9 Must-Read Books on Wine & Spirits for the Curious Drinker in 2025

Every year, a selection of notable wine and spirits books is compiled for enthusiasts who are looking to deepen their knowledge. The 2025 lineup emphasizes understanding not just the taste of wine but the myriad factors that shape its experience, such as location, sustainability, and food pairing.

Here are nine essential reads for those eager to explore the world of wine and spirits:

1. The Wines of California by Elaine Chukan Brown
   This comprehensive reference highlights California’s complex wine history, blending knowledge about climate, geography, and the economics that influence the state’s wine production.

   The Wines of California

2. Smart Mouth: Wine Essentials for You, Me, and Everyone We Know by Jordan Salcito
   A modern primer that mixes engaging stories from various wine experiences with essential wine knowledge, designed for both novices and seasoned drinkers.

   Smart Mouth

3. Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine by Jane Masters MW & Andrew Neather
   This book tackles what sustainability means in the wine industry, featuring conversations about farming practices and the environment, while offering a thoughtful examination of the future of wine.

   Rooted in Change

4. A Taste for Wine: A New Tasting Masterclass for Wine Lovers by Rose Murray Brown MW
   This structured "course in a book" guides readers through the fundamentals of wine tasting with practical exercises designed to enhance sensory vocabulary.

   A Taste for Wine

5. The Wines of Beaujolais by Natasha Hughes MW
   Hughes redefines perceptions about Beaujolais, detailing its unique regions and wines while making a case for its broader complexity beyond just being light reds.

   The Wines of Beaujolais

6. Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings by Aldo Sohm
   Aldo Sohm demystifies wine pairings by emphasizing intuition over strict rules, making this a guide for both casual cooks and those planning elaborate menus.

   Wine Simple

7. Opening a Bottle: Italy by Kevin Day
   This book offers an intimate exploration of Italian wine through rich narratives and photography, celebrating both the people and the places behind the wines.

   Opening a Bottle: Italy

8. Tequila, Mezcal & More: Discover, Sip & Mix the Best Agave Spirits by Anna Bruce
   Bruce explores the world of agave spirits beyond the tequila vs. mezcal debate, sharing insights into production and the cultural significance behind these drinks.

   Tequila, Mezcal & More

9. Cocktails Illustrated by America’s Test Kitchen
   A manual for home bartenders that includes over 400 recipes along with techniques and variations for crafting perfect cocktails, enhancing any host’s repertoire.

   Cocktails Illustrated

These selections provide a blend of technical knowledge, engaging stories, and practical advice, making them excellent gifts or personal reads for those interested in the evolving landscape of wine and spirits. Whether you’re well-versed in tasting or just starting out, these books are perfect for sipping by the fire this holiday season.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!