The more it costs, the better the wine. That is the most common mistake made by wine buyers, according to Veseth, author of Wine Wars (2011) and blogger for Wine Economist. Veseth bring his love of wine and knowledge of economics to bear in this thoroughly enjoyable examination of how to satisfy the wine palate and the wallet. Perceptions of wine come from context and expectations, such as the occasion and the location. Palates are confused by labels, fancy wine-tasting venues, even placement on the store shelf. Veseth details the economics of winemaking as well as the psychology behind the wine market from the perspectives of the winemakers, the wine consumers, and investors and the connection between perceptions of quality and price. Drawing cultural references from movies and books, he debunks wine snobbery and offers advice on choosing based on personal tastes and finding treasures in wine stores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers. This is a humorous, engaging, and commonsense look at the tricky triangulation between money, taste, and wine.

Booklist

Everyone knows stories about people who prefer a bottle of swill to a $1,000 wine or a blindfolded aficionado waxing poetic about an old Bordeaux that turns out to be a warm white Burgundy. Wine economist Veseth takes readers on an entertaining romp through the wine world, which often bucks common economic theory. Veseth warns readers ‘not [to] expect this to be a linear journey.’ The book’s 14 chapters are organized into four sections: ‘Buyer Beware,’ which examines the disconnect between price and quality; ‘Get a Clue! Searching for Buried Treasures,’ on where values lie; ‘A Rosé Is a Rosé? Money, Taste, and Identity,’ about labeling and identity; and ‘What Money Can (and Can’t) Buy,’ on extrinsic value, sales, restaurants, perception, and much more. The book is readable and packed with corny humor. Endnotes and an index may appease scholars, but the book is really pitched to general readers and consumers looking for deals. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, professionals.

Choice Reviews

Of all the wine blogs in the wide, wide blogosphere, one that I look forward to reading the most is Mike Veseth’s Wine Economist. There’s nothing else quite like it—a blend of economic insight . . . and often irreverent winespeak.

Lettie Teague, The Wall Street Journal

Veseth writes about how the complicated relationship between money, taste and wine runs the wine industry. He peels away layers to reveal the wine lover’s biggest mistake: confusing money and taste.

The Seattle Times

Mike Veseth appears to be on a mission . . . in discussing aspects of the wine world in a language ordinary mortals can understand. . . . He is so adept at making complex issues fun and accessible. This book should appeal to wine consumers and professionals intrigued to understand more about the issues behind the product itself.

Harpers Wine & Spirit

A caffeinated writing style [and] catchy themes...make the book a quick and lively read.

Wine Spectator