Tyler Balliet has done it again with another radically accessible take on wine education. Rebel School of Wine brings readers on a journey through the history of this iconic beverage that has been fascinating humankind for millennia. Tyler has so much fun doing it you may not even realize you’ve learned something along the way.” — JACQUELINE STRUM, president and publisher, Wine Enthusiast
“Rebel School of Wine impeccably balances technical clarity and accessibility, weaving intricate details about grape varieties, terroirs, and winemaking techniques into the narrative, ensuring that even novices can grasp the intricacies of the wine world.” — JOEL BURT, cofounder and winemaker, Las Jaras Wines
“Whether you are just getting curious about wine or are an experienced aficionado looking to take your understanding to the next level, you need this book. Tyler has always had an incredibly open, curious mind, fascinated by all aspects of the wine industry, with a boundless enthusiasm for putting everything in context.” — MIA VAN DE WATER, Master Sommelier, partner at Gracious Hospitality Management (Cote Korean Steakhouse, Coqodaq)
“I’m someone who is obsessed with the questions of who, what, why, and how as they relate to food. Tyler has done an excellent job at researching and explaining these questions when it comes to wine in a way that is fun and intriguing.” — AARON HUTCHERSON, food writer and recipe developer, Washington Post
04/01/2024
As journalist and entrepreneur Balliet (cofounder and CEO of Rosé Mansion) explains it, being a "wine rebel" means eschewing the typical (and often exclusive) wine journey by embracing the fun and discovery that comes with simply finding wines one likes. This visual guide opens with the history of wine, from classical antiquities to present-day, and reviews the entire process of making wine, including harvesting, bottling, and the effects of weather, climate, and geography on wine grapes. Wine styles are covered, as are the economics of wine (including how to get high-quality wines at low prices), categories of wine, and, of course, wine grapes. The bulk of the guide focuses on wine regions, with everything from the better known (France, Italy, the Northwest United States, California) to lesser recognized (Lebanon, Mexico, and Algeria). Each regional focus highlights its wines and some food pairings and provides additional context for the area. The book is rounded out with practical tips about tasting, serving, and buying wine. VERDICT Everything beginning wine rebels need to learn about the basics and to get started finding wines they love and enjoy.—Whitney Bates-Gomez