New Year Wine Class

PATRICK ALEXANDER'S WINE APPRECIATION PROGRAM Winter Wine Class: January 15 – February 19, 2017 At Books & Books, we think the more you understand the world of wine - the more you will enjoy drinking and sharing it. That’s why for the past several years, The Café at Books & Books in Coral Gables has been offering a series of six-week classes, every Monday between 6-8pm, during which time a group of 16 students sample 24 different wines and learn everything about the magic grape – from terroir and varietal, to taste and history.   JOIN THE CLASS + MORE INFO There is a class maximum of 16 people so reserve your place now – classes sell out fast! The Booklovers' Guide to Wine: An Introduction to the History, Mysteries and Literary Pleasures of Drinking Wine by Patrick Alexander (B&B Press, $19.95) Learn More A labor of love by Books & Books’ very own resident wine instructor, The Booklovers' Guide To Wine is based on Patrick’s very successful wine class and blends his passion for the culture and the history of wine with his love of literature and the world's great writers. A literary twist on traditional food and wine pairings, this book explores how great wines and great writers can be combined to enhance the enjoyment of both.

Editorial Reviews for Booklovers' Guide

 Here is a selection of some recent reviews:

“Guides to the wide world of wine are many but this is the first book on the market to pair books with wine by an author who is a preeminent expert on both.” -Thriftbooks.com

“Patrick Alexander seems to be the perfect guide for booklovers who want to enjoy wine even more through story-telling…… I have read dozens of wine guides over the years and I can’t think of one that is so much fun. Simply irresistible!. …….. Alexander’s literary references are the second distinctive factor. His abundant quotes from famous authors are clever and really made me think. And the chapter on wine grape varieties ― where grapes are compared to famous authors ― is both fun and informative.” 

-Mike Veseth, editor of the Wine Economist and author of many wine books, including Wine Wars.

“From the preface through to the epilogue readers will learn everything from why the author has a dislike for wine critic Robert Parker that is completely logical yet surprising, basics on how to taste wine, read labels, naming different varietals, how to make wine, why sweet wines are popular, the connection between religion and wine, the difference between an American’s understanding of wine and that of a European’s in relation to terroir, what the 100 year war did to the wine industry, why the opinions on wine are so subjective and finally, why Alexander is “never happier than with a glass of wine in one hand and a good book in the other.” 

-Eve Bushman: Wine writer and consultant. Member of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), and the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), author of “Wine Etiquette for Everyone”

“Listen up, lovers of cheap wine (aka everybody who reads this column): Wine expert Patrick Alexander says we’re drinking the right thing. …. Alexander knows a lot about wine, and he enjoys pairing wines with some of his favorite writers (Shakespeare with sherry, J.R.R. Tolkien with Albariño, Jane Austen with Chardonnay)."

- Connie Ogle: Book editor and wine columnist for the Miami Herald

“Amazingly comprehensive. It was a good read for me as a wine enthusiast but for a novice it would be a heck of a resource. I really like the structure of the chapters. .... Overall, a solid wine book and the compilation of information must have taken a heck of a long time to put together. The history and context is awesome. The details on varieties and wine regions is amazing.”

-Chris O’Shea: Editor/ Writer. The Unfussy Wine Enthusiasts

"This is the book I wish I had years ago. Who knew that soil and climate has so much to do with how a glass of wine ends up tasting? Patrick Alexander knows all that and more in the spectacular book. I love learning about writers and their favorite vintages, simply fascinating!"

- Nina Lesowitz, author of "The Party Girl Cookbook"

"What a delightful and singular book- the pairings of wine and books is every oenophile's dream. Now I know exactly what to imbibe when rereading Tolkien."

- Susannah Seton, author of "Simple Pleasures"

"Patrick Alexander opens the door to his world of wine for the reader, and lets his passion shine through. 

I know pairing wine with books is a lifestyle choice that Patrick generously loves to share."

-Alan Susser, author of "New World Cuisine"

"If anyone defined the phrase Renaissance Man, Patrick is just that person. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with such a rich intellect, having such diverse interests, and able to pair his love of history, geography, economics, and alcohol with so much humor. I am proud that my bookstore inspired this book, and I am happy that my friendship made it possible."

- MItchell Kaplan, owner Books & Books

"Patrick Alexander, author of “The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine” and host of Books & Books’ wine appreciation course, says which glass you use doesn’t make much difference.The important thing is that the bowl should narrow at the top to focus and concentrate the aromas,” he says. “Personally I like big glasses with stems. . . . Also glass should be plain and clear, not colored or engraved.” -Miami Herald