Best Wine Cookbooks
Wine and food pairing has long been a matter of both skill and passion for culinary enthusiasts worldwide. Wine pairing cookbooks can help with this, but a well-crafted pairing brings out the best in both the dish and the accompanying wine, elevating the dining experience to a sublime level. Thanks to a rich tradition of food and wine culture, fine dining has become even more nuanced and sophisticated through the art of wine pairing.
In this article, we explore our top 10 wine cookbooks that not only teach the fundamentals of this fine art but also offer a diverse array of recipes and pairing suggestions. We’ll learn about the history and philosophy behind each book, the authors’ perspectives on wine pairing, and their predicted implications on the culinary world.
1. The Wine Bible, by Karen MacNeil
Karen MacNeil’s encyclopedic guide to wine covers not only the vast world of wine but also delves into the art and science of wine and food pairing. Filled with anecdotes and accessible explanations, The Wine Bible demystifies the complexities of wine and offers practical and detailed pairing recommendations.
2. What to Drink with What You Eat, by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page
This groundbreaking work by James Beard Award-winning authors Dornenburg and Page is a definitive reference for food and beverage pairing. Exploring the interplay of flavors, they provide a comprehensive and systematic approach based on extensive interviews with chefs, sommeliers, and wine experts. Synergy and compatibility are at the heart of their approach, resulting in over 9,000 wine pairings and innumerable dishes for the reader to discover.
“This book is a tour de force on top of a magnum opus…The happiest marriage of flavors since the first chef discovered how to enhance his home cooking with wine.” – Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine
3. The Food & Wine Guide to Perfect Pairings, by The Editors of Food & Wine
In this expertly crafted guide, the editors of Food & Wine offer 150 modern recipes designed to create a harmony between dish and beverage. The recipes are organized by eleven popular styles of wine, simplifying the reader’s choice and allowing for a more effortless wine and food pairing experience.
The pairing of food is not a mysterious art, but a practical, common-sense way to serve fine wines with great food. This book should be required reading for everyone who aspires to provide the best of both.” – Daniel Boulud, Chef-Owner, Restaurant Daniel
4. Wine, Food & Friends, by Karen MacNeil
In Wine, Food & Friends, MacNeil presents an inspiring and adventurous take on wine pairings, with over 100 recipes that evoke family tradition and cherished memories. The recipes emphasize flavor affinity, aroma, and texture, with clear guidance on selecting the perfect wine for a wide range of dishes.
5. The Sommelier’s Guide to Wine, by Brian H. Smith
Sommelier and winemaker Brian H. Smith offers a comprehensive introduction to wine for sommeliers, chefs, and experienced drinkers alike. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, he provides practical advice for wine pairing with classic dishes, along with clear explanations of the science behind the process.
6. The Complete Book of Pairing Food & Wine, by Evan Goldstein
Celebrated sommelier and Master of Wine candidate Evan Goldstein provides readers with an authoritative and comprehensive guide to pairing food and wine. He covers the basics of flavor, texture, weight, acidity, tannin levels, and more in a thoughtful and engaging way. Whether you are selecting wines for special occasions or simply looking to share a simple plate of cheese with friends, Goldstein provides useful advice and creative solutions throughout his book.
“Whether you are a beginner or an expert, love wine and food pairings or have never considered them before, this book will be a valuable resource.” – Eleanor & Ray Isle, Food & Wine Magazine
7. The French Laundry Cookbook, by Thomas Keller and Michael Ruhlman
This classic cookbook from renowned chef Thomas Keller is an indispensable guide to modern gastronomy. Combining classical French techniques with American flavors and sensibilities, The French Laundry Cookbook provides readers with 140 recipes for creating the perfect meal. Keller’s meticulously researched pairings offer insight into his passionate approach to food and wine, providing readers of all levels with a solid foundation for pairing food and wine.
8. Wine & Food Handbook, by Karen MacNeil and Michael Bonaccorsi
This comprehensive guide from two renowned experts in the field of food and wine offers readers an in-depth look at pairing with over 400 recipes from around the world. From classic European dishes to more creative, modern fare, this book provides clear and concise instructions for creating perfect pairings. Drawing on their vast knowledge and experience, MacNeil and Bonaccorsi aim to help readers find the best matches for any occasion.
“The Wine & Food Handbook is an outstanding resource and guide for wine enthusiasts of all levels of experience, from the novice to the professional.” -Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine
9. Secrets to Great Pairing: How to Combine Wine and Food for Pleasure, by Andrea Immer Robinson
This helpful book from Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the world of wine and food pairing. Robinson provides readers with clear explanations of the basics, as well as helpful tips on selecting wines for any meal. She also offers invaluable advice on how to make the most out of each wine, allowing readers to unlock their full potential when creating perfect pairings.
10. Perfectly Paired: Making the Most of Food & Wine Pairings, by Christopher Koetting and Mary Cressler
In Perfectly Paired, American sommelier Christopher Koetting and chef Mary Cressler team up to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to the art of food and wine pairing. They explore flavor profiles, textures, aromas, and more as they share their knowledge on creating the perfect pairings for any occasion. With clear instructions on how to select wines for specific dishes, this book makes it easy to create memorable meals.
“Koetting and Cressler have created an accessible guide to the art of pairing food and wine that will help any reader create memorable meals.” -Culinate Magazine
Final Thoughts
These ten curated wine pairing cookbooks encompass the diverse spectrum of food and wine pairing, offering insights from authoritative experts in the industry. These books are more than just instructional manuals; they offer a journey into the vast and captivating realm of gastronomy. Enjoy the exploration, and let every page enhance your appreciation of the art of pairing food and wine.
