How to Drink Like a Billionaire Lib/E: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre

by Mark Oldman (Reader)

Would you like to know the mysteries of how the one percent drink? Mark Oldman, one of America's most popular wine experts, demystifies the secrets of the wine world, so you can drink, enjoy, and savor wine better-and cheaper. Mark Oldman imparts his vast knowledge of wines into this easy-to-read, humorous guide, complete with in-depth how-tos on everything from tasting, swirling, and buying wine the same way billionaires do-without the price tag. With his characteristic wit and charm, Oldman reveals how to imbibe like an insider while cutting through the pretension and geekiness that still surrounds wine. From detailing little-known ways to hone in on the best value bottles to the secret maneuvers you can do to master wine in restaurants, shops, and at home, How to Drink like a Billionaire will have you approaching wine with the shrewdness, style, and unapologetic joy of the one percent.

Genres: Wine

Audio CD

Published November 23, 2016

About the author

Mark Oldman is one the country’s leading wine experts—and, that rarity, a wine expert who is on the side of anyone who wants to enjoy wine more.  Author of the new HOW TO DRINK LIKE A BILLIONAIRE: MASTERING WINE WITH JOIE DE VIVRE (Regan Arts/Phaidon), Mark is described by Bon Appètit as specializing in the delivery of “winespeak without the geek.” Twice the winner of the Georges Duboeuf Best Wine Book of the Year Award, his previous books—Oldman’s Guide to Outsmarting Wine (Penguin) and Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine (Norton)—have been called the “perfect book” by the Wall Street Journal and the “perfect primer” by The New Yorker. Oldman’s sold-out appearances at the country's top gastronomic festivals are considered must-see events in the world of food and wine. Aspen magazine, in fact, recently named him the third best speaker on food and wine in a ranking that included Jacques Pépin, Andrew Zimmern, and Marcus Samuelsson. He is a three-time graduate of Stanford, a licensed attorney, and a passionate proponent of “drinking richly” without spending extravagantly.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oldman is so awesome and compelling that anything he writes about wine should come with a warning. If you read Oldman you will become obsessed not only with drinking wine, but fully understanding it and savouring it. You will linger for longer periods in supermarkets and specialty shops. You will attend tastings. You will get hooked.
Oldman is the antithesis of a wine snob. His approach is down to earth, friendly, funny and engaging. Too often wine reviewers get immersed in jargon and try to impress readers with their knowledge and experience. Too many of them sound like they borrow liberally from advertising jingles about tannins, bouquets, noses ad nauseam.
My introduction to Oldman took place ten years ago at a Stanford reunion where he hosted the ultimate wine tasting event. It wasn't so much the quality and diversity of the wines as Oldman's effusive and sparkling commentary, liberally peppered with quips, jokes and ad hoc repartees to an adoring audience. As we progressively drank and sipped our way into a pleasant buzz, Oldman was imbibing along with us and working the room like a master .
If anyone can tell you how to Drink Like a Billionaire, Oldman can. More importantly, he shares valuable tips and recommendations that will spare your pocketbook but not your enjoyment.
Thank you Mark and Happy Holidays to you and your many fans.

[Janusz Mrozek · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of etiquette involved in wine....

Drinking wine is not unlike golf - there are many rules and regulations so to speak. Don’t lay your club on the green when you go to putt, make sure you swirl the wine in the glass to examine the legs etc. etc. etc. It can be intimidating - no one wants to look like a fool and fortunately, this book explains what you need to be aware of and what you should not concern yourself with when partaking in wine.

I can recall a few times that I was worried about not following proper protocols. As a matter of fact, the first few times I went to a casino, I played the slots because I was concerned that I didn’t know how to place a bet at the table and understand what was allowed and wasn’t. Similarly, going to a restaurant, if you select a bottle of wine, you can be sure the waiter will bring it back to you and pour you a small taste. Why is that? What is one expected to do when this occurs? Swirl it in my mouth? What am I checking for? This book will tell you (a hint, taken from the book, “Wine is Not Mouthwash”).

Let me stress that the author does a terrific job keeping it light and fun - this isn’t a boring, strict instruction manual and you can safely disregard any suggestions you don’t feel comfortable with. Additionally, it’s a beautiful book which also contains many recommendations with regards to new wines you can try and so forth.

All in all, a wonderful book which I recommend to any wine lover or someone simply interested in furthering their adventure in the world of wine.

[Glenn Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read and one of the few wine books I keep out for others to enjoy. Almost a 'coffee table' book, it is formatted into topical sections with each chapter being just a page or two.

It will challenge your ideas on drinking wine and I believe help you enjoy wine even more.

Must have book for wine lovers.

[Rosemary Pecoraro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

First the book is over priced for a kindle book. I was expecting interesting stories about his many experiences and adventures. Instead I got a book that reads like a dictionary. There are many other books on wine that are more interesting and informative. Pass on this one.

[Simon Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful visually, well outlined and accessible lessons for the every day eonologue. Mark provides excellent essentials in a unique way. The wine world is filled with stuffy intros or boring compendiums; How to Drink Like a Billionaire is a remedy to all that.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely enjoyable read!

[Anne Haack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a coffee table book of which you will want to read every single chapter and then buy gift copies for your friends.

[Rose Young]

Entertaining witty writing, Mark Oldman makes understanding fun and wine interesting. I highly recommend all his books!