Reviews for California Wine For Dummies

The average rating for California Wine For Dummies based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-06-25 00:00:00 Sean Ross Before reading this book, I had no idea that California produced so much of the wine enjoyed in the US. I also had no idea of the amount of wine they produced overall. The statistics mentioned at the beginning of the book were enlightening. I found out that almost 70 percent of the wine consumed in the US is from California. This book really opened my eyes to the amount and quality of wines from California. The book contained many helpful features. The cheat sheet located in the front of the book was loaded with good information. One section that I found most helpful was the pronunciation guide. I was unfamiliar with some of the wines so this section should help me avoid embarrasing pronunciation errors when trying a new wine. Another great feature was the inclusion of websites for locating availability and prices of wines. The definitions of regulated terms and explanations of unregulated terms and other information found on wine labels helps one to understand the language of wine labels. After decoding the wine label, the authors include a short history of wine making in California. Descriptions were given of the major wine regions in California. They even include information about visiting California wineries, such as information on winery tours and local accomodations and restaurants. Descriptions of varietals and listings of the author's recommended wines to try is another helpful feature. McCarthy and Ewing-Mulligan explain everything clearly while not being condescending. I enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed putting my new knowledge to work the next time I bought wine. The authors credentials in the wine field gave me confidence in their writing. The authors also give websites for locating availability and prices of wines. Overall, I thought it was a fairly comprehensive first guide to California wines. It is quite a lot of information in one book and a great place to start for people that want to learn more about California wines. I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in learning more about California wines.

Review # 2 was written on 2009-06-20 00:00:00 Timothy Van Ryswyk Boy, did I need this book! There is no place that I feel more stupid than standing in the wine aisle trying to pick out a bottle of wine. I've even been wine tasting in the Napa Valley, but that was with a bunch of friends and I was more interested in partying than paying attention to all that talk about varietals and blends and notes. This book has all the nuts and bolts you need to build a good base of knowledge about California wine. It methodically takes you through each of the Big Six: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Included in each section is a primer on what that variety usually tastes like, where the grapes are usually grown for that type, and advice on what to expect in a good tasting bottle. Handy lists at the end of each section give recommended brands for various price ranges. Later sections cover less well-known wine varieties, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. There is also advice about planning a wine-tasting vacation, getting around in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, and how to look like you know what you're doing at a wine tasting. A handy perforated cheat sheet is in the front for taking along to the wine aisle so you don't freeze up and buy the bottle with the prettiest label or the coolest name. :) I found myself wishing that they provided a website where you could get those recommended brand lists for uploading to your iPhone. I might just type them up myself so I have them on hand for my next trip to buy wine.