Customer Reviews

Pick a Perfect Wine In No Time

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finding a wine book by a world class wine expert who just happens to be a world class teacher, and then discovering that it is a delight to read, now THAT'S a perfect book. Too many wine books are intimidating. Others are nothing more than a glorified magazine article, lots of filler and a few pretty pictures. As a former teacher myself, I really appreciate the format and the depth and fun of this presentation. Pick a Perfect Wine pulls the cork on the bottle, rolls out the welcome mat, and invites us all to learn something memorable on each page. I read this book every night when I'm drying my hair, and then I cruise the internet for the wines that capture my imagination. Anita LaRaia's book provides a wealth of websites to recommend ~ and all the tips to get the best wines at the best prices. This book is like having a friend in the wine industry, one who lifts us up to discover the wealth of the world's vineyards.

Anita LaRaia makes the world of wine seem fun and accessible, with inside stories and information that feel like a front row seat and a wine tour all rolled into one. I purchased one copy and found that this is that rare book that makes me log back on to Amazon and buy 10 more for gifts. So I did just that, and had to write this review. After all, that is what Amazon customer reviews are all about. Pick a Perfect Wine and a bottle of wine, and I think you have the perfect gift. The bottle brings instant gratification and the book brings lasting insight. This book is just that good and that entertaining.

Everyone loves a book that is loaded with personality. Anita LaRaia blows the stuffiness off the wine bottle, and tells us all the good stuff, the great stories, making us feel like we suddenly have the keys to a whole new world. It was such a fun read, and it was even more fun when I took the book into a wine store. I had people looking over my shoulder and following a few tips that we discovered standing there together. When I closed the book, I thought, "Pick a Perfect Wine, yes, but first Pick a Perfect Book." Here it is ~ you have found it. This is the first time I've given five stars ~ this book is just that good.

Nancy Stein, Vice President
American Screw & Rivet Corporation
[...]

This is the book that should be available for purchase in every wine store in the land. As a wine professional, I had to log on here and comment that this author has it all: A fun delightful writing style, rich content, fun stories, and everything it takes to give us a rich and deep understanding. Anita LaRaia lays it all out like no one else ever has: Bright, entertaining, and a real education all rolled into one. Just perfect ! This would be a great gift, as the toasts will keep on giving with every click of your wine glass. Cheers to all who appreciate good food, great conversation, and the flavors that come only in a good bottle of wine.

Peter Forbes

This book is a real gem. I'm just getting into my copy, and I can tell you that this is a very special wine book. Think of the best teacher you ever had, give her a wealth of experience in the world's vineyards, and you've got a picture of Anita and her book. Pick a Perfect Wine gets a big WOW, and a big recommendation. You'll be talking like someone who knows their stuff, and you'll have great little bits of intriguing information to go with every sip you take. What a book! Great for skipping around the internet ~ Anita tells you all the wineyard sites, the stories on the owners, and the best internet sources for wine. Pull some corks and enjoy the ride.

This book is in a class of its own. Full of fun, fascinating stories and insight, you'll find yourself doing searches on the wines that capture your imagination ~ in this vivid and memorable wine book. I'm having such fun with this book and suddenly my friends think that I am the new source for wine tips, along with the website addresses where the prices are right. I can't think of a better gift than this book plus any bottle mentioned inside, because you will kickstart someone's own adventure. But first, get a copy for you and let the magic carpet take off to Italy, France, and beyond. It is all about learning to appreciate God's world. The finer things are gifts we should all taste, God's creation in a bottle shared with friends. Can it get any better than that?

Ian Fitzgerald

I received this book and a bottle of Banfi Rosa Regale as a gift, and loved both the book and this wonderful wine sooooo much, that I have just ordered a full case and books to match, to bundle together for gifts of my own. Where else can you get such a perfect taste adventure as Rosa Regale (such a WOW of a wine, that I can't wait to try ALL of the suggestions in this book ) paired with such a fun read?

I loaned the book to my sister, who is raising four kids and not exactly at a place in her life to be cruising wine tastings, and she said, "This book makes me want to start drinking wine." Well, when I handed her a taste of the Rosa Regale that came with it, she let out the biggest WOW since the day she got word that her daughter got MVP on the High School Soccer team. No kidding. She called me a few days later to say that she just saw the Rosa Regale wine bottle in a photograph in a Bride's magazine.

I just thought I should come on here and write my own review, because I can't think of another $30 gift that is so memorable and experiential as Pick a Perfect Wine + one of her recommended wines. This book made me feel like I'm in the know & ready to roll as a hostess. There is nothing like having the inside tips to enjoy the good life, whether you are doing it on a budget or with the sky as your limit. This book is a winner.

Anita LaRaia's book "Pick a Perfect Wine in No Time" is a fun read. I found myself reading it every night before I went to sleep because it was so entertaining, informational, and enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this book for yourself and your friends. For Christmas, I bought 4 books for gifts including one for myself. After reading "Pick a Perfect Wine in No Time", I ordered 3 more for gifts for my friends. It may be the first wine book I've read that deserves to be a best seller.

As the author of books, The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, which tout the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, how could I not recommend reading this book? Red wine in moderation is part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Plus, while I do not drink wine, I do include red wine vinegar in my overall healthful way of eating, from salads to sandwiches.
P.S. I certainly advise people who do love wine and Mediterranean cuisine to get to know everything about savoring wine with good, good for you natural food--fish to whole grain pasta dishes and desserts--(and Anita is a superb teacher!) because like vinegar, olive oil, and dark chocolate it contains disease-fighting antioxidants which can help stave off heart disease--the number one killer in both women and men. Moderation, though, is key.
www.calorey.com

A masterpiece ! Presentation, depth of information, clarity.... all are uniquely outstanding. Very well organized. I read it twice and learned quite a few things. Excellent book for the beginner and all wine lovers.