Lazy Sunday: Wine For Dummies?

I was surprised to see how many wine-related titles there are on this list of all the For Dummies books (in order of popularity): 

• Wine For Dummies *
• Wine All-in-One For Dummies
• French Wine for Dummies *
• Italian Wine for Dummies *
• California Wine For Dummies *
• White Wine for Dummies *
• Canadian Wine for Dummies

The "All-in-One" combines all of the starred titles in one book.  Reflecting the growth of interest in certain wine regions,  Australian & New Zealand Wine For Dummies will be released on March 18, 2010.

(Just to put wine books in perspective, the best-selling For Dummies book has an Amazon sales rank of 413.  Wine For Dummies is ranked 13,943rd.)

In contrast, the Complete Idiot's Guide series has only a couple of titles related to wine:

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wine Basics, 2nd Edition
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Winery

I've purchased the latter title, and will review it in a few days with respect what it says about a startup winery's online presence.  It appears, however, you must be a complete idiot, and not merely a dummy, to start a winery. <grin>

Comments

[El Jefe]

I can attest to that!

There's a new series of winery guides hitting the shelves. The first volume is for the Sierra Foothills (we're in it!) and the next is slated for Monterey/Santa Cruz. Info:

http://www.fishsoul.com/WineOh!6/WineOh!Home.htm

[Fabius]

Looking forward to your review :)

[Jon Bjork]

I don't think a little book is going to be enough to get people to stop founding new wineries. You have to actually spend all your money and free time before you truly learn that you've got to be a complete idiot to start a winery. But I guess that's what they've said about some of the most respected artists.

[Mike Duffy]

Alas, not everyone can be Picasso. :)

I have nothing but respect for people who decide to start a winery (and even more for those who grow grapes), particularly on a shoestring.