaking in America, it explains the early days in Napa and the energy that existed between various wineries as they expanded the American market from table wine to fine wine. The book reads like an epic story of one families rise to power and wealth in the wine business, with all the details of struggles and conflicts woven together to create world class wine. Granted Robert Mondavi does at times blow his own horn but he has a right to, he is responsible for creating the Robert Mondavi Winery after a bitter battle( he actully punched his brother) that had him essentially removed from the family businesss in the Charles Krug Winery. Families can be foes and the impetus for new beginnings. It is a remarkable story, how this man, with his old-Italian-roots and charisma, went around the world in praise of wine, specifically wine from the Napa Valley in California. The book explains his vision of world domination, merging talents with the great wine families of the world to create wine outside of California as well. Robert Mondavi's writing style reflects his enthusiasm. He loved wine, he literally ate and breathed every waking moment of life consumed with the wine busibness. Great men are possessed by a singular drive to be the best,in his case he wanted to produce the best wine. Along the way, in order to appease the business end of wine, it meant he had to create wine that was not of the highest quality(Woodridge) but a good "everyday" consumer wine. Than there is Opus One and the reserve wines from his To Kalon vineyard area; the top of the line of the the Mondavi wines. It is an easy to read biography, complete with two sections of photographs that bring the family and assorted characters to life. I for one applaud Mr. Mondavi for what he did in Napa and elsewhere. He was an ambassador for wine until the day he died. RIP Mr. Mondavi, your legacy lives on.Get more detail about Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became Great Business.

Where To Buy Hugh Johnson's the Story of Wine

a comprehensive guide to the history of wine. grape wine that is, they don't go much into sake or wines made from other products, though some are mentioned. it goes through many countries and time periods and was overall very readable for a history text.Get more detail about Hugh Johnson's the Story of Wine.

Shop For Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West

If you have a passing knowledge about tea, a prodigious knowledge about tea or no knowledge about tea, this book can add to your personal learning. Very accessible writing and entertaining while you learn about the world's most popular drink. Enjoy the myths, enjoy the history and enjoy the tea culture. Best read with a hot cup of tea at your side and should a tea cake show up during the reading it would be all the better.Get more detail about Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West.

Beer Cookbook: 101 Recipes with Beer

Book was a fun addition to a beer-themed gift! But i also did not read the reviews nor the dimensions I assumed the book was full sized not stocking stuffer size....my fault though not the sellers ...good for a college kid. or the person who always has a beer in thier hand.Get more detail about Beer Cookbook: 101 Recipes with Beer.

The Irish Pub Review

We were in a pub in Wexford called the Sky and Ground Pub. Great place. Johnny, the owner bought this place after it had burned to the ground with intentions to rebuild. When he first walked through the door, all he could see was the sky and the ground. So he named it that. He recommended this book, which we ended up buying the next day and using as our tour guide. It was a very good recommendation. We ended up hitting about 11 pubs out of the 38 or so that are in the book. We had the pub owners sign their respective pages. They were very excited by the idea. Most said none had asked them to do that before. This book is fantastic. If you have any interest in Ireland or pubs at all this book is a must, there is a ton of info in here, with a map to plan your route. Plus the photography is fantastic.
Get more detail about The Irish Pub.

The Food of France Top Quality

The topic, broadly, is the relationship of cuisine to its Terroir. the text is incredibly engrossing and informative. This author's place in history and time -- an American, writing in the 1950's about knowledge acquired between WWI and WWII, combined with his writing talents, make this book indispensable to both the traveler and the chef. What an insight into what makes the French so... well, French. Root famously divides France into three geogra-culinary categories: those who cook with lard, those who cook with oil, and those who cook with butter. Helpful Maps, good index make it an excellent guidebook.
I am so proud to have a good used hardcover of this book in my Library.Get more detail about The Food of France.

A Pint of Plain: Tradition, Change, and the Fate of the Irish Pub This instant

A PINT OF PLAIN: TRADITION, CHANGE AND THE FATE OF THE IRISH PUB arrived too late for St. Patrick's Day feature in our March issue but deserves a place in any general lending library strong in Irish history, culture and food and drink. After meeting an Irishwoman in London and moving to Dublin the author began seeking a traditional Irish pub to be 'his'. His search offers views of a bygone Ireland, modern Irish culture, blends in literary references, and offers a warm glimpse into Irish drink and daily living. Highly recommended.
Get more detail about A Pint of Plain: Tradition, Change, and the Fate of the Irish Pub.

Juhlin's Champagne Guide Immediately

While not as encylcopedic as his larger book, this is a great book to become more familiar with the various houses and growers in short summaries. I visited Champagnes soon after reading this book, and the travel guide in the beginning was quite useful, and him including the mixes of grape varietals that different places use with various vintages is helpful. The book is not too useful if you're interested in champagnes over 20 years old. The book is very portable and very easy to get through.Get more detail about Juhlin's Champagne Guide.

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition Get it now!

This book is an authoritative work on the study of wine. It is a good start for a novice and is just as valuable for a seasoned pro as a reference. "Windows..." is full of usefull knowledge and it reads easily. The information is organized thoughtfully so that it may be used for targeted research in addition to general study. I highly recommend this book and the seller. The book was priced fairly. It was shipped promptly. Plus, it arrived quickly as well. Get more detail about Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition.

The All American Cheese and Wine Book Buy Now

I love this book. Laura Werlin created not only a beautful book, but one that contains clear, useful information that is well organized. Not easy to do when tackling wine and cheese in the same book. As a wine shop owner, I found this book a perfect choice for anyone who wants to learn more about cheeses and how to pair them with wines. Her choices for wines and cheeses to feature are second to none! Get more detail about The All American Cheese and Wine Book.

Jancis Robinson's Wine Course: A Guide to the World of Wine Order Now

Going into my wine and beverage class with very minimal education on wine this book helped transform me. I can now answer many wine question and I have learned many things I did not know before. This book is very helpful!Get more detail about Jancis Robinson's Wine Course: A Guide to the World of Wine.

The Only Wine Book You'll Ever Need Right now

This small book provides a lot of useful information. A handy size to keep out and available whenever questions arise. Good information on food parings, acidity, and tannins.Get more detail about The Only Wine Book You'll Ever Need.

Lowest Price Wine Report 2009

This book is worth its weight in gold for anyone in the wine business, or anyone who has an interest in wine that goes beyond the basics. This annual volume covers the odd Jura & Savoie regional wines of France, British wines, the wines of Luxembourg, and trends in winemaking, wine consumption, and marketing worldwide. It's not for everyone, if you're happy with the wines in your local store and have no need for a larger picture (and this isn't a criticism, wine should be mostly about the drinking of the wine after all) then this is just a mess of information you do not need.

The publisher, DK, has dropped the series after the 2009 Wine Report book. There won't be a 2010 guide, but there's a good chance that someone will pick it up again for 2011. We can hope!Get more detail about Wine Report 2009.

Low Price Vineyard Seasons

I recieved this book as a wedding gift almost 10 years ago, and I really love it. The recipes are fabulous, and the book itself is just beautiful, with poems and ideas for each season. A cookbook you can browse through over and over again. Get more detail about Vineyard Seasons.

Save The Sommelier's Guide to Wine: Everything You Need to Know for Selecting, Serving, and Savoring Wine like the Experts

I knew virtually nothing about wine prior to reading this, but since I wanted to educate myself on wine tasting (and avoid feeling like a total dolt at restaurants), I picked this handy book up to give myself a lesson. I would recommend this book to beginners, or anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge of wine. Or, anyone who's interested in the history of wine, its production, areas of production, etc. For a relatively small volume, this covers those topics pretty thoroughly. I'd imagine that wine experts would find at least half of this book--if not all--pretty tedious, as it covers a lot of beginner concepts.

One thing I appreciated a lot was Smith's inclusion of pronunciation guides. He writes in a clear, effective, unpretentious manner that made it easy to understand and absorb information. The major topics that Smith covers: how to taste, wines by type, label reading, areas of production, how to order/match with food, what to do and what not to do, buying and storing, vintage charts.

I kind of wish there were more pictures (the pages are colored, but there are barely any pictures in here). Overall, a handy quick guide to wine tasting, would definitely recommend, especially as a gift to those starting to acquaint themselves with the world of wine.Get more detail about The Sommelier's Guide to Wine: Everything You Need to Know for Selecting, Serving, and Savoring Wine like the Experts.

Cheapest Wine Cocktails: 50 Stylish Sippers That Show Off Your Reds, Whites, and Roses

Well I am happy to know that wine cocktails does not just mean silly ol' wine spritzers of the country club sec. I am bowled over by the Maibowle. Sorry folks this is all I can write...a Maibowle is calling right now! I suggest you purchase and start drinking!
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Cheap Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America's Pinot Noir Country

Photographers Robert Holmes and Andrea Johnson along with writer Jordan Mackay have accomplished the masterful task of creating a book that captures the spirit of Pinot Noir. To satiate my own passion for Pinot Noir, I had envisioned doing a similar project for several years but never found the time. Imagine how thrilled I was, then, to discover this beautiful book with breath taking photography of American Pinot Noir winegrowing regions and wine people. The hardcover book is more than a fancy picture book to put out on your coffee table and forget about. It is filled with pinotspeak and valuable information about the one grape that is uniquely capable of creating an almost religious passion among its devotees.

Andrea Johnson is a well-known freelance photographer specializing in wine and travel with many of her pictures featured regularly in prestigious publications. Robert Holmes is a renowned photographer and writer who has illustrated more than forty books, has worked for many of the world's major magazines and twice was named "Travel Photographer of the Year" by the Society of American Travel Writers. Jordan Mackay has been a contributing writer for Wine & Spirits, Food and Wine, Gourmet, and Wine Enthusiast.

Following a foreword by noted wine writer, Eric Asimov, the contents weave a journey through the vineyards and wineries of America, stopping along the way to capture the essence of Pinot Noir. Chapters include: A Perfect Storm of Pinot, Terroir, A Year in the Vineyard, From Grape to Wine, and In the Glass.

For a peak of the book and some of its pages, visit [...]. The book is currently available at multiple wineries in California and Oregon listed on the pinotbook website and the authors are traveling to wineries for book signing events. Passion for Pinot will be available nationwide at bookstores in March of 2009.Get more detail about Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America's Pinot Noir Country.

Buying The Spirits Of America: A Social History of Alcohol

This book has a perfect balance between in depth reaserch and entertainment. It is like Barbara Holland's "Joy of Drinking" with more in depth research. Burns does an excellent job of illustrating the joys of American spirits throughout our country's history. I found the book very enteraining, especially the passages about the founding fathers and the way they used to drink. It was very helpful with the research I was doing as well. If anyone has an interest in the subject or is curious about the roll alcohol played in our country (its a lot larger than you'd guess), then they should defineitley chose this book over the others. Get more detail about The Spirits Of America: A Social History of Alcohol.

Buy The Picayune's Creole Cookbook

This is a reprint of a book printed in the early 1900's. It is really cool and the couple of recipes I have tried have been super. Some of the recipes have ingredients that are hard to find.Get more detail about The Picayune's Creole Cookbook.

Purchase Pennsylvania Breweries

This is a good book. It has the type of information that should be in a book about Pennsylvania breweries, including some history for each brewery, their location, where you can buy their beer (including some really nice reviews of various brewpubs--Philadelphia included) and reviews of the beers themselves (honest without bringing personal preference into it). Over all a really nice book for the money, and the writer's style is engaging.Get more detail about Pennsylvania Breweries.

Where To Buy Noble Rot: A Bordeaux Wine Revolution

This book covered the latest changes in Bordeaux in the wine business with emphasis on the individual achievement and failures. It is well written and researched. The author was very even in the handling of who has done what to improve or impede further growth of the quality of Bordeaux wines. I enjoyed it immensely and have given copies to friends.Get more detail about Noble Rot: A Bordeaux Wine Revolution.

Shop For A Wine Atlas of the Langhe: The Great Barolo and Barbaresco Vineyards

This book is really a compound of reference material for the serious wine collector, but it is clothed in a history and travel book which is the next best thing to being in this wonderful wine region. Photographs take full advantage of this photogenic region.Get more detail about A Wine Atlas of the Langhe: The Great Barolo and Barbaresco Vineyards.

Essential Winetasting: The Complete Practical Winetasting Course

This is the only practical tasting text on the market. You can read this book, follow the step-by-step tasting exercises and really call yourself an experienced wine taster. Over 15 years ago I bought this book and was thrilled that I wasn't just getting a shopping list of 90+ point wines. This is a textbook. This is an interactive class in the privacy of your own home. This book was a revelation to me. I was a software programmer who loved to cook and this book set me on a path to become a successful member of the wine trade. Five years ago I was privileged enough to attend one of Mr. Schuster's Master Tasting workshops in London and his teaching style was as clear as this text. After a decade of success in the wine trade I still return to this book to polish my tasting and suggest to new students of wine as a solution to mastering their own tasting skills.


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Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture Review

Patrick McGovern's distinctly archaeological analysis of wine in prehistory documents the remarkable saga of human manipulation of the fermentation process. This book chronicles the evidence of 9,000 years of production not only of wine, but of beer, mead, grog (a delightful mixture of fermented fruit, barley or rice, and honey) and various assorted fruit wines and barley and rice beers. As a professor of archaeology specializing in the art of ancient viniculture at the University of Pennsylvania, McGovern is in a unique position to describe the history of wine-making as it relates to the development of human culture.McGovern outlines how the coalescence of environmental conditions and human technological advancements paved the way for the growing importance of fermentation in early societies. Anyone interested in the historical development of wine-making or the role of fermented beverages in prehistory will certainly be educated and entertained by this book.
Societies as diverse as the Egyptians,Greeks, the Sumerians and the Vikings had Gods who oversaw the production of fermented drinks, indicating that the religious significance of alcohol production and consumption is a common cross-cultural thread in the history of fermentation. Using religious, feasting, drinking and alcohol production evidence from the archaeological record as social indicators of alcohol consumption, McGovern blends modern scientific advances with old-fashioned archaeology to describe how he was able to isolate the evidence of fermentation from ancient residues clinging to the internal surfaces of pottery vessels. The descriptive process of recovering, analyzing and interpreting data is the source of McGovern's potency as a writer.
Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture places fermented beverages squarely in the middle of ancient culture and helps explain how the novel flavors, medicinal properties and psychoactive effects of alcohol correlate to the development of civilization. Even though this book may occasionally seem over-technical; or may appear to embellish the social and religious significance of wine, it is an excellent reference for scholars, vintners, brewers and people who enjoy learning about fermentation. Get more detail about Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture.

Juicing for the Health of It (Natural Health Guide) Top Quality

This book reads easy and is great for the novice juicer. Also good information for a person that wants to add juicing to their regular diet. Great recipes and easy to use. Get more detail about Juicing for the Health of It (Natural Health Guide).

Gallo Be Thy Name: The Inside Story of How One Family Rose to Dominate the U.S. Wine Market This instant

There is an interesting story behind the Gallo family and their rise to pre-eminance in the wine world. In theory, it should make for a great book. This books has many of the details but it unfortunately falls short of greatness. It is marred throughout by poor writing and a feeling of amateurishness. It is as if the author can't seem to decide if he is writing a historical account or trying to relate the story in the manner of a crime novel. One feels that both the editor, author, and publisher needed to do a little more research into who their target reading audience is. Once that decision was reached, the book should have been written with that audience in mind. While I found much of the story and the information included quite interesting, the shortcomings in the writing and the lack of focus left me too frustrated to classify this as a book that I truly enjoyed.Get more detail about Gallo Be Thy Name: The Inside Story of How One Family Rose to Dominate the U.S. Wine Market.

Principles and Practices of Winemaking Immediately

I rather like this book, it's a technical tour-de-force of winemaking. And it works well also as a reference.

However, in 2009, I can't really recommend this old, expensive book when the new edition (3rd) of Ronald Jackson's excellent Wine Science is available. Wine Science, Third Edition: Principles and Applications (Food Science and Technology) This is what is used for courses in winemaking today, and is both rigorous and readable. It's also expensive, but with almost 800 pages and a recent (2008) update it doesn't hurt as badly.
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Home Wine Cellar Best Quality

According to his bio, Mr. Sims is a master carpenter who runs a wine cellar construction business based near Sacramento. I was initially concerned that this book was going to serve solely as an advertorial for Mr. Sims' business, and it turned out that this fear was well-founded. However, it was only in so much as that the work Mr. Sims does displays a fine and impressive level of craftsmanship, and that the construction of large-scale wine cellars is not for the average lay crafts-person. Anyone interested in constructing a home cellar should take a look at this guide, but should be forewarned. Afterward it will be hard not to want Mr. Sims to oversee your personal project.

The guide starts by taking the reader through the various "hows and whys of wine storage." Much of this information is useful, but fairly basic. The book then leads into various storage options, the pros-and-cons of each option, and how that particular option is constructed. The majority of the explanations are helpful and detailed, while not being overly-complex. The two greatest assets of the guide are the step-by-step DIY instructions (photos included) and the authors awareness that not everyone wants, or is capable of owning, a massive wine cellar. Mr. Sims takes this to heart by providing chapters on installing self-contained (ie. under kitchen counter) storage units, and on tackling space conversions. The information on these conversions is particularly interesting, including how to convert a bookcase, a wardrobe closet, and under-utilized spaces (ie. under a stairwell) to meet specific storage needs.

Although the later parts of the book focus on larger-scale construction projects (the kind it might be best to have a professional contractor tackle), the same step-by-step instructions are there for those projects as well. These instructions cover everything from interior-wall vapor barriers to fine finishing options.

The only qualms I had with this book were with the content and organization of the final chapter. It strays a bit into auxiliary topics such as wine and food pairings, and has section titles like "The Tasting Ritual," which are not completely relevant to the main thesis.

Overall, I give the guide high marks. It is easy to understand and it flows well from chapter to chapter. It is well-organized, all of the photos are high-res, topically relevant and in color, and many of the examples are delightful and inspiring in nature.

This is certainly a book I will keep around and refer back to. Although I have yet to personally tackle any of the construction projects in it, eventually I plan to integrate pieces of this publication into some of my other favorite construction ideas in the building of a future home.Get more detail about Home Wine Cellar.

Foil Cookery: Cooking Without Pots and Pans Get it now!

I bought this book for recipes to use in our backyard fire-ring. After reading through it, I was very disappointed in the recipes offered. I was hoping for more foil-pouch-type recipes. There are a few of these, but the majority are recipes that you can use anywhere, the author just tells you to "make a foil skillet" or a "foil pot". The title of this book should really be "How To Make Foil Cooking Utensils". The editing is also atrocious in this book. A few recipes have sentences repeated, and there are misspellings everywhere. It seems they spent all the production budget on the cover photography and skipped everything else. There are better camp-cooking books out there, try "Roughing It Easy" instead of this dud.Roughing It Easy : A Unique Ideabook for Camping and Cooking Get more detail about Foil Cookery: Cooking Without Pots and Pans.

Tea: 2010 Mini Day-to-Day Calendar Buy Now

I enjoyed this mini calendar as it gave some interesting tibits of information. I didn't rate it a 5 but I did order one for 2010.

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