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The Oxford Companion to Wine
Published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, the first edition of Jancis Robinson's seminal volume immediately attained legendary status, winning every major wine book award including the Glenfiddich and Julia Child/IACP awards, as well as writer and woman of the year accolades for its editor on both sides of the Atlantic. Combining meticulously-researched fact with refreshing opinion and wit, The Oxford Companion to Wine
presents almost 4,000 entries on every wine-related topic imaginable, from regions and grape varieties to the owners, connoisseurs, growers, and tasters in wine through the ages; from viticulture and oenology to the history of wine, from its origins to the present day. More than 180 esteemed contributors (including 58 new to this edition) range from
internationally renowned academics to some of the most famous wine writers and wine specialists in the world.
Now exhaustively updated, this fourth edition incorporates the very latest international research to present 300 new entries on topics ranging from additives and wine apps to WSET and Zelen. Over 60 per cent of all entries have been revised; and useful lists and statistics are appended, including a unique list of the world's controlled appellations and their permitted grape varieties, as well as vineyard area, wine production
and consumption by country.
Illustrated with almost 30 updated maps of every important wine region in the world, many useful charts and diagrams, and 16 stunning colour photographs, this Companion is unlike any other wine book, offering an understanding of wine in all of its wider contexts—notably historical, cultural, and scientific—and serving as a truly companionable point of reference into which any wine-lover can dip and browse.
presents almost 4,000 entries on every wine-related topic imaginable, from regions and grape varieties to the owners, connoisseurs, growers, and tasters in wine through the ages; from viticulture and oenology to the history of wine, from its origins to the present day. More than 180 esteemed contributors (including 58 new to this edition) range from
internationally renowned academics to some of the most famous wine writers and wine specialists in the world.
Now exhaustively updated, this fourth edition incorporates the very latest international research to present 300 new entries on topics ranging from additives and wine apps to WSET and Zelen. Over 60 per cent of all entries have been revised; and useful lists and statistics are appended, including a unique list of the world's controlled appellations and their permitted grape varieties, as well as vineyard area, wine production
and consumption by country.
Illustrated with almost 30 updated maps of every important wine region in the world, many useful charts and diagrams, and 16 stunning colour photographs, this Companion is unlike any other wine book, offering an understanding of wine in all of its wider contexts—notably historical, cultural, and scientific—and serving as a truly companionable point of reference into which any wine-lover can dip and browse.
4118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
174 people are currently reading
1642 people want to read
About the author
Jancis Robinson
52 books116 followersJancis Mary Robinson OBE, MW is a British wine critic, journalist and editor of wine literature. She currently writes a weekly column for the Financial Times, and writes for her website jancisrobinson.com. She also provides advice for Queen Elizabeth II's wine cellar.
Robinson studied mathematics and philosophy at Oxford University and worked for a travel company after leaving university. Robinson started her wine writing career on December 1, 1975 when she became assistant editor for the trade magazine Wine & Spirit. In 1984 she became the first person outside the wine trade to become a Master of Wine. She also served as British Airways's wine consultant.
As a wine writer, she has become one of the world's leading writers of educational and encyclopedic material on wine. The Oxford Companion to Wine, edited by Robinson, is generally considered to be the most complete wine encyclopedia. In addition, The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson is one of the leading wine atlases. In 1995, Jancis Robinson appeared in a 10-episode wine course on BBC 2 television. This series has later been reissued on DVD. A book titled Jancis Robinson's Wine Course was written to accompany the series and has gone through several editions.
She has an honorary doctorate from the Open University, and was made an OBE in 2003, among numerous other awards for her writing. Her accolades include multiple Glenfiddich Awards and André Simon Memorial Awards, and Decanter's "1999 (Wo)Man of the Year".
Robinson studied mathematics and philosophy at Oxford University and worked for a travel company after leaving university. Robinson started her wine writing career on December 1, 1975 when she became assistant editor for the trade magazine Wine & Spirit. In 1984 she became the first person outside the wine trade to become a Master of Wine. She also served as British Airways's wine consultant.
As a wine writer, she has become one of the world's leading writers of educational and encyclopedic material on wine. The Oxford Companion to Wine, edited by Robinson, is generally considered to be the most complete wine encyclopedia. In addition, The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson is one of the leading wine atlases. In 1995, Jancis Robinson appeared in a 10-episode wine course on BBC 2 television. This series has later been reissued on DVD. A book titled Jancis Robinson's Wine Course was written to accompany the series and has gone through several editions.
She has an honorary doctorate from the Open University, and was made an OBE in 2003, among numerous other awards for her writing. Her accolades include multiple Glenfiddich Awards and André Simon Memorial Awards, and Decanter's "1999 (Wo)Man of the Year".
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 3, 2023
"The Oxford Companion to Wine" goes well beyond what would be expected of a reference book. The book itself is absolutely gorgeous, printed on high quality paper, with hundreds of beautiful photos and informative maps and tables.
It is also amazingly comprehensive. Think of literally anything to do with wine, including varietals, the winemaking process, geographical regions, wine economics, etc., and you will find a well-researched, thoughtful, comprehensive entry on that topic.
This book would already be five stars based on the above. But what makes "The Oxford Companion to Wine" go even further above and beyond is the quality of the writing. It is almost poetic in places.
This is not dry reference book at all. It is a joy to read, especially while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.
It is also amazingly comprehensive. Think of literally anything to do with wine, including varietals, the winemaking process, geographical regions, wine economics, etc., and you will find a well-researched, thoughtful, comprehensive entry on that topic.
This book would already be five stars based on the above. But what makes "The Oxford Companion to Wine" go even further above and beyond is the quality of the writing. It is almost poetic in places.
This is not dry reference book at all. It is a joy to read, especially while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.
December 25, 2024
Re-read five years later and I find no reason to "adjust" my opinion.
For the better part of fifty years one book on wine was where I started researching any question. That was Alexis Lichine’s Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits. Now that I have the recent 4th edition of Robinson’s book, Lichine’s book has been given away.
The Oxford Companion to Wine is the most comprehensive undertaking in the field of viniculture and wine-making. I have read other books by Robinson (who studied mathematics and philosophy at St Anne's College, Oxford) and found them each well-researched and written.
Robinson has the knack for being able to take difficult topics and concepts and put them in readable form for the general public. Having said that, this isn’t a book that you will be laying out on the table for when friends drop by. It explains how wine is classified in every country that produces more than a meager amount. It discusses the considerations made by growers and by wine makers. It describes and evaluates many chateaux and vineyards. It gives space to famous growers and merchants. There even is a very interesting section on “drinking vessels.” I can open the book to any of its over 900 pages and find something fascinating.
But I drink wine; I like wine; I like to know about the wines that I drink; and, I want to be able to check opinions offered by wine “tasters” with something more objective. For me, this is THE book.
For the better part of fifty years one book on wine was where I started researching any question. That was Alexis Lichine’s Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits. Now that I have the recent 4th edition of Robinson’s book, Lichine’s book has been given away.
The Oxford Companion to Wine is the most comprehensive undertaking in the field of viniculture and wine-making. I have read other books by Robinson (who studied mathematics and philosophy at St Anne's College, Oxford) and found them each well-researched and written.
Robinson has the knack for being able to take difficult topics and concepts and put them in readable form for the general public. Having said that, this isn’t a book that you will be laying out on the table for when friends drop by. It explains how wine is classified in every country that produces more than a meager amount. It discusses the considerations made by growers and by wine makers. It describes and evaluates many chateaux and vineyards. It gives space to famous growers and merchants. There even is a very interesting section on “drinking vessels.” I can open the book to any of its over 900 pages and find something fascinating.
But I drink wine; I like wine; I like to know about the wines that I drink; and, I want to be able to check opinions offered by wine “tasters” with something more objective. For me, this is THE book.
January 18, 2019
I'm not sure if I've read every page of this yet, but it feels like I have. This is one of the three most important books any serious student/aficionado of wine should own. (The other two are The World Atlas of Wine and Wine Grapes.) The OCW covers just about everything you would ever want to know about almost every wine topic imaginable. The sheer breadth of information is astonishing. The entries on the "big topics" such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, etc. are very thorough and informative. Some of the longer regional entries, however, could benefit from a standard organizational format. I felt like most entries made the usual progression of subtopics (history, geography, geology/soils, grape varieties, viticulture, vinification, maturation, and trade). However, other entries drifted between subtopics aimlessly, which made it difficult to compare these regions with other regions.
April 28, 2019
Para una persona que está involucrada en el mundo del vino, esta obra es crucial, ya sea como apasionado de la uva, autor, sommelier, chef o simplemente aquellos que deseen tener un conocimiento más profundo de lo que toman y beben.
JR hace una labor estupenda, tanto en la descripción de lo que transmite como en el contenido y la estructura, por supuesto, gran trabajo del editor.
La autora es una gran reconocida en el mundo del vino, la educación y la comida, simplemente debes leerla y si deseas ir mas allá, te recomiendo tomar algún curso, en linea o presencial: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/
JR hace una labor estupenda, tanto en la descripción de lo que transmite como en el contenido y la estructura, por supuesto, gran trabajo del editor.
La autora es una gran reconocida en el mundo del vino, la educación y la comida, simplemente debes leerla y si deseas ir mas allá, te recomiendo tomar algún curso, en linea o presencial: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/
April 1, 2022
An absolutely terrific wine encyclopaedia, containing more minute information about wine production, history, enjoyment, and custom than anyone could ever want to know. The entries feel authoritative, the information is useful and eclectic. The editorial board does a nice job of escaping the hegemony of French wine - there's ample information on the rest of Europe (eastern, too), the US, South American, and Australia. If you really like wine, this book makes a handy reference. Note, though, that its intent is not to help you pick particular bottles of wine to buy. I'm still looking for a good timeless guide for that.
July 26, 2018
Musthave for WSET4 students
July 14, 2020
The go-to reference book for wine geeks.
June 7, 2023
Very interesting book for a drinker to peruse; but it’s just no use, to me it tastes disgusting! I’ve tried, Lord knows, I’ve tried.
October 25, 2016
Absolutely the finest book ever published on the subject of wine.
October 16, 2018
Essential reference for anyone deeply curious about wine. Arguably the best book on wine ever written.
October 25, 2015
I would like to that Oxford University and Goodreads for the opportunity to win this Holy Grail of books. I hadn't realized I won the book until it showed up at my home one day. It might as well have been Christmas!
I received a free copy of The Oxford Companion to Wine. In exchange, it is my wish to leave an honest review.
Where to begin. This book is everything you expect of an encyclopedia ; tiny print , extremely long, and crammed full of all the information you could possibly want on wine. It's well worth your time to read the entire book, especially if you are a novice.
The most important thing I know about wine is that I love drinking it. I set the book down feeling as though I could personally open a vineyard.
Two thumbs plus 10 !
I received a free copy of The Oxford Companion to Wine. In exchange, it is my wish to leave an honest review.
Where to begin. This book is everything you expect of an encyclopedia ; tiny print , extremely long, and crammed full of all the information you could possibly want on wine. It's well worth your time to read the entire book, especially if you are a novice.
The most important thing I know about wine is that I love drinking it. I set the book down feeling as though I could personally open a vineyard.
Two thumbs plus 10 !
December 15, 2020
Received this book as a first reads giveaway from goodreads. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
This is a 4th edition of this whopping wine encyclopaedia that's been around and improved on since 1994. Quite literally any information needed on wines you'll find in here without them dumbing it down or ramming it down your throat. This would also make an awesome present for any part time or full on wine enthusiasts, and they probably wouldn't need any other guides, ever.
This is a 4th edition of this whopping wine encyclopaedia that's been around and improved on since 1994. Quite literally any information needed on wines you'll find in here without them dumbing it down or ramming it down your throat. This would also make an awesome present for any part time or full on wine enthusiasts, and they probably wouldn't need any other guides, ever.
August 25, 2007
So exciting to finally have a new edition of this most essential libro de vino! So easy to navigate, this is the most comprehensive and detailed "dictionary of wine" I have yet come across. Heartily recommended for the serious student of wine, or even for the serious lover of wine, for a life-long reference to be opened again and again.
November 8, 2015
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
It is the ultimate guide to wine and possibly the only one you will ever need. It goes into every aspect of wine and wine-making in great detail. It is complex yet easy to read even for a relative novice to wine.
It is a book I will look at before every romantic meal or restaurant visit in the future.
It is the ultimate guide to wine and possibly the only one you will ever need. It goes into every aspect of wine and wine-making in great detail. It is complex yet easy to read even for a relative novice to wine.
It is a book I will look at before every romantic meal or restaurant visit in the future.
November 18, 2015
I received this book free in a Goodreads contest.
This is the best wine encyclopedia there could ever be. If you want to know ANYthing about wine, this is the book to get. It's a very big book. Nothing is omitted! I love it.
This is the best wine encyclopedia there could ever be. If you want to know ANYthing about wine, this is the book to get. It's a very big book. Nothing is omitted! I love it.
February 19, 2008
for reference, like an encyclopedia; less for browsing
June 17, 2008
about as comprehensive a wine book as you'll ever find
July 17, 2008
a must for any wine book collection. invaluable if your looking to settle a drunken, dinner party winemaking argument!
May 25, 2009
Impressive, but rather overwhelming amount of information. Organized as an encyclopedia.
Read
January 18, 2010The Oxford Companion to Wine, 3rd Edition by Jancis Robinson (2006)
May 20, 2010
I read it at night, when eating something decent, usually, and drinking something fine from the shop. Thanks, Yank-is!
Want to read
August 26, 2011Provide sufficient information for wine lovers.
August 28, 2011
This is the OED of the wine world! Because it is a reference, it will never be listed as "read." Nevertheless, if you love wine, whether novice or master sommelier, this is a must.
September 2, 2013
The authoritative encyclopedic guide to everything on wine.
October 19, 2015
I was a lucky Goodreads winner of this amazing book--the 4th edition of the "bible" for wine drinkers and collectors. What a treat!!
October 13, 2015
Excellent, excellent, excellent!!! I was so excited to win this giveaway! Such a great book to use as a reference. Thank you!!!
April 13, 2007
Each new edition gets better - the original was a snooze fest.
January 16, 2009
Great, fun, basic source, to nerdy, dorky, esoteric Bacchinalia.
April 28, 2013
My go-to book when I want to know something about an unfamiliar grape or region.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews