How to Sound Wine Smart - An Illustrated Guide

By: Maryse Chevriere

Published by S&S/Simon Element, 2026-07-14

Learn how to talk like a pro when tasting wine with this fun, and funny, illustrated guide by James Beard Award–winning writer and wine professional Maryse Chevriere.

Have you ever been stumped in a restaurant, when the sommelier asks if you like a super lean Chablis or a grippy Nebbiolo? Or reading the descriptions in a wine store, hoping to figure out what a hint of red fruit and smoke on the finish of that bottle really means?

That’s where this book will save you.

How to Sound Wine Smart is a one-of-a-kind visual glossary, written and playfully illustrated by certified sommelier and James Beard Award–winning writer Maryse Chevriere. It breaks down the complicated, often ridiculous-sounding language into its component parts. You’ll learn terms to describe what’s going on in a glass of wine, from its first impressions, aroma, flavor, acidity, texture and mouthfeel, condition, personality, to its faults and flaws—including sentences to impress people in real life. Even in a wine store!

And that’s not all. Throughout the book are informative sections that explore crucial aspects of the world of wine like unfiltered vs. filtered, old world vs. new world, and more. There’s also a guide to glassware. Cheat sheets for tackling wine pairings, too. To put your knowledge to the test, Maryse has designed drinking games that will have you smelling and tasting wines side-by-side to understand the quality of dry and sweet German Rieslings. Or the flavor differences between chardonnays that were aged in stainless steel or new oak. She makes this topic less intimidating, more accessible, and, always, enjoyable.

Whether you’re a longtime wine lover or a curious beginner, How to Sound Wine Smart is a necessary (and fun, and funny) reference. No other book provides a deep dive on the lexicon of wine lingo. Learn what to say, and how to say it. Learn how to sound wine smart. And savor every sip along the way.