Wine & Foodie Learning Curve

Novice to Knowledge: 

Swallow This - The Progressive Approach to Wine

Mark Phillips

I have been searching for a book like this for years and I'm glad I found it (I picked up this book at Borders, weeks after they announced bankruptcy).  WHY is this book special and not the thousands out there?  Well, in my opinion, this book is more FACTS than fiction - meaning the author isn't only giving you his or her "two-cents."  

This author knows how to engage and draw-in his audience.  His book is littered with hilarious anecdotes and personal stories, easy to comprehend facts, and it reads like a conversation (between you and Mr. Mark Phillips).  At the end of the book I hope you will realize, as I did, that being knowledgable in wine is less important than knowing how to enjoy it.

My favorite chapters are:

3. Why the Ratings are Silly
4. Different Shaped Glasses are a Waste of Money
12. How Wine Shops Work
13. What Wines I Like and How I Buy Wine
16. Buying Expensive Wine is Stupid
17. Wine at Restaurants
23. Bum Wines


Hungry? Expand your Knowledge NOT just your Waistline:
Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating -how to choose the best bread, cheeses, olive oil, pasta, chocolate, and much more
Ari Weinzweig

I got this book as a Christmas gift from my brother two years ago and just recently started reading from it.  If you're a foodie fanatic and love to learn about the history of different foods, varietal differences, preparation techniques, recommendations, awesome recipes and so forth - this is the book for you.

Ari Weinzweig is the founding partner of Zingerman's Community of Businesses: includes Zingerman's Delicatessen, Zingerman's Creamery, Zingerman's Bakehouse, Zingtrain, and Zingerman's Mail Order.

"Hailed by the New York Times, Esquire, and the Atlantic Monthly as one of the best delicatessens in the country, Zingerman's is a trusted source for superior ingredients - and a supplier of indispensable information about food."

 

Contents:

1. oils, olives, and vinegars

2. grains and rices

3. cheeses

4. meat and fish

5. seasonings

6. honey, vanilla, chocolate, and tea

The Wine Seller - Ann Arbor, Michigan

You WILL NOT find a better wine & beer store in Ann Arbor (Trust me, I've gone to ALL of them).  When I moved to Ann Arbor from Grand Rapids in 2009, I never once thought I would find a place like International Beverage Company again.  I found The Wine Seller in 2010 (this place exceeded my expectations!), owned by Patel brothers, Swetang & Hardik.  They are both friendly, patient, and have an extensive knowledge of wines and craft beers.  

Seriously.  The pictures (below) cannot emulate the WONDERFUL and overwhelming EXCITEMENT you get when you're standing in the store.  Quoting Levar Burton from Reading Rainbow: "But you don't have to take my word for it."  You'll just have to stop by and experience this for yourself!

Here are my reasons WHY they are the BEST in town:

1.  Wine Storage: wines are kept in a dimly lit and cool area (unlike most of the wine shops in A2).
2. Staff: Patient, friendly, knowledgable. Some stores in A2 care only about "selling" rather than taking the time to help you find something you'll enjoy.  If you're like me and like to ask questions before buying - this is the place to go - they will ANSWER ALL your questions.   
3. Extensive variety: whether you're in the mood for a chardonnay, champagne, merlot, California cabernet sauvignon, burgandy or bourdeaux, Washington pinot noir, sake, port, stout or an IPA - you'll find something exciting to try...guaranteed!
4. Discounts offered when you buy 6 bottles or a case (12) of wine.    
5. Price: You don't need to look elsewhere, they have the best and fairest prices in town.  (I have looked).
6. Special Orders:  If you can't find what you're looking for, please ask - they were able to find the 2005 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot for me and at a great price!
7. Make your OWN 6 Pack: There is no other place in town that will have a wide variety of craft beers that you can mix and match. 

Quality & Variety: 98
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 98
Atmosphere: 100
Overall: 99 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

Pictures taken with permission from the owner and my apologies for the poor picture quality (I used my iphone 4)

"Ginger Bread" Creations

Christmas 2012 (the only time playing with your food is socially acceptable...) 

My wife's public park

Mother-in-law

Friends at the park

Sister-in-law putting shutters on the windows

Brother-in-Law and me in the background

Cottage in the woods, bonfire & purple car

Icicles & Graffiti

Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot

I have been told that Duckhorn is well known for their Merlot, but the cost is usually $85 a bottle.  Two summers ago, I was able to get six bottles of the Three Palms 2005 vintage at $52 each.   Apparently, the wine distributor was able get a fantastic deal for the cases and in turn the store was able to sell the wine at a lower price.  I got super lucky on the deal and the 2005 vintage was incredible!  This easily makes my top ten.

This is a serious wine for serious people and I say that with some truth.  It certainly isn't for the timid.  It is bold, spicy, rich, red fruit forward and layered with chocolate and spice accents.  Whether you buy this at $52 or $85, you certainly want to take time to appreciate its complexity and elegance.  Wine Enthusiast 94 points.

$85

Overall: 94 (Excellent - A Must Try!)