I am looking into the possibility of some classes in New Orleans on wine and certifications available--thinking I might need to buy an updated and most respected informational encyclopedia of wine. What would you recommend?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
There are several wine encyclopedias to consider. In my opinion, the Oxford Companion to Wine is indispensable for anyone serious about the subject. The list of entries is very comprehensive, and the material is written either by Jancis Robinson or numerous authorities in a given aspect of wine. The companion book is the World Atlas of Wine by Jancis and Hugh Johnson. It is not exactly an encyclopedia, but with its concise comments and detailed maps of wine regions, it is a superb reference book. Once you've bought both of these, you can consider adding Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia by Tom Stevenson to get another perspective. Check to be sure you're getting the latest edition of these books as they have been updated many times. Best of luck with your studies!
