In this book, the author takes you all over the world of wine, from Burgundy in France to Napa Valley to Chile and Australia. She did get a little wordy and technical at times but I learned a lot about how wine was made and it definitely made me want to try a real tasting some time. The last chapter gives recommendations for what types of wine to drink with different foods so that will be a great reference for me. ( )

The memoir-like tone initially grated (the same way that Reading Lolita In Tehran grated -- although I never got over Nafisi and I did get over MacLean), but the content was very solid. I didn't feel like I was reading a textbook, but I was picking up on new tidbits of information here and there, which was grand. I honestly don't know how she could have written a more readable book covering what she covered.

I came away glad I'd read it, but not likely to read it again, use it as reference, or recommend it -- unless, of course, you actually seek out books that cloak their content in memoir stylistics. In that case, this is the wine book for you. ( )

I agree with the first review: excellent read for the wine novice. Natalie advocates a de-snobbing of the wine world as wine becomes globally more adventurous and incorporated.

She only discovered wine at the ripe age of a college graduate, proving you are never too old to soak up an appreciation for wine and develop your own distinctive tastes and collection. ( )

I completely enjoyed this book, its made me feel very passionate about learning about wine. MacLean breaks it down so it doesn't get too technical but you still come away learning something. At least I did anyway. ( )

Excellent read for the REAL wine lover: This is the first book that I've read that actually makes it fun to
learn about wine. It's relaxed and realistic for the wine novice.
Natalie teaches about wine to those who want to enjoy it, not just look
impressive ordering or drinking it.
I retained more real world knowledge about wine reading this than I have reading the wine magazines and tomes. ( )