Tom Surgey’s How to Drink Wine is a refreshingly unpretentious guide that demystifies the world of wine. Tom, a well-regarded wine expert, brings a wealth of experience from his years in the industry, from starting as a young enthusiast at The Ivy in London to crafting wine lists for restaurants and representing top wine producers globally. His informal, conversational tone invites readers in, making this book accessible and engaging for beginners, yet still valuable for those with a seasoned palate.
At first glance, How to Drink Wine is surprisingly compact, especially for a book written by someone with Tom’s experience. But don’t be fooled, every page is packed with valuable knowledge. Rather than padding the content with lengthy personal stories like most wine book authors, Tom keeps his explanations concise and to the point, weaving in down-to-earth insights that make the reader feel as though they’re having a chat with a friend. His aim isn’t to impress but to share practical tips that can transform an intimidating wine list from a threat into an opportunity for enjoyment.
The book covers everything from the basics of wine acidity, colour, and terroir to more advanced topics like vineyard lifecycles, grafting and winemaking vessels. Tom explains skin contact, biodynamic practices and how wine is a snapshot of its origin, preserving the essence of the vineyard and season. There’s a lot to learn here, but thanks to Tom’s candid style, it never feels overwhelming.
A standout section is his guidance on tasting wine:
“I have friends in the wine trade that sniff EVERYTHING. They can’t walk past a window box without stopping. Bugger that. But if you get a chance to be conscious and enjoy aroma and flavour, then take it. It will help.”
Tom is refreshingly blunt about wine, calling out folklore and letting readers know when they need to make their own mind up about things. His humour also shines in self-deprecating remarks, such as:
“I absentmindedly swirl cups of tea and glasses of water now… which I think adds to my flamboyant character. Others probably just think I’m a tit.”
In terms of practical advice, How to Drink Wine is full of gems. From reading labels and navigating wine lists to pairing food and coping with hangovers, the book covers it all. For Tom, wine is about enjoyment and exploration, wisely urging readers to taste widely across styles and varieties to discover their own tastes.
With an attractive design, this book is an ideal gift for any wine lover, whether they’re just starting out or have years of experience. Its approachable style makes it perfect for anyone who wants to deepen or fill in their knowledge without the formality or elitism often found in wine literature. At £14.99, it’s also available on Kindle and as an audiobook.
