The Best Books on Wine to Read in 2021

by JJ Buckley Fine Wines


Glass of red wine on a table with a stack of books.

The best books on wine let the reader inside the world of vintages and vineyards. They take you through the process of transforming the humble grape into a bottle of the divine. There is much to learn about the art of winemaking, wine tasting and wine pairing. Reading books about wine can give you the chance to appreciate what you are drinking and lead to a deeper understanding and better wine experience.

Books about wine make great gifts for wine lovers, and there are so many fantastic books about wine out there that it can be difficult to choose. We have compiled a (by no means exhaustive) list of some great reads on wine, whether you want to learn the basics, wine history, or what to drink with a special meal.

The Basics

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly

This book is a good place to start learning everything there is to know about wine. And even if you already consider yourself an expert, you might be surprised to stumble upon something new. It's a comprehensive look at wine from the creator of Windows on the World Wine School. He takes the mystery out of the wine world, making this book is an excellent read for anyone that wants to learn more about wine.

Noble Rot: Wines from Another Galaxy by Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew

This is a book about wine and the culture around it. It is highly informational and connects wine with the food, music and culture that grows from it. The authors are excellent storytellers and seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience in the wine industry with their readers.

Wine Pairings

The Art and Science of Foodpairing: 10,000 Flavour Matches That Will Transform The Way You Eat by Peter Coucquyt, Bernard Lahousse, and Johan Langenbick

This book is a must-read for the chef or home cook that loves to mix delicious recipes with the best wine. It explains what food pairing is and why it goes beyond the flavor pairing in our taste buds. The book analyzes 10,000 flavor pairings with a taste wheel and color keys. The authors give the reader a fascinating look into how the nose is actually more important than the taste buds when it comes to an understanding the chemistry between flavor combinations. You will learn how to pair your favorite wine with any flavor.

Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World by Vanessa Price

This book is a playful read that takes sophistication out of wine pairings. Wine expert Vanessa Price wrote this down-to-earth guide on the best way to pair everyday foods with wine. She makes wine pairing fun and simple, whether pairing wine with General Tso's chicken or Cheeto. Price can pair the best vintage with any everyday flavor. It's an entertaining read for anyone who has ever faced the dilemma of picking to either dress down or dress up. Why not both?

If you are looking to test out your new knowledge of wine pairing, find a wine at JJ Buckley Fine Wines to go with your favorite meal.

White, Pink and Bubbly

Chardonnay: Discovering, Exploring, Enjoying by Chris Losh

This is a quick, yet informative, read about one of the world’s favorite wines. The author explores the charm of Chardonnay and the history of this popular white wine. He gives excellent tips like how to choose a perfect bottle and the best ways to store and serve Chardonnay. This is a fantastic book and a perfect gift for the Chardonnay lover in your life.

If you yourself are the Chardonnay lover, browse our collection of Chardonnay at JJ Buckley Fine Wines.

Rosé All Day: The Essential Guide to Your New Favorite Wine by Katherine Cole

The book is a comprehensive overview of the history of Rosé and how it rose to such popularity. The author explains how it's made and where to find the best Rosé for your budget. Learning about Rosé doesn't get any more entertaining than this. And, the cute pink cover will look great on any home bar.

Are you looking for the perfect Rosé? JJ Buckley Fine Wines has you covered.

Better With Bubbles: An Effervescent Education in Champagnes & Sparkling Wines by Ariel Arce

Champagne makes everything better. Read this book for an excellent and extensive education on beverages both bubbly and boozy. The author, who was once called the "Champagne Empress of Greenwich Village" by the New York Timesis the perfect person to educate the reader about this luxury drink. The book is divided into two sections, that being one each for champagne and for sparkling wines. The author explains the difference and the beauty of both.

Celebrate in style with Champagne from JJ Buckley Fine Wines.

Wine History

The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine by Todd Kliman

This is a lovely read for anyone who loves learning about the history of their favorite things. The book details the rise of America's Norton grape from the mid-nineteenth century through Prohibition and modern-day, covering the forgotten past of this American treasure.

In Vino Duplicitas: The Rise and Fall of a Wine Forger Extraordinaire by Peter Hellman

A nonfiction book that's so good it reads like a novel. This true story is fascinating and hard to put down. The author, a journalist, follows the life of one of the most successful con men in the history of wine, Rudy Kurniawan. It gives the reader an inside look into the world of rare and fine wines and the people who pay astronomical amounts for them.

If you love to read and drink wine, then these books are for you. Take a deep dive into the intriguing world of wine. And if you need a little inspiration, go to JJ Buckley Fine Wines. We have your favorite wine, and it pairs wonderfully with a great book.