The Oxford Companion to Wine

For those who are seeking their wine credentials, this is an indispensable textbook. While this may be too much for the newbie, when you're done with it, you WILL KNOW WINE. More than many professionals, I'd say! This is a reference book/encyclopedia. This is not a book you can sit down and "read." At least, not if you're looking for plot or story. This is a meticulously researched and written tome on all things wine and it is meant to educate, not entertain. Unless, of course, you're a wine geek like me. Update 2/16 - It would have been wonderful to have an online version with clickable links. As I've been expanding my knowledge in different subjects, I realize that this is where this book is wanting. With textbooks now online, this would be a fabulous way to get even more value from this excellent book.

Classic compendium of wine information that should be on everyone’s bookshelf. Great info and photos/illustrations, and well organized by subject. Highly recommended.

The Oxford Companion to Wine is undoubtedly the bible of wine knowledge. This companion was positioned between a dictionary and an encyclopaedia type of reference book. It has been my prime reference for wine studying since the second edition ages ago. This fourth edition was packed with important update of the wine world in the last nine years. The single more important development was the launch of kindle version. The organisation of the table of contents and alphabetical listings were far better than the kindle version of Wine Grapes, which was also written by Jancis Robinson. The only comment so far on the Oxford Companion to Wine was that maps were still printed in single colour.

Absolutely comprehensive guide to all wine-related topics. Today to be a modern wine lover you have to know such a many things about regions, climates, soils, varieties and even chemistry. The book covers it all. Of course you can't become an expert in all those fields after reading the book but you will at least have the basic knowledge. The book is full of linka to others sources which of them covers specific subject more comprehensively. This is one is an absolute Bible for all wine people. I love it.

This more than a thousand page reference should be the 'first stop" for any serious student of wine. It's all there at any level up and including Master of wine. Completely up to date. Only and minor criticism might be that the book is heavy and the print is a little on the small side, but else could one collect so much information in a single volume. In my opinion, the book is very good value.

If you have even only a passing interest in wine. This is the book you need. Done insightfully and with the reader in mind.

I eagerly counted the days until the newest Oxford Companion was published and ran to my mailbox with the anticipation of a schoolboy awaiting a Christmas bicycle when my doorman announced its arrival. As a student in the WSET program, I place Jancis Robinson at the highest pinnacle of vinous erudition, but the latest version was a bit of a disappointment; not the entries, which are illuminating and updated and provide a solid foundation and a reliable source for all things involving the grape, but the drab and dare I say outdated design of the Companion was more than underwhelming. Having met Jancis Robinson and hearing her champion the e-book version of her brilliant Wine Grapes tome which was spectacular, both in imparting information and being a feast for the eyes, and being taken to task for the American inclination for printed matter and the visceral nature of the printed page, even when the edition was well over $100+, this edition was, well only what it is: a reference manual: a serious and sober encyclopedia, no fold out maps, no graphics, mediocre fonts, and a hideous pink cover, more suited for a history of fashion design, than the topic of wine. The previous edition's cover was at least arresting and appropriate, although the format, much like this edition was the same. If the publishing houses want to charge more for graphics, maps, color insets, and the like, I would be happy to pay, for Jancis Robinson and her team of editors provide me with so much information: indeed, this is the textbook for the diploma class that I will begin in January for my advanced certification; but is it too much to ask for a bit of, well I am American, so I will, some flash and pizzazz? I still treasure the edition and cart it around in my backpack throughout Manhattan, but must it be as drab as a slab of boiled beef?

Not much to say. Amazingly detailed book. I am studying for WSET level 3 and helps with phrases I am not certain about.

All you want to know about wines, grapes, terroir, wine regions! Very informative and detailed source of information. A must have for all wine freaks! :-)

pretty good reference for wine learners, personally i adore Jancis Robinson, she made great contribution in wine, this book is highly recommended for those who need professional explanation of wine knowledge.

Worth every nickel to those who want the gold standard in wine reference books. Every imaginable topic is covered. I've had it a week, and have used it at least a dozen times already!

EVERYTHING is explained and not overly technical. Studying for my WSET Level 3 and while there's a textbook, this book is fabulous. It's become a must have within a day of receiving it!!

Realmente, uma espécie de bíblia do vinho. Muito bom mesmo!