Wine labels and regional histories accompany the maps, and an illustrated calendar that depicts a typical year in the life of a vintner is a lovely standout. A collection of stories about vineyards and vintners based on Asher's travels to hundreds of wineries. Many of these lively, elegant tales first appeared in Gourmet magazine, for which Asher has served as wine editor for 24 years. It's about the places and the people who are making it, and it gives you a view of wine that's very local. He takes on the basics of wine, right from ground zero.
Special features give readers the chance to rate their local merchants.
Robert Parker first published this independent consumer's guide to wines in 1978. He's since gained a reputa tion as one of the most influential wine critics in the United States. Each bimonthly newsletter consists of hundreds of ratings and descriptions, all based on Parker's own palate. Jancis Robinson lends her wine expertise to this five-part series, which includes an introduction to wines and specifics on a variety of wine types, from chardonnay to sauvignon blanc, from Riesling to merlot. Actor David Hyde Pierce, best known from his role as Niles on NBC's Frasier, narrates this six-part series aimed at educating wine novices.