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Books

Owen Knowlton

In his own words, Owen Knowlton, restaurant director and wine director of West recommends a collection of his favourite books on the subject of wine and fine dining. Our recommendations may be purchased from amazon.ca by following the links below. One easy step with no extra charge.

Vino Italiano - Joseph Bastianich

“The best guide to Italian wines."
Vino Italiano - Joseph Bastianich

Vino Italiano is the only comprehensive and authoritative American guide to the wines of Italy. It surveys the country’s wine-producing regions; identifies key wine styles, producers, and vintages; and offers delicious regional recipes. Extensive reference materials—on Italy’s 300 growing zones, 361 authorized grape varieties, and 200 of the top producers— provide essential information for restaurateurs and wine merchants, as well as for wine enthusiasts.

The New France - Andrew Jefford

“Everything you ever wanted to know about the wines of France.”
The New France - Andrew Jefford

This comprehensive wine atlas leaves no centimeter of terroir unexplored. After a thorough introduction to France, French winemaking and the concept of terroir, Jefford (Wine Tastes Wine Styles) gets to the heart of the matter with lengthy chapters on each of France’s 14 regions. Each of these consists of an overview of the region and its history, profiles of the area’s major winemakers, a description of the land and listings and descriptions of the local wineries.

Windows on the World, Complete Wine Course - Kevin Zraly

“Great introductory in wine. Windows on the World is written in simple terms and gives you a base to grown on.”
Windows on the World, Complete Wine Course - Kevin Zraly

Let’s pop a cork and drink a toast to America’s very best, most popular wine course! Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is celebrating its silver anniversary, and this classic volume now has new, updated material that wine lovers will savor.

Wine and War - Donald Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup

“Great story about how France battled to save their wine from the Nazi’s in WWII.”
Wine and War - Donald Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup

Husband-and-wife journalists and contributors to Wine Spectator, the Kladstrups recount the dangerous and daring exploits of those who fought to keep France’s greatest treasure out of the hands of the Nazis. Whether they were fobbing off inferior wines on the Germans, hiding precious vintages behind hastily constructed walls, sabotaging shipments being sent out of France, or even sneaking people out of the country in wine barrels, the French proved to be remarkably versatile when it came to protecting their beloved wine.

The Oxford Companion to Wine - Jancis Robinson

“If you could only have one wine reference book in your house this is the one you need.”
The Oxford Companion to Wine - Jancis Robinson

With more than 3,000 entries on every aspect of wine from vine pests to specific grapes, this hefty tome has something for both the seasoned connoisseur and novice alike. Edited by one of today’s premier wine columnists, the work covers all aspects of wine, travelling back in time to early Greece to examine wine’s role in Dionysian revels, then returning to today’s wine centers to explore all aspects of wine appreciation. A full third of the book is dedicated to specific wines and wine-producing regions. All those technical terms you’ve heard and puzzled over at tastings are clearly explained, making this the perfect reference for newcomers to the world of oenology.

A Year in Provence - Peter Mayle

“Charming and fun adventure for foodies.”
A Year in Provence - Peter Mayle

Who hasn’t dreamed, on a mundane Monday or frowzy Friday, of chucking it all in and packing off to the south of France? Provençal cookbooks and guidebooks entice with provocatively fresh salads and azure skies, but is it really all Côtes-du-Rhône and fleur-de-lis? Author Peter Mayle answers that question with wit, warmth, and wicked candor in A Year in Provence, the chronicle of his own foray into Provençal domesticity.

Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book - Hugh Johnson

"A quick guide on producers, wines, vintages, and food pairings.”
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book - Hugh Johnson

The original and still the best, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2010 successfully distills the world of wine into a handy, eloquent gem of a package.

World Atlas of Wine - Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson

“If you’re a visual learner like me you need this book”
World Atlas of Wine - Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson

Hailed by critics worldwide as “extraordinary” and “irreplaceable,” there are few volumes that have had as monumental an impact in their field as Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine: sales have exceeded four million copies, and it is now published in thirteen languages.World-renowned authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again combine their unrivalled talents to enhance this masterpiece of wine knowledge.

Food Lover’s Companion - Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst

“Quick and easy food encyclopedia and the most used book in restaurants”
Food Lover’s Companion - Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst

The brand-new fourth edition of this widely praised reference guide has been updated with new information for everyone, including lovers of ethnic foods and health food aficionados.