Welcome, to the wonderful, convoluted, and often pretentious world of wine. A place where the price tag is inversely proportional to the amount of sense it makes, where a mere sniff can make a grown man wax poetic about "undertones of wet slate and black cherry," and where wine snobs will gladly spend their rent money on a bottle that tastes like a mouthful of crushed-up turtle poop.

But don't be fooled by the absurdity of it all, there's actually a lot to love about wine. It's a drink that has been enjoyed for thousands of years, and has played a significant role in shaping human civilization. From the ancient Egyptians to the Roman emperors, wine has been a staple at the table of the rich and powerful. It's a drink that brings people together, and can be the cherry on top of a romantic evening, a celebration, or just a casual night in. With thousands of different grape varieties and styles, each with their own unique flavor profile. From light and crisp white wines to full-bodied reds, there's something for everyone's taste. So, pop the cork, let's raise a glass, and dive into the fascinating world of wine, where the only rule is to drink what you like, and like what you drink.

There are a lot of educational books out there. It’s easy to find, “the-beginners-guide-to-the-complete-idiot’s-book-of-cliff-notes-for-dummies”, on just about any subject.  And while they all have their place on the bookshelf (preferably near the bottom), the one thing that separates Barstool Brainiac books from the pack is — our books are funny, fast, and easy.  (Well, that’s three things, but aim for the one in the middle, you silly drunkard). Armed with conversational knowledge about random topics, you may not be the smartest person in the room but, you will be the most interesting. It's top shelf knowledge at well drink prices.

Wine is a beverage that's been around for millennia, one that's been sipped, savored, and appreciated by cultures across the world. From the cheap, head-splitting plonk to the delicate, nuanced nectars that are a work of art, we've sampled it all. But it's not just the taste that we love, it's the ritual, the ceremony, the culture that surrounds it. The pop of a cork, the sound of glasses clinking, the aroma of grapes and oak. That's what this book is about. It's not just a guide to different types of wine, but a celebration of the culture that surrounds it. So come, pour yourself a glass, take a deep breath, and join us on a journey through the world of wine, and become a fellow Barstool Brainiac.