Wine, Beer & Spirits

Paul has a great fondness for beer and a wealth of knowledge about it. He has spent considerable time developing recipes in which beer plays a significant role, not as a gimmick, but as an essential flavouring. His recipes display a depth of knowledge about the flavours and qualities of various beers and the dishes that they best complement. The 80+ recipes in Cooking with Beer include both bold and subtle dishes, from traditional beer-based favourites such as Lamb Shanks in Guinness, to variations on classics, such as Beer-Braised... read more

When beer starts to flow, philosophical discussions naturally follow. Philosophy on Tap takes pub philosophy to the next level, pairing 48 of life's greatest philosophical questions with 48 of the world's best beers. Features a unique presentation of philosophical puzzles, paradoxes, and debates by considering 48 of life's biggest questions in the context of 48 distinctive beers from around the world Provides a highly engaging and sociable approach to the classic philosophical problems as well as a unique look at the conundrum... read more

Good wine in Australia doesn't have to cost a fortune, and it's about to become even easier to choose the right bottle at the right price. For the first time ever, the country's leading wine authority has compiled his pick of the best Australian wines under $20. With tasting notes, rankings, drink-to dates and food matches for 1001 top-notch wines, James Halliday's 1001 Wines under $20 is the most comprehensive guide to value wines in Australia. The wines are grouped by variety, with chapters on the best shirazs, chardonnays, pinot... read more

The New Zealand Wine-lover's Companion is the perfect book for anyone who's enthusiastic about wine but intimidated by the esoteric language that often surrounds it. Assuming no prior knowledge, it takes every puzzling reference that a casual wine drinker might encounter in wine articles and reviews, in wine shops or wineries, on labels or in conversation and explains it in simple, but not condescending, language. From grape varieties and winemaking techniques to the terminology used to articulate the subtle attributes of wines, th... read more

This brand-new concise edition of the "World Atlas of Wine" contains every one of the 200 maps core to the appeal of its original format. An ideal self-purchase, the "Concise World Atlas of Wine" combines essential information on the wines of the world, written by the world's most authoritative wine duo, with the unparalleled clarity and detail of the most up-to-date and useful maps available of wine growing areas. Benefiting throughout from the highest-quality research included in the sixth edition of Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robin... read more

This visually stunning atlas provides the most comprehensive overview of the wine industry in New Zealand and is the only Wine Atlas devoted entirely to New Zealand wines and wine-making. This second edition of the Wine Atlas of New Zealand builds on the award-winning success of the first edition, the text has been fully updated with many more wineries introduced, there are brand-new colour photographs by John McDermott, as well as new maps throughout. This Atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the wine industry in New Zealand... read more

Hugh Johnson's Wine Companion presents a unique approach to wine and wine producers, combining detailed background information with practical advice on how to enjoy wine to the full. Already praised for its wealth of information, the book has been extensively revised and updated by Stephen Brook, with over 70 per cent of the content changed, to take account of the latest developments in the fast-changing world of wine, be they human, cultural, or geographic. Colour maps and photographs and detailed glossaries of the wines of each r... read more

Following his conversion from the elderberry to the grape 30 years ago, Nick Poulter and his former business partner began planting a commercial vineyard at Cranmore on the Isle of Wight. By 1984 the vineyard was producing 15,000 to 20,000 bottles per year and the associated vine nursery around 30,000 plants.
The vineyard was sold at that time but the nursery continued until 1996.

When the first vines were planted at Cranmore, there were only a dozen or so vineyards in England, but now that number has multiplied ... read more

Subdivided into hundreds of domaines, often family-run and sometimes covering no more than a few hectares, Burgundy can be offputtingly fragmented even to wine experts. In compiling this revised edition the authors revisited all the domaines that appeared in previous editions plus scores of 'rising stars', to select the very best and most interesting of them - and remove those that no longer come up to scratch. They have spoken to winemakers about their grapes, their soil and their techniques - and, of course, sampled their wines. ... read more

What could be better than enjoying a glass of delicious home-brewed organic beer? This book includes everything you'll need to know to brew a variety of beers at home, from the equipment and techniques needed to a few inside secrets from a professional brewer. In this timely book, John Parkes demystifies the brewing process and explains in easy-to-follow terms how anyone can produce delicious beer with the help of just some basic equipment and a few key skills. Those new to home brewing will love the easy-to-follow instructions and... read more

Beer has fermented fundamental change in human society from gender roles to religious theologies. It helped establish civilisation, sparked the Industrial Revolution, and triggered scientific theories. Today, "beer activists" are fermenting a revolution in social and environmental sustainability.

Kingsley Amis was one of the great masters of comic prose, and no subject was dearer to him than the art and practice of imbibing. This new volume brings together the best of his three out-of-print works on the subject: Kingsley Amis in Drink, Everyday Drinking and How's Your Glass? In one handsome package, the book covers a full shelf of the master's riotous and erudite thoughts on the drinking arts: Along with a series of well-tested recipes (including a cocktail called the Lucky Jim) are Amis's musings on The Hangover, The Booz... read more

Don't know your amontillado from your amoroso? Can't say who declared cabernet sauvignon the only variety to be tolerated in heaven? Can't list the movers and shakers in the Australian wine landscape today? Never fear, James Halliday, Australia's foremost wine writer, has compiled all the answers. The Australian Wine Encyclopedia is the definitive guide to all things wine in Australia, from someone who has immersed himself in the topic his whole life. From Abbey Creek Vineyard all the way to zinfandel, James gives detailed explanat... read more

Ever wanted to create your own wine to serve all your entertaining needs? Well now you can. In this comprehensive guide to at home wine making, readers will learn all the tips and tricks of the trade. The book teaches readers how to start and maintain a small vineyard, with vital information, such as how to create trellises and proper pruning techniques. A chart is included to show which grape varieties will do the best in every climate region, as well as the wines that can be made from each variety. Readers are given basic recipes... read more

Mix, make, shake, and stir like a pro! Whether tending bar or entertaining at home, experienced bartenders or novices will find "The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Bartending, Second Edition," serves up everything drink makers need to know to create great tasting beverages and cocktails. This updated edition includes: - One hundred brand-new recipes and the latest techniques - A brand-new section on creating specialty and theme cocktails for weddings and parties - New recipes for making mixers, bitters, and more

Brewing craft and artisanal beer has become a labor of love for enthusiasts and epicures the world over, with new people joining the ranks every year. The Brewer's Apprentice is a behind-the-scenes guide to all aspects of this ancient art. However, instead of simply sharing brewing recipes, tasting guides, or buying recommendations as many other books do, our book gives readers unique insights into craft brewing culture, and lets the "masters" share their own expertise. In a series of in-depth profiles, the legends, innovators, and... read more

Three-time Wine Writer of the Year Tom Stevenson updates and enriches his classic guide. From the Old World to the New, pick up the latest on all the wine-producing areas across the globe with the award-winning The Sotherby's Wine Encyclopedia. Packed with practical advice on tasting, storing and serving as well as expert tips on choosing food to accompany wine, this major revision of the classic wine reference guide covers every appellation and includes all the best producers and emerging wine regions. The Sotheby's Wine Encyclope... read more

This best-selling title, now in its 20th year of publication, is firmly established as the most authoritative and sought-after guide to New Zealand wines. Updated yearly with new tasting notes and vintage ratings, including the most current vintage, this is a 'must-have' publication for the new initiate and the established wine-buff alike. This book will help the buyer to make informed choices about the best value and best quality wines available. Divided by grape variety to help selection, this comprehensive guide includes vintage... read more

Larousse Wine's comprehensive coverage of the wine-producing regions of the world is invaluable. Each section begins with it a beautiful colour illustration of the area, with the major districts, rivers, and cities highlighted. A short history and analysis of each region follows, with a discussion of the types of wines produced in each district, the specific oenological properties that make the region unique, and the appellations of the area. Boxes and features throughout also cover a vast range of subjects such as how to read a wi... read more

Naturalness is a hot topic in the wine world. But what exactly is a 'natural wine'? This title explores the range of issues surrounding authenticity in wine. Drawing on a global array of examples and anecdotes, it examines concepts such as terroir, biodynamics, and sustainability.