Learn the Basics of Wine, Beer, and Spirits from an Expert Sommelier with The Sommelier Prep Course

wine lover: Although this is intended as a text for those preparing for the Court of Master Sommelier’s Introductory Sommelier exam, it is an excellent book for anyone wanting to know more about wine. The author (who was an instructor at a culinary school) has produced a text that is clearly written and easy to understand. The end-of-chapter question are also helpful. The only negative is that it is from 2010, so some information may be out of date, but the vast majority remains current.

United States on Oct 02, 2022

Dana Arthurs: Excellent book to understand all things wine

Canada on Jan 15, 2022

ann: Loved this book and learned a lot to help me prep for my Level 1 Somm test. It explained things in an easy to understand way (much easier to understand than the course material I obtained in my class). Glad I got this book and will keep it as a handy reference.

United States on Jan 04, 2021

Hector: Compré este libro para preparar mi Certified Examination para la Court of Master Sommeliers y a medio camino me di cuenta de que era insuficiente para el nivel que se requería por lo que tuve que obtener otras fuentes para ampliar mi información, pero es un excelente libro de referencia pues cubre absolutamente todo lo necesario y da muy buena noción de lo que se requiere estudiar. Hay algunas cosas desactualizadas como las clasificaciones de calidad francesas y tiene unos pocos errores como considerar a Ribera del Duero una DOCa. Pero en verdad es un excelente material y lo recomiendo ampliamente.

Por cierto. Pasé mi examen de certified :)

Mexico on Aug 01, 2019

Tyler Osborne: I've been cooking professionally for a while now and wine has been one of those things I've known I should learn more about, but just haven't gotten around to doing. While I won't say this book has made me a master sommelier, I will say I now have a pretty decent foundation on the subject of wine. It's actually pretty cool.

The book nicely summarizes the history of wine, how to taste wine (which is super cool because it's all based on deduction), a brief chapter on food and beverage pairings, the more popular regions in the world where wine is produced, and even talks about beer and spirits.

I just really appreciate how much less intimidated I am towards wine now. This book held my interest very well and I found it fun to read.

United States on Feb 07, 2019

Eric: I recently started at a wine bar and although I have a good deal of experience serving wine, the learning curve at a spot focused on wine was a bit steep. Several of our team are using this text as part of an ongoing study group. We may seek our certifications but one thing is for sure, it really brings the concepts and essential down to earth and within a reasonable grasp. Great resource! Thank you.

United States on Sep 30, 2018

Christopher Robertson: Did the job preparing me for my Introductory course with the Court of Master Sommeleiers

Canada on Sep 22, 2017

Mr L: Great basics and a useful guide to understanding the world of wine.

United Kingdom on Sep 09, 2015

Mark E.: First and foremost, do not forget that this is a textbook...that being said, it reads quite nicely and keeps interest in the material. The author does a successful job of inserting some humor throughout to prevent monotony and straight regurgitation of material. Additionally, the author does a great job of repeating important themes and key terms throughout the book, so as to cement the information in the reader's mind. The only negative I could draw was with the weakness of the review questions at the end of each section; they were quite minimal in nature and seemed a bit too easy. Overall, this book presents a solid foundation and is a great choice for those seeking to become a certified Sommelier, or simply have an above-average interest in wine.

United States on Apr 02, 2014

Booky McGee: If you want to learn about booze, this is the book to do it with. A long time bartender/server in fine-dining I can tell you this book is worth its weight in gold! Even if you don't plan on going the 'Smelly-eh' route this will edify the hell out of you. Can not recommend this book enough!

Canada on Feb 27, 2014