Pick a Perfect Wine In No Time (Paperback)

~ Anita L. LaRaia (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Walking into a wine shop or perusing a restaurant's wine menu can be an overwhelming event. With many stores and upscale eateries offering more than a thousand wines to choose from, the average consumer needs a guide like Anita LaRaia. As the founder and director of The Wine School of Atlanta, Georgia, Anita has taught thousands of wine classes over the past 26 years and graduated some of the country's top wine connoisseurs. Using her unique blend of wine expertise, practical advice, and easy-to-read conversational explanations, Pick a Perfect Wine In No Time covers everything you need to know about wines and their food partners. With full coverage of important topics like vintages, vineyards from around the world, wine types, and wine labels, even the most inexperienced wine drinker can impress the wine steward at a fancy, upscale restaurant. Anita includes valuable reference information on wine vintages, exciting food and wine combinations, menus and recipes for hosting wine events, how to start a wine collection on any budget, plus finding the perfect tour of the wine country in California, France, or Italy. Whether planning a romantic dinner for two or a party for 200 guests, Pick a Perfect Wine In No Time makes choosing the perfect wine fast, simple, and easy.

 

 "Anita LaRaia has been at the forefront of wine education for well over two decades. Her new book is a comprehensive and invaluable learning tool for wine educators and consumers alike." Michael McNeill, Master Sommelier

 

Michael McNeill is Director of Wine Education for Quality Wine & Spirits and has worked as sommelier alongside numerous world renowned five-star chefs, including Grey Kunz at Lespinasse, Craig Shelton at Ryland Inn, and Guenther Seeger and Bruno Menard at Ritz-Carlton Atlanta's The Dining Room.

 

"Anita LaRaia's Pick a Perfect Wine in No Time makes learning about wine easy and fun, and her colorful personality shines through. Perfect for readers whose interest in wine is casual -- or serious." Sharon Boorstin, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director,  Women & Wine (www.WomenWine.com) 

About the Author

In 1978, Anita LaRaia established The Wine School of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA. As the school's director for 26 years, she has taught more than 2,000 wine classes and graduated thousands of students. Anita's wine industry experience includes the retail, wholesale and import business in the U.S. and abroad. She is a sought-after consultant to wine stores, bars and restaurants, and she was the online wine expert for CNN.com. In addition to planning corporate wine tastings, she hosts group wine tours of France and Italy. She has a Master's Degree in Social Psychology from Cornell University. She writes articles for top wine magazines and will soon publish a textbook for culinary schools with Prentice Hall.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Que (October 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789733269
• ISBN-13: 978-0789733269
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #841,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book + the internet & you've got a ticket to Italy, France, and Beyond, December 1, 2005

By	Ian Fitzgerald "Ian Fitzgerald" (Richmond, Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pick a Perfect Book, December 1, 2005

By	N. Stein (South Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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
[...]

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT Wine book - rich in content and a pure delight , December 1, 2005

By	Peter Forbes "Peter Forbes" (Carlsbad, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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