I'm often asked which books I use to prepare for WSET Diploma exams. Astute readers will know I've previously described a whole list of books and have a mild addiction, but okay – specifically for the WSET Diploma, it's a different story, and it deserves another article.
No wine stories like The Cork Dork or a book to look up which wine pairs best with a glass of Soave Classico ( Wine and Food Bible ) – no, now it's all about gathering hard knowledge. In all honesty, I have to admit that WSET has made significant digitalization efforts. As of August 2019, practically all the information is available online. I haven't used it myself yet, so I don't know if I'll need OCW or The Wine Atlas for Unit 3 (all the wines of the world).
Update : It's now 2025, and I graduated years ago. I think this list is still a great start to your studies, but... there are new books. I'm raving about One Thousand Vines by Pascaline Lepeltier. And don't forget Beyond Flavor for tons of tasting tips.
The Oxford Companion to Wine
It shouldn't come as a surprise, should it? This is the book. My wine bible, my rock, my support, and my mainstay. Especially during my studies. Don't expect pictures or frivolous text; this is rock-solid knowledge. A reference for when you're ready for more depth.
Champagne
If you're a champagne fan, Peter Liem's book is perfect for you. It not only tells you all about the modern-day houses but also reveals the region's illustrious history. I read it on my e-reader and at one point I almost had more highlights than not. Every page is a new surprise. If not with knowledge, then with beautiful language, such as: "Wine without context becomes a beverage reduced to a mere set of flavors." Isn't it beautiful?
Christie's Encyclopedia on Champagne & Sparkling Wines
While Peter Liem's Champagne is about champagne and champagne alone, this book covers the complete story of sparkling wines, right down to lambrusco. I consulted this book several times for my sparkling wine exam. Like the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) , it's a reference book, albeit with a few more illustrations.
The Science of Wine
Ayo technology. This is for the nerds among us, those who want to know the ins and outs of vineyard choices and the do's and don'ts in the cellar. It's a book that requires you to pay attention, but if you do, you'll get a lot in return. I also had a WSET book for the exam on viticulture and winemaking, but sometimes you'd fall asleep after the second line. James Goode writes more cheerfully, with more energy, and provides examples, so you really understand how reverse osmosis works—even if chemistry wasn't exactly your favorite subject at school.
The Science of Wine – €38.99 at Bol.com
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