Last updated on September 23rd, 2014
I have great respect for Richard Betts’The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide To Becoming A Wine Expert. It’s a child’s board book about a grown up topic. It’s definitely educational. It’s also fun to read! In just 20 illustrated pages, Betts — who is one of fewer than 200 master sommeliers in the world — teaches us how to sniff our way through the wonderful world of wine.
Sniffing, not tasting, is the key to identifying a wine you’ll like. Why? Because we taste only four things (or five, if you count “savory”): sweet, sour, salt, and bitter.ย Other “flavors” are actually scents, as defined by the nose.
Betts breaks down wine odors into four basic categories: Fruit, wood, earth, and “other.” He describes each of these in concise, humorous detail.
Did you know there’s a difference between wine aged in French and American oak barrels? Oak from France contributes brown spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and toast. The brasher American oak adds hints of coconut and dill.
Red wines come in two fruit camps — red and black. The odor of cherry (a red fruit), is prominent in Pinot Noir, Grenache, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese wines.ย My own favorite reds, like Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, are in the darker camp. They are redolent of blackberry. Can’t identify the scents of cherry and blackberry? The book’s scratch-n-sniff stickers will set you straight.
Also covered are the exotic airs of white wines. Some of these contain the lovely essence of cat pee. Cat pee might not sound appealing to you, but it does wonders for Saugvinon blanc!
Then there is the issue of “terroir”, meaning the kind of earth in which the grape vines are grown. Soil can contribute the scent of fallen leaves, minerals, and wild herbs. Sniff for these in your next glass of Gamay — you might be surprised at the things your nose detects.
Mr. Betts even covers the issue of tainted corks, which can give perfectly good wines the dastardly air of a “wet dog.” Dog owners (like me) will know this odor only too well. Now I know why certain wineries are using twist-off caps instead of traditional corks.
Don’t let the child-like simplicity of this book fool you. It contains a wealth of information, presented in the most enjoyable way possible.
I honestly believe that wine drinking is more fun when you know a little about the subject. It took me only 20 minutes to read Richard’s book, but already I feel confident enough to distinguish a Merlot from a Pinot Noir, and to recognize the butter in California Chardonays, the bacon in Syrahs, and the flowers in Gewurztraminer.
Wanna chance to win a copy of this brilliant work? Just leave a comment in the “comments” field below. Tell your wine-drinking friends to enter, too!
The Rules
Only one comment per person, please.
No comments after 11:59PM on Monday, September 22.
I’ll use the little number gadget at Random.org to select the winner. The winner’s name will be announced on Tuesday, September 23, so be sure to check back!Not required, but appreciated: Click the “Like” button below.
UPDATE: Random.org selected comment #65. Congratulations, Linda Hart! To collect your book, just send me a note.
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Edward Zabel says
I have never understood Wines. Maybe this would help.
Cari says
I JUST READ something about how drinking red wine was healthier for your heart than going to the gym. Add that to the recent reports that bacon tricks your body into thinking it’s exercised and I MAY NEVER HAVE TO GO FOR A RUN EVER AGAIN!
I need this book to make sure my “gym time” tastes as delightful as it possibly can.
Barbara D. says
My husband and i have only just begun with our adventures in wine acquisition, tasting and storage. It’s been a wonderful, stress reducing hobby, though we’re still at the stage of mostly “guesswork” in our descriptions.
This one smells like laundry on the line!
This one smells like the open hood of a battery-dead car!
This one smells like jumping off a swing with the feet skidding into the ground!
Yea, we’ve got a way to go.
๐
Lisa Grandstaff says
Wow, what a great little find… though the fact that you found it isn’t a bit surprising, Kevin. It sounds like a lot of fun all while learning something more about wine, too. A Win-Win if ever…
Mardi says
Blackberry wine is my favorite!
Sherrill says
Sounds like the perfect answer to alcoholism.
Ilene says
Ahhhhh…..nothing like a nice “Ice Wine” from Kiona Vineyard in the Pacific Northwest…headed there in a few weeks to visit and restock… ๐
gayle says
How much fun to Scratch and Sniff myself into Wine Heaven! ๐
Jennifer V says
I have been making sangria, and it has been lovely and refreshing, but am ready to move on to hearty reds on cool autumn nights, preferably while sitting in front of a fire.
Lesley Byrne says
I like wine….. BUT I feel like I don’t appreciate it way I “should”…. perhaps this book will enlighten me…. Hope I am the random one chosen :o)
Trudi T. says
Interesting!
Elizabeth Fox says
I would love to read’
Annie B says
Chardonnay-oaked.
Sarah Devantier says
I’d love to win this! It sounds like way more fun than most of the board books I read in a day. I’m sure my kids would enjoy the scratch and sniff almost as much as I would ๐
Cathy says
My husband is a restauranteur and wine snob…a definite must for his library!
Johnny G Womack says
love wine ๐
Jackie Lehr says
Good wine is one of life’s pleasures.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
I’m so embarrassed.
I live in a dry house!
I know nothing about wine…. or beer….. or hard liquor…
But you could ask me about chocolate and I would talk your ear off.
Delores Short says
Hey My husband and little ole me loves wine—know nothing about it-just love it-but we would love this!!
ingmarie peck says
I would love this book, I might even share it with my brother I law, Maybe.
Arlene Martinez says
A little wine or whine is a very good thing……
Marg says
Love wine. Thanks Kevin
Tammy says
I do love wine but I am totally clueless about the different types and feel extremely intimated even thinking about trying something new. My husband has been making mead which is just the most delicious thing ever, but that takes months to get done fermenting and what he makes doesn’t last long around here.
Thanks Kevin!
Tammy
Christine Ferrigno says
My daughter would like this but I actually need it because I have no clue about any of this!
Theresa Iuliano says
Brilliant idea for a book! Maybe I could finally learn what “minerals” are supposed to smell like in your wine glass.
TinaK says
Oh, boy: this could help our appreciation of wine no end! Maybe it would explain why, although it mentions the ‘flowers’ of Gewurtztraminer, I – with this being my favorite wine – insist on smelling…yeast!
Dannely Romano says
Wine has a magic effect on the soul. Specially when one knows it was made by their own hands.
Ava says
I am lost when it comes to wine and this just might help me find my way. Love your site, Kevin. Always learning something new and useful.
Marie says
Thank you for trying to educate we unfortunate Americans. I’m definitely buying this for my son, who when asked about his wine preferences mentioned that he liked “dry, dirty” wines.
Frankie Turner says
This would help me remember all the stuff I forgot about wine. ๐
Jo Pernice says
Pick me please!
Pepi Noble says
What a find and scratch and sniff at that. Great idea and so handy with the holidays just around the corner. thanks for treating us to this little treasure. Thanks.
Pepi
Mark B says
It smells like a winner to me. What’s next, incense?
Delores Short says
Pick me- Pretty Please!!-This book sounds like fun and I might learn something!!
Robin Graber says
My parents made wine in the cellar of our house growing up and it was devine! I would love to learn more about this nectar of the Gods!
Brigitte says
OMG! This would be so much fun and educational to read. And then of course, I would have to do extensive “fieldwork”!!
Kate says
I just bought a bottle of wine today – a sauvignon blanc – described as : Pale lemon with brilliant clarity. Aroma: A vibrant bouquet of ripe grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple with a hint of freshly cut grass.
I like it because it’s not super sweet – the hint of freshly cut grass part cracks me up.
The book sounds hilarious as well as educational.
Sheryl says
Just finished about a third of a bottle of a nice Merlot – don’t know exactly why I liked it…but I did. Maybe this book would help me be a little more discerning than: “I know what I like”!
(Just made a second plum cake and enjoyed the fruits of my pesto-making on a batch of pesto for dinner – we had a ridiculously early frost this week in Vermont and I was forced to rescue my basil by headlamp!)
Diane R. Ecker says
This would be a great gift for my daughter in law. She always serves different wjines when we visit.
Diane Kaufmann says
Love wine and will love this book!
Mary Moonflower says
I want this book! I want this book! I want this book! wHine, wHine, wHine…
(thank you!)
Ms. Kim Rutherford says
How fabulous, fun, and funny! I shall enjoy this book very much. Cheers!
Barbara laudun says
Big wine drinker never ever. Miss reading your whole site. Especially enjoy your recipe illustration with facial comment by beagle
Joy says
” Wine is a grocery, not a luxury.” Love it!
Angie VanDevander says
I loved scratch and sniff as a kid. What a fun way to learn about wine.
Sheree Ashapa says
What a fun book! I am no oenophile so this book would really help!
krista f says
Wine – fermented goodness from the gods!
Annie says
Cant wait to read this with friends… and wine!
Paula Y says
This looks like it would be a memorable way to learn about wine! Thank you, Kevin.
Loraine Pross says
We joined TWO wine groups when we retired – 1 was a serious group…determining bouquet etc. and even had competitions of who could determine the aromas as stated on the label (I came in 2nd!!). the second was a wine drinking group…one time the hosts even offered us cocktails BEFORE starting!!!!
I really enjoy both groups – you can NEVER do too much wine sampling. This book looks like it would be a hit with both groups.
Oops…gotta go….it’s Wine O’Clock…………..
ML says
Looks great!
jean says
Need help in deciding which wine if perfect for what occasion, but really all wine is perfect.
Thanks
Judi Mosso says
i like reds with legs but that’s all i know! LOL! thanks for the chance!
Cannon says
We can never know enough about wine, especially red! Thanks, Kevin.
Oriane says
Bonjour Kevin,
Favorite Desert recipe:
1 bottle of red (Merlot) 1 bar of dark chocolate (no less than 80% cacao preferred)
Open bottle, unwrap chocolate
Sip wine and slowly let chocolate melt in mouth.
Favorite quote:
Don’t drink and drive, it might shake the sediment
Betty says
This looks like a lot of fun and would make a great gift too.
Georgette says
I need a lot of help in understanding wines. I know I like Riesling but I don’t know why. I would like to try other wines so maybe this book is what I need so I know what to look for.
Margie S. says
I know next to nothing about wine …so a scratch and sniff book on the different wines would be wonderful!
Peg says
I enjoy cooking with wine and sometimes I even put it in my cooking. Love that quote.
Maxine Meach says
Look for wines that are hand picked and sorted. The wine taste different and less debre in final product;
Debbie says
Sounds like the perfect book for my husband and me. Love wine but not so knowledgable on the subject. Thanks
LuAna Whitmarsh says
Your pumkin spiced cinnamon rolls look delish! Wonder what wine I would serve with that? LOL! Thanks Kevin! ๐
Edie says
Funky little book! Yes to the darker reds and how about a good Malbec!
Grazyna says
Love wine and would love to learn more.
Linda Hart says
Yes, please! Of course, wine is its own food group in our house. I can’t wait to read this book!
Mary Boucher says
I’ve always felt a wee bit intimidated by wine- this seems like the perfect speed!
Ashley Colonel says
Wine tasting is our second favorite past time…. Watching the Seahawks win is our first! Would love to add this book to our collection of fun wine reading… Right along side the “Sideways guide to CA wine”!
linda says
LOL, scratch & sniff wine book! Delightful for so many reasons. I agree with Jean, all wine IS perfect!
Maureen says
I would love to know more about wines!
Sandy Douglass Abalos says
Scratch & sniff book about wine? What’s not to love? Sign me up!
renee says
Might actually learn something from this book
Marilyn Elliott says
I want this book for my son, who is now “into” wine, in all its forms. If I don’t win a copy, I’ll buy one…..but it would be nice to win!
Judy says
My favorite white wine is sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. However, it is always described as “grassy”. I don’t get that – I’ve never been a fan of drinking grass juice. . .
Hazel Lambert says
Wine is my preferred alcoholic beverage; however, I can’t tell an expensive wine from a cheap one. This book sounds like just what I need! (Besides, Sept. 23 is my birthday)
Debbie says
HA! I was ‘trolling’ e-bay one day and … ‘somehow’ “I” became the proud owner of a wine making kit. Since then, I have purchased all the equipment to make my own wine at home. It’s really quite fun and, I’m rather fond of the comments my friends say when they taste my products. The look on their faces when I tell them “I” made it is priceless.
Alas, I am no wine connoisseur. Maybe this book could help me in that area.
Out of here to try my hand at your pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls ๐
Always a pleasure Kevin. Enjoy your day.
sharon c. says
local supermarkets sell beer ………why don’t they sell wine?
Liliane says
Wine always seemed like such an arcane subject.
I have a happy memory of being asked to judge homemade wines in Saudi Arabia. I didn’t know what I was doing of course, but I looked at the color and the clarity, sniffed, swished, and did my best. The wine made by the pub on the British compound won. They were very happy. (Of course the Saudis know they’ll never get British people to come and live in their country and share their technical expertise if they can’t have a pub!) The other wines had been made by individuals
at home.
Michelle says
Hey Kevin,
There is something so decadent about red wine and dark chocolate. Count me IN! Just in time for Scandal Thursdays! Will be investing in wine by the barrel.
Enjoy the week and thanks again.
Diann MacRae says
Not much for red wines. Reisling rules (the drier ones)!
Karyn Harrington says
Love the idea of the scratch and sniff. I always wondered what these fruits and spices smell like in wine. Maybe this will help my sniffer!
Anne Swift says
We love wine and are even affiliated with a local winery but there is always something to learn about this wonderful art.
Dana Hutchinson says
I love semi-sweet wines, and cook alot with wine also, but wish I had more knowledge about picking the wines from dry (which I can’t stand) to my favorite semi-sweet, been picking some out randomly and have been disappointed thus far…could really use it!
Linda says
Wine and. Pumpkin rolls…..just maybe ๐
Carol says
My friends and I try different wines all the time and this book would certainly be the topic of our conversations.
Kate says
I am currently reading Adventures on the Wine Route by Kermit Lynch. It is pretty informative and sometimes funny, but a scratch and sniff wine book sounds like a lot more fun!
Kathy says
I love wine and would love to win the book.
Kathy says
I hope I win.
Sandra Allen says
Wine is best with friends!
Connie says
I would love to have this book and learn more about wine! Thanks for the chance to win it Kevin!. Connie
Donna says
I want knowledge about wines so that I can be a better hostess and a more appreciative guest.
Cynthia Haffey says
If Kevin recommend this book it has to be great!
Eileen says
I love wine and look forward to understanding more so I can appreciate it more! Thank you, love the blog.
Lane Recker says
I love a good glass of wine, dry white especially!
Susan M. says
I love wine, especially reds, and it would be great to know more about why I love certain types!
Glenda says
Being more educated about wine is great! There’s always something else to learn, and this is a terrific idea for kids of all ages who want to know more about wine. Thanks to Kevin for (as always) a wonderful post. ๐
Deb says
Sounds like the perfect solution for those of us who love wine and know nothing about it. This will definitely be on my Christmas list–along with a list of favorite vintages…. ๐
jeanette schardt says
This is what I need ,I have a hard time figuring wine out.this would be perfect.hope to win…[email protected]
nancy says
I was just thinking of switching to wine – I usually drink beer, but I think i’m developing a sensitivity to barley. This book looks like fun!
Lynn Rector says
How fun! My hysband and I just planted a few grapes this week to play around with wine making. I would love to share this with him.
Vevia says
I so enjoyed the book – “wet dog” and all. Thank you for sharing.
Betty says
Would Love it
Rebecca says
I would love to have to have this book.
Jacqueline says
Always looking for more info on wine. This looks good!
Sunny says
Brilliant! I’m going to order a copy or two even if I win the contest.
Liz in Salem says
What a wonderful way to spend the upcoming winter evenings! Read, sip, sip again, perhaps a few more times and then see how our taste buds have decided what we have discovered. Thank you for the book reference!
Peggy says
Sounds like a fun book that I could really use. We make wines and I still could use it for distinguishing the flavors.
Tony Klaft says
Thanks Kevin, I’ll drink to this….
Ann Honer says
Sounds like a great book for a gift.
By the way, thank you for the recipe for ‘kale pesto’. I would never have thought of using it that way!
Jean says
I’d love to win this book and give it as a gift to a friend who loves wine.
Mermaid Deb says
I would love to better understand the differences in wines. Thank you for sharing with us.
Robbie Lou says
A Sommelier I’ll never be, but my nose may know enough for me:)
Michael Bell says
Pick me! Pick me!
Lorena Keech says
This would make great Christmas gifts for my wine drinking friends. We all sorta know what we like but we really know nothing about why the wine tastes the way it does. Thanks for the great idea!
Jean says
Sounds like a fun book!
Sandy says
Finally – a way to remember the fundamentals of the many varieties of wine. I’m in!
Pam Hanson says
Kevin, you always find interesting items to tempt your readers, I want it!
Linda Stone says
Looks fun!
Martha says
Looks like a great read!
Deb says
Brillant!!
Pam says
Sounds like a good edumacation thing…..would love to own that book! ๐
cathy sullens says
i have wine glasses, a friend gifted me a new corkscrew…now, which wine? thanks for the chance to win! Smile
shagopi says
Just returned from NY wineries! Had no idea there were so many wines.
After the first three stops… it did not matter any more. lol
Maura says
Great fun!
Brad says
My wife and I have just viewed the independent film”Somm” and are hooked.
This book seems very relevant to the film.
Sue Iseman says
Sniff it. Swirl it. See it. Drink it!!!
Hope says
We have recently been sampling Australian wines. Had some good ones.
Jeri says
What a hoot! I WANT THIS BOOK!
Karen says
Looks like a fun way to learn a little something about wine!
gloria says
Love Wine! Send Book!!!
Cissy says
Ah to win this book would be sublime, to go with any kind of wine!!!
So please pick me, so I don’t end up whineing too much!
Cute book! Even if I don’t win, I think it’s a great gift for several of my non-wino friends who need to know better!
xo
Wendy S says
Sounds like this book is fun and tasty too. Sign me up!
Jennifer Naylor says
Great hobby! Drinking wine!
Thanks for the insite!
Doris Nieves says
Maybe I could win…If I win then I could go back to drinking wine…well…I will drink it any way even if I don’t win… D, Thanks Kevin
Tom Bilski says
Bring me my wine!!!
Caroline says
Looks like a fun read!
Susy says
What a fun book, sounds like the perfect gift for all the wine lovers on my holiday list!
Sharon says
Would love the book.
Lynne says
So cool. I know very little about wine besides colors, so this would be a great assistant to learning more.
Michelle Snow says
Sounds like a fun book!
Ginny Borden says
I’m a wine lover but my husband needs some help! Sounds like “the” book for him.
Laura says
Anything to make understanding wine easier is exactly what I would like.
Joanne says
Just came back from a river boat cruise through the wine country of Germany and Austria. Learned a lot about tasting wines. Perhaps this book will reinforce what I did learn. It seems to be a most charming way to educate one about wine.
Nancy Brunson says
I have recently moved to an area that is becoming very well known for its winerys in the beautiful Texas HIll Country, and I know absolutely nothing about wine. I think this little book would be an excellent beginning for me to learn the basics of wine tasting. Would love to win it !!
Lisa in CO says
Drinking red and white wines that I could know more about would be a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks for your generous gifting habits.
Sarah says
What fun!
Carol says
We belong to a wine society and I will share this with other members, if I win!
Linda says
What a great book!!!
Kate says
What a great idea for some fun wine education! – Kate
Glenn Dickerson says
Sounds awesome. I prefer the sweet muscadines though.
Mary says
It’s sad but true…I drink it but know very little about it. This book would definitely help!
Kimmer says
My total wine knowledge is take cork out, drink, rinse, recycle, this sounds like a book that could fill in the details!
Christy A says
Who wouldn’t want a scratch and sniff wine book?
Rebecca Wood says
I need this copy for my reading enjoyment and may have to add it to my Christmas list for a couple of fun-loving, wine-drinking friends.
Katherine says
I’d love to win this book! Thank you for having it as one of your great give away gifts. If I don’t win where can I buy the book? I think it will make a great gift for all my wine loving family and friends.
Julie says
What a great book!
s.a. rezek says
This is a great idea for a book! i would love to win! Thanks!
Barb says
Can never have enough knowledge about wines! Would love a copy.
pk says
Wine is a food group.
Debi Sue says
I love to cook with wine! Sometimes I even add it to my recipe ๐
reeni spice says
well, if I don’t win it I will be purchasing it ๐
Tracy says
I consider myself a pretty competent cook, but I confess, as someone not very interested in alcohol, I have never learned much about wines. Which means I’m not as competent a cook as I thought I was when I began typing…
Please consider rescuing me with a copy of this lovely book!
Tracy
cynthia shultz says
sounds like a great book. thank you.
Pam Bryson says
I’ve been looking for an easy-to-understand explanation of wines. Thank you for the recommendation!
Carol Ann Gregg says
Who can’t learn more about wine? What a fun way to learn more about this delightful beverage.
Monica says
Not only will this be a great addition to my continuing education about wine, but it is going to make a great gift this holiday season. Thanks for the chance to win!
Jean says
Just beginning to try ‘different’ wines. Would love to read this book!
:laura says
Sounds like a good read!
Nanci says
I drink red wine because I like it, but this book would help anyone become better at knowing more about what they are sipping from the wine glass!
Debbie says
Maybe I will appreciate what I drink ๐
Susie says
Cheers!
Linda says
maybe I could keep up with my wine discussing (as well as drinking) family. I do like red wine, I just don’t know what I’m talking about!
MEGAN BLACK says
I LOVE GEWURTZTRAMINER AND WE HAVE A LOCAL ONE THAT IS GREAT. NEVADA COUNTY IN CALIFORNIA- TO CONFUSE YOU!
Wallace & Nancy Braud says
There is hope for even me! Thanks for sharing this resource!
Cathy O'Daniel says
What a great find…..would love this.