Customer Reviews

Wine for Dummies

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

 

 

I really really really really enjoyed this DVD and recommend it to anyone who loves to drink wine and has come to the realization that there is more to wine than just being able to distinguish between white and red. It's not a connoisseur's guide to wine, it's "Wine for Dummies", people like me, who are enthusiasts, not snobs. It goes over all the basics any ambitious "wino" needs to know: pouring, smelling, savoring, storing, pairing, wines from different countries and their characteristics, grape varietals... a truly thorough presentation packed with tons of useful tips.
It's like taking a class because we only hear the sommelier speaking to us for the entire duration, but his approach is very friendly, clear, easy to understand, and not at all pretentious.

I actually, believe it or not, received this DVD on accident. I meant to buy the book, but didn't read the product listing properly. So, in spite of my folly, when the DVD arrived I was pissed off. But I popped it in the DVD player anyways. To my surprise, I learned so much more than I expected from the DVD. The DVD kept me attentive, I was able to work around the house and still listen to the DVD at the same time. It took the stress out of reading for once, just because I had the DVD. Plus all the vivid pictures and explanations helped me see the wines, and understand more about what the narrator was saying. DVDs are great educational escapes from books. And I felt that this was a great example. I feel that I don't even need the book because the DVD was so informal.

I found the information in this to be modestly useful. Its a good starting point and adequate if you want to
just learn basics. I made the mistake of watching it AFTER seeing another more comprehensive DVD on
the same subject. So from that standpoint, this was kind of a step backward for me. Aside from being a bit
too basic, it only really features the host through the entire DVD. And while he may be a reputable sommelier,
listening to just one person's perspective for an hour is somewhat limiting. Especially if you're discussing such
a broad topic as wine. So... If you're a beginner, this is a good DVD. But if you know anything about wine, I'd
really go with something more in depth (such as "An Introductory Guide to Wine").

This is a great dvd. I actually thought it was a book when I ordered it, but I was pleased to see that it was a dvd. It has helped a great deal. I had no knowledge of wine before this purchase. I have learned alot and now I feel comfortable in wine conversations with peers.

I agree with the 3 reviews before me. Lots of information for the absolute beginner presented by one friendly male sommelier. Sometimes the advice gets a little generic, but overall for $6, a good introductory lesson.