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Wine Club: A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Sipping, and Pairing with Friends
Like a book club, but better, this approachable guide breaks down the basics of wine in a month-by-month format for a year's worth of sips and wine-party inspiration.
Learning about wine should be fun and is easy to do, if you have a few key wine (of course), an opener, a few friends, and this book. That's your Wine Club! Each month, discover the key elements of a specific style of wine or varietal, from Cabernet Sauvignon in January to bubbly in December, including taste-testing tips, history, and tasty throw-together or make-ahead bites that pair beautifully with whatever you're pouring. So, uncork (or twist the top off of) a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and join the best club of Wine Club !
A FUN GIFT FOR WINE The love for wine is eternal, and everyone is always hungry for knowledge. Though the pages may be sprinkled with some technical terms, the focus of this handy book is primarily the entertaining your guests and enjoying good wine, food, and friends.
GREAT FOR FOODIES, This book is perfect for both wine newbies and seasoned wine enthusiasts who are looking for easy ideas for polished get-togethers without much hassle.
EXPERT Maureen Petrosky knows wine! Columnist and author of previous books on wine and cocktails, she is a lifestyle expert focused on helping young professionals, moms, neighbors, and co-workers bring their social media engagement experiences to life with real-world social clubs. Fans love her accessible and fun approach to making quick and easy yet sophisticated recipes, parties, decorating, cocktails, and fabulous food and wine pairings.
Perfect
Learning about wine should be fun and is easy to do, if you have a few key wine (of course), an opener, a few friends, and this book. That's your Wine Club! Each month, discover the key elements of a specific style of wine or varietal, from Cabernet Sauvignon in January to bubbly in December, including taste-testing tips, history, and tasty throw-together or make-ahead bites that pair beautifully with whatever you're pouring. So, uncork (or twist the top off of) a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and join the best club of Wine Club !
A FUN GIFT FOR WINE The love for wine is eternal, and everyone is always hungry for knowledge. Though the pages may be sprinkled with some technical terms, the focus of this handy book is primarily the entertaining your guests and enjoying good wine, food, and friends.
GREAT FOR FOODIES, This book is perfect for both wine newbies and seasoned wine enthusiasts who are looking for easy ideas for polished get-togethers without much hassle.
EXPERT Maureen Petrosky knows wine! Columnist and author of previous books on wine and cocktails, she is a lifestyle expert focused on helping young professionals, moms, neighbors, and co-workers bring their social media engagement experiences to life with real-world social clubs. Fans love her accessible and fun approach to making quick and easy yet sophisticated recipes, parties, decorating, cocktails, and fabulous food and wine pairings.
Perfect
- GenresCookbooksWineNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 19, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for accepting my request to read and review Wine Club.
Published: 05/30/23
Just the thought .... Wine Club sounds nice, but this is better. The wines are broken down by place (Napa Valley is one), type (Cabernet Sauvignon) month -- oh yes, each month is unique. I like that. I also like that food recommendations are given as well (spicy sausage to toffee bars).
There are too many for me to count tidbits that create a wealth of information. Wine needs to breathe, I've heard that, but I didn't know wine has legs, hmmmm. It's true. There is an index. I like the consistency from month to month. It is easy to read.
I had the e-book and would prefer the physical book.
If you read my reviews, you won't be surprised -- I would gift this and use as a coffee table book.
Published: 05/30/23
Just the thought .... Wine Club sounds nice, but this is better. The wines are broken down by place (Napa Valley is one), type (Cabernet Sauvignon) month -- oh yes, each month is unique. I like that. I also like that food recommendations are given as well (spicy sausage to toffee bars).
There are too many for me to count tidbits that create a wealth of information. Wine needs to breathe, I've heard that, but I didn't know wine has legs, hmmmm. It's true. There is an index. I like the consistency from month to month. It is easy to read.
I had the e-book and would prefer the physical book.
If you read my reviews, you won't be surprised -- I would gift this and use as a coffee table book.
January 25, 2023
I love wine. I love clubs. So basically Maureen Petrosky’s Wine Club: A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Sipping, and Pairing with Friends is perfect for me. It is an extensive yet approachable book for wine education. It’s a fantastic idea to frame learning about this delicious yet sometime intimidating drink as a monthly activity with your social circle.
Every month is dedicated to a specific varietal and each section provides a wealth of information about it. There are basics and interesting tidbits about the wine type, regional recommendations, tasting tips, and even recipes for food pairings. My favorite wine is Riesling so June was my favorite part to peruse. But even if you don’t plan to form and lead a monthly wine club, this book would still be good to have on your kitchen shelf for drink and food ideas for parties.
My only complaint is that while the illustrations are bright, colorful, and fun, I do wish there was also some photography of the food and wine to make the pages even more alluring. Overall, though, Wine Club is a fun book for foodies and a great hostess gift idea. Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Every month is dedicated to a specific varietal and each section provides a wealth of information about it. There are basics and interesting tidbits about the wine type, regional recommendations, tasting tips, and even recipes for food pairings. My favorite wine is Riesling so June was my favorite part to peruse. But even if you don’t plan to form and lead a monthly wine club, this book would still be good to have on your kitchen shelf for drink and food ideas for parties.
My only complaint is that while the illustrations are bright, colorful, and fun, I do wish there was also some photography of the food and wine to make the pages even more alluring. Overall, though, Wine Club is a fun book for foodies and a great hostess gift idea. Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A book about how to start a wine club. Each month, there is a write up of a different wine, and suggestions of wines to try. Also recipes pairing with each wine.
A great resource!
A book about how to start a wine club. Each month, there is a write up of a different wine, and suggestions of wines to try. Also recipes pairing with each wine.
A great resource!
June 1, 2023
If you're in a book club or any kind of monthly club that meets, this book is a must!! We've used it every month the last few months. The explanations and background of each wine is so interesting. We mostly paired the wines with a different charcuterie board, but it does give food pairings.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, so this was my honest review.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, so this was my honest review.
June 28, 2023
I won this book in a giveaway. The book opens talking about how the author’s book club metamorphosed into a wine club — ”Like many people, my first wine club started out as a book club… That wine club book kicked off thousands of wine clubs around the country.”
I believed, therefore, that this book might talk about books along with wine. That it might have wines paired with popular book club books. But the book only talked about wine, pairings, and rules. The text was small. There were no real, fun photos. The instructions were strict. It was not really a fun or enjoyable read for me.
Perhaps part of my problem stems from the fact that I value what happens at a wine club more than the wine itself — the friendships forged, the confidences shared, and nurturing bonds of community. Compared to these, wine and all its rules are just not that important. They’re not something I value.
While I am sure there is an audience out there for this book who would love to read it, I am not included.
I believed, therefore, that this book might talk about books along with wine. That it might have wines paired with popular book club books. But the book only talked about wine, pairings, and rules. The text was small. There were no real, fun photos. The instructions were strict. It was not really a fun or enjoyable read for me.
Perhaps part of my problem stems from the fact that I value what happens at a wine club more than the wine itself — the friendships forged, the confidences shared, and nurturing bonds of community. Compared to these, wine and all its rules are just not that important. They’re not something I value.
While I am sure there is an audience out there for this book who would love to read it, I am not included.
March 29, 2024
A lovely and fun book written in an unpretentious style that even a wine novice can understand. Fun and interesting to read. The information offered is what is necessary to become knowledgeable about wines without a bunch of superfluous details . The idea of highlighting a different type of wine every month of the year in the guise of a wine club party is a good way to learn about wines without becoming overwhelmed. The recipes offered are simple and sound tasty. "In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads."
May 15, 2025
adding to the list of why it sucks to be long-distance besties….it taking over a year to complete the wine club book🥲
This is an absolutely GORGEOUS book, I am obsessed with the art style. I was so happy to have won this in a giveaway and I’m even happier to have read it & learned so much wine info. It’s all broken down so easily for wine beginners & organized to perfection. Definitely recommend!!
This is an absolutely GORGEOUS book, I am obsessed with the art style. I was so happy to have won this in a giveaway and I’m even happier to have read it & learned so much wine info. It’s all broken down so easily for wine beginners & organized to perfection. Definitely recommend!!
February 1, 2023
I'm not a big wine drinker, but I am fascinated with the different types of wine, and enjoy learning more about them. This book is so much fun! There is a ton of information, but it's very easy to follow, and learn from. Each month of the book focuses on a different wine variety. There are recommendations, tasting tips, and recipes for food to serve with the wine.
Bright and cheerful illustrations add to this book, and I think this would make a wonderful hostess gift!
Thank you Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC!
Bright and cheerful illustrations add to this book, and I think this would make a wonderful hostess gift!
Thank you Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC!
February 17, 2023
Looking for a perfect gift for friends or family, look no further….Wine Club A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Dipping and Pairing With Friends by Maureen Petrosky would be a great gift to give or receive.
The book starts out by welcoming you to the wine club and then the author proceeds to give you a lot of information about the book and the wine. Each chapter (month) there is a wine suggestion with detailed information on the wine. The author includes a tasting sheet that takes you step by step on ways to taste and make notes about the wines you are sampling. In addition, there are recipes suggestions for that month’s wine tasting.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
The book starts out by welcoming you to the wine club and then the author proceeds to give you a lot of information about the book and the wine. Each chapter (month) there is a wine suggestion with detailed information on the wine. The author includes a tasting sheet that takes you step by step on ways to taste and make notes about the wines you are sampling. In addition, there are recipes suggestions for that month’s wine tasting.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
May 9, 2023
Although from a different publisher, and a shorter author’s name, this book had a previous volume in 2005. I have read that one, and used it to help teach myself about different wines when I gathered with friends. Like the previous edition, this one divides the wine tastings into 12 months, each month spotlighting either a varietal, or a style. And, like the first, it is VERY good at teaching you about wine.
One of the things about the old volume that made it dated was that it suggested specific wines by certain winemakers. This one, though mentioning a few winemakers, goes for a more general suggestion, and in my opinion is a better way of doing it. When I bought the book back in 2009, the wines listed in the original book were hard to find, and not necessarily the best spotlight for the chapter. And, sadly, my knowledge at the time was not great so that I could sub out easily. This book, however, lets one be more flexible.
A good change for the future of this book. I am also liking the more streamlined look for this book in the set up, boxes for some interesting wine trivia, and for the actual wine experience. It is easy to find what wines you need, what information you need to conduct a good tasting, and several delightful recipes to pair with the wines suggested. I can use this book for the year as it suggests, or even use it for future tastings with friends six years from now.
I am a bit more experienced in wine these many years past, but I learned several new things with this edition, and I found that a few of the months I am itching to try with my friends!! This book is a wonderful introduction for those just starting out in their wine knowledge, but also a great resource for having wine tastings with those who are a bit more seasoned in their tastes. The recipes alone make this a book to have on your shelf.
I highly recommend this book to have on your shelf, and though I read this originally in electronic form, I am wanting to get a hard copy to have for my shelf. And, maybe give one for a gift or two.
One of the things about the old volume that made it dated was that it suggested specific wines by certain winemakers. This one, though mentioning a few winemakers, goes for a more general suggestion, and in my opinion is a better way of doing it. When I bought the book back in 2009, the wines listed in the original book were hard to find, and not necessarily the best spotlight for the chapter. And, sadly, my knowledge at the time was not great so that I could sub out easily. This book, however, lets one be more flexible.
A good change for the future of this book. I am also liking the more streamlined look for this book in the set up, boxes for some interesting wine trivia, and for the actual wine experience. It is easy to find what wines you need, what information you need to conduct a good tasting, and several delightful recipes to pair with the wines suggested. I can use this book for the year as it suggests, or even use it for future tastings with friends six years from now.
I am a bit more experienced in wine these many years past, but I learned several new things with this edition, and I found that a few of the months I am itching to try with my friends!! This book is a wonderful introduction for those just starting out in their wine knowledge, but also a great resource for having wine tastings with those who are a bit more seasoned in their tastes. The recipes alone make this a book to have on your shelf.
I highly recommend this book to have on your shelf, and though I read this originally in electronic form, I am wanting to get a hard copy to have for my shelf. And, maybe give one for a gift or two.
March 31, 2023
ARC provided by NetGalley.
I was so excited to see this up on NetGalley's list of advanced copies. I recently got into the wine world with many tastings, but always felt that upon leaving them, I was back to walking aimlessly down the aisles having no idea how to choose a classic wine to take home. This "cookbook" does an interesting take in breaking up different types of wine for each month, so you can focus on one at a time and engage with it intimately for 30 days. The animated artwork reminds me of a more welcoming Olive Garden, and I loved the warm notes that appeared repeatedly throughout the pages.
In each month, this breaks down each part of a wine tasting, and how to become and expert on trusting your senses when swirling, smelling, and slurping it back. I like that it also includes a list of which wines to try in each category, also varying in price, so that if you're completely clueless on what to choose, there are options laid out right there for you. I think this would be a fun guide to follow along with friends or family to create your own wine club, and come out looking like you just passed your own sommelier exam.
I was so excited to see this up on NetGalley's list of advanced copies. I recently got into the wine world with many tastings, but always felt that upon leaving them, I was back to walking aimlessly down the aisles having no idea how to choose a classic wine to take home. This "cookbook" does an interesting take in breaking up different types of wine for each month, so you can focus on one at a time and engage with it intimately for 30 days. The animated artwork reminds me of a more welcoming Olive Garden, and I loved the warm notes that appeared repeatedly throughout the pages.
In each month, this breaks down each part of a wine tasting, and how to become and expert on trusting your senses when swirling, smelling, and slurping it back. I like that it also includes a list of which wines to try in each category, also varying in price, so that if you're completely clueless on what to choose, there are options laid out right there for you. I think this would be a fun guide to follow along with friends or family to create your own wine club, and come out looking like you just passed your own sommelier exam.
July 13, 2023
This book is a great pick for people looking for a guide for establishing or reinvigorating a wine club. It's best quality is that it makes a wine club accessible for wine lovers of all experience levels.
The beginning of the book gives information on how to organize and run a wine club. The following twelve chapters each focus on one type of wine, twelve chapters for twelve months of the year.
Every chapter imparts information on the type of wine, recommendations for wines to purchase for the club meeting and recipes for snacks to pair with the wines. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are quick, easy to understand bits of information about wine, such as what it means if a wine is corked, what are differences between light, medium and full bodied wine, etc.
I highly recommend this book, not just for people in wine clubs but for anyone who wants an easy to understand guide to wine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Goodreads Giveaways program and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The beginning of the book gives information on how to organize and run a wine club. The following twelve chapters each focus on one type of wine, twelve chapters for twelve months of the year.
Every chapter imparts information on the type of wine, recommendations for wines to purchase for the club meeting and recipes for snacks to pair with the wines. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are quick, easy to understand bits of information about wine, such as what it means if a wine is corked, what are differences between light, medium and full bodied wine, etc.
I highly recommend this book, not just for people in wine clubs but for anyone who wants an easy to understand guide to wine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Goodreads Giveaways program and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2023
Monthly party with wine and food! Plus a great wine education all in one book! By the end of the year you have been to 12 great parties and know which wines you like the best.
The Wine Club is a book organized by the months of the year with a recommended type of wine and food to go with it. The wine is the star of the book starting off each monthly chapter with a description of the wine for that month. Wine terms are described in each chapter so that by the end of the year you can "speak wine" with anyone. The book also tells you good locations for each type of wine. There is recommended food with recipes to go with each wine.
The book spends time teaching about wine tasting and how to do it. There is a list of what is required to do wine tasting. There are sheets to fill out on each wine that you taste, so at the end of the monthly party you should have a list of all the wines you tasted and know which one you liked best.
The Wine Club is a book organized by the months of the year with a recommended type of wine and food to go with it. The wine is the star of the book starting off each monthly chapter with a description of the wine for that month. Wine terms are described in each chapter so that by the end of the year you can "speak wine" with anyone. The book also tells you good locations for each type of wine. There is recommended food with recipes to go with each wine.
The book spends time teaching about wine tasting and how to do it. There is a list of what is required to do wine tasting. There are sheets to fill out on each wine that you taste, so at the end of the monthly party you should have a list of all the wines you tasted and know which one you liked best.
April 7, 2023
I drink wine but am by no means a connoisseur. This book is an accessible, unsnobby and good guide to wines and it left me knowing a great deal more. Oh, and let’s not forget that this title is pretty; the bright colors and layouts really appealed to me. Organized by month, each chapter is packed with information. For example, January is about Cabernet Sauvignon, April is Merlot, August is Sauvignon Blanc and November is Pinot Noir. The author imagines that readers will use this guide as they form their own wine clubs; sounds like a great idea.
There is information on how to organize and host an event. There are tips for “tasteful tastings,” food pairings, ways to talk about wine and more.
Those who want to learn about wine and/or those who want to learn along with friends, will very much enjoy this title. It would make a great gift to a friend or one’s self.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
There is information on how to organize and host an event. There are tips for “tasteful tastings,” food pairings, ways to talk about wine and more.
Those who want to learn about wine and/or those who want to learn along with friends, will very much enjoy this title. It would make a great gift to a friend or one’s self.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2023
The Wine Club is a great reference to start your own wine club! A month by month guide to selecting wine, tasting, and food pairing. My favorite month was October highlighting Zinfandel and pairing it with a charcuterie board! Yes, please. I loved all the information on the different wine, pronunciation, and useful tidbits the author threw in. The illustrations are colorful and make this a thoughtful gift for someone interested in wine.
This is a five-star read, however, I would have loved pictures of the food pairing too.
Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advance copy.
This is a five-star read, however, I would have loved pictures of the food pairing too.
Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an advance copy.
July 8, 2023
I won a Kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway. I loved the concept - I love wine, and the structure the concept of 'wine club' would provide to a get-together with friends. Though this may be more structured than I or my friends may enjoy, it's easy to take this and adjust to your preference/liking/ personal logistics. Learned a lot, too! I think a hardcopy would be better and would have liked to see more illustrations, especially of the food. This is sort of like a mix of novel and cookbook. By and large, again, I loved the concept!
January 30, 2023
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice guide for wine tasting. It's broken down by month with suggested wines to try. There's information about where wines are from and the different varietals. The book talks about how to host a wine tasting, what to look for, and how to pair the wine with foods and snacks. It's a pretty thorough book for those wanting to learn more about wine or start a tasting group.
This is a nice guide for wine tasting. It's broken down by month with suggested wines to try. There's information about where wines are from and the different varietals. The book talks about how to host a wine tasting, what to look for, and how to pair the wine with foods and snacks. It's a pretty thorough book for those wanting to learn more about wine or start a tasting group.
April 11, 2023
What a fun read for anyone looking to start a wine club/supper club/social club. This playful and completely unpretentious guide to wine touches on familiar blends and brands, but also showcases unique varietals and wine regions you and your friends may not be familiar with. The book is also organized by month and provides simple, seasonal recipes and food pairings to enhance your tasting experience.
August 9, 2023
I got the book as a giveaway and was very happy to receive it! The book starts off with an instruction to learning about basic wine culture (glassware, how to evaluate, host a party, etc.) Each chapter is represented by a different wine and month which I thought was clever. The recipes are easy to make, but not “simple” as in basic. I found that they were intriguing and look forward to making these, be if I’m not pairing with wine.
February 2, 2023
This might be my new go-to book for gifting wine friends! It’s the perfect starting spot to learn more about wine and appreciate its uniqueness across the board. I also loved that it is set up for a monthly themed tasting and has recipes to try and pair with each grouping.
The artwork is adorable and I can’t wait to gift this to a few friends I already have in mind.
The artwork is adorable and I can’t wait to gift this to a few friends I already have in mind.
February 3, 2023
I thought this was such a fun, educational book that’s not at all intimidating to read through. Each month is devoted to a wine variety and each section includes interesting facts about the wine type, regional recommendations, and recipes for food pairings. I just wish there real photos of the food recipes in the book .
March 14, 2023
This is a great guide to wine and wine pairings. Broken down by different wine categories each month, the varieties and pairings are detailed for each of these. The guide even includes price ranges per variety and certain keywords that should be known to understand how to speak about the wine. It's a great guide.
July 14, 2023
Wine Club! What a great idea. The author has written an easily understandable book about how to create your own. Chockfull of information, and loaded with great artwork, PLUS some great recipes to pair your wine with. This book is not at all intimidating or "snobby" like so many other wine tasting books. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 15, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy!
A fun book about stating your own wine club, the book goes month by month with book wine and food pairing ideas, recipes for food, fun illustrations, as well as a good introduction to the process of actively really tasting a wine and identifying the parts of each sip and swirl.
March 15, 2023
I Loved this. I CAN NOT WAIT to buy a physical copy of this. Im a huge fan of wine, but this took it to a different level. I loved how it provided you with foods you could mix certain wines with and the type of famous wines that are more popular to get during different months.
July 15, 2023
A great book for anyone who wants to learn more about wine! This book goes into detail on how to start a wine club but it goes so much further with wine education to recipes.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2024
Love the concept of this book and it started off STRONG with great wine notes and food pairings (all of which I could see myself cooking/eating), but further in chapters were hit or miss. Still worth exploring and keeping handy as a resource!
January 20, 2025
A great year long adventure through the world of wine! Each chapter has a concise and entertaining description of the wine variety, tasting tips and wonderful pairing recipes. Our wine club thoroughly enjoyed our year exploring new and familiar wines.
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August 9, 2023Awesome book to start a wine club
August 9, 2023
Interesting approach to wine tasting and buying a new appreciation outlook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews