Blog Archives
Professional Tasting
Message in the Bottle offers an in-depth look into the intricacies of wine tasting and provides readers with techniques to train their brains to recognize and categorize with precision. What inspired you to write this guide?
I’ve taught tasting to thousands of people over the last 35-plus years. I wanted to write a detailed guide for tasting that could be used by students studying for wine certifications and also for consumers just getting into wine.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I wrote the book over a span of ten years, with some of the chapters written as early as 2005. I finally finished the book during the pandemic. Then it took over a year to assemble and edit the manuscript.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about wine tasting?
Many people think that wine professionals are some kind of rarified breed of humans, with a hyper-developed sense of smell and taste. Truth is that professional tasting is a skill that’s learned and practiced, just like a musical instrument or an athletic endeavor.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Message in the Bottle?
That wine is one of the greatest things mankind has ever discovered.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
blogger, and one of less than 300 individuals worldwide to ever attain the
Master Sommelier title. He is the former Director of Education and Education
chair for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.
Unlock the secrets of professional wine tasting with Master Sommelier Tim
Gaiser, an industry expert with over three decades of experience with
teaching thousands of students at every level. Whether you’re a student
preparing for a certification exam, an industry veteran looking to improve
your tasting, or a consumer just getting into wine, Message in the Bottle: A
Guide to Tasting Wine is an invaluable resource. The book offers practical
how-to instructions with detailed explanations for a comprehensive and
easy-to-read experience. Here’s some of what you’ll discover inside:
* Tips for selecting the glassware, setting up your tastings, and the best techniques
for smelling and tasting wine
* An in-depth explanation of the deductive tasting grid and method
* Detailed descriptions of classic white and red varietal wines
* How to consistently and accurately assess the structural elements in wine
* Approaches to using pattern recognition in blind tasting
* Instructions for writing thorough and effective tasting notes and tech sheets
* A list of producers for tasting practice
* Methods for tasting exam preparation
* Strategies for improving focus, concentration, and smell and taste memory
Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wineis an indispensable resource
for any professional, student, or consumer.
Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine
Tim Gaiser’s Message in the Bottle is more than just a wine tasting guide; it’s a deep dive into the mind of a Master Sommelier. The book walks through the structured world of deductive tasting, offering techniques, insights, and strategies for understanding wine on a professional level. Gaiser covers everything from setting up the perfect tasting environment to advanced skills like pattern recognition, olfactory memory, and even visualization techniques to refine one’s palate. It’s not just about sniffing and swirling, it’s about training your brain to recognize, categorize, and recall flavors with precision.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is Gaiser’s personal approach. He doesn’t just explain wine tasting; he shares his own journey, complete with anecdotes that make the process feel less intimidating. The opening story about his first “wine epiphany” with a 1976 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet immediately sets the tone. It’s the kind of revelation every wine lover hopes for when wine stops just tasting like “wine” and starts revealing layers of aromas, textures, and emotions. This personal touch makes the book feel less like a textbook and more like a conversation with a passionate mentor.
Another highlight is the breakdown of the deductive tasting grid. Gaiser doesn’t just tell you what to look for, he explains why it matters. His descriptions of acidity, tannins, and alcohol levels don’t just serve as definitions; they connect to real-world examples, like comparing wine body to dairy products (light-bodied like skim milk, full-bodied like heavy cream). The emphasis on sensory memory, eye positioning, and even visualization techniques add a psychological depth that’s rare in most wine books. Chapter 24, Using Submodalities in Tasting, was a surprising but fascinating section, pushing the idea that tasting isn’t just about the tongue, it’s about the mind.
Gaiser does a fantastic job of acknowledging that mastering wine tasting is a journey, and he provides a wealth of detailed information to guide readers along the way. The chapters on Confronting the Evil Dwarves and The Deductive Tasting Grid Defined offer in-depth, structured assessments that are invaluable for those pursuing certifications or looking to refine their skills. While the book is rich in technical insights, casual wine lovers might find some sections particularly thorough. His engaging storytelling and humor throughout the book keep the learning process enjoyable.
Message in the Bottle is a fantastic read for anyone serious about wine, particularly those looking to elevate their tasting skills to a professional level. Aspiring sommeliers, certification students, and dedicated wine enthusiasts will find immense value in Gaiser’s meticulous approach. If you’re looking to take your wine appreciation to the next level, this book is an incredible resource. While it goes beyond a simple guide to choosing a bottle at the store, it offers a deep dive into the art of tasting, perfect for anyone eager to refine their palate and develop a more professional approach to wine.
Pages: 324 | ISBN : 978-1955750479
Exploring Wine Regions – Mexico
For those eager to explore Mexico, the country offers a rich and vibrant culture teeming with experiences. Whether it’s hiking through breathtaking landscapes, wandering through museums, shopping in open-air markets, or indulging in local delicacies, Mexico delivers in abundance. Yet, for those who wish to connect with its land and people through wine, an even greater treasure awaits. Producing thousands of wines, many of which reflect the very essence of the regions they come from, Mexico is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Now, thanks to Exploring Wine Regions: Mexico by Dr. Michael C. Higgins, travelers and enthusiasts alike can embark on a literary journey through the country’s flourishing viticultural landscape.
Part travelogue, part wine guide, Higgins’ book is reminiscent of the Lonely Planet series, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond typical tourist recommendations. As the latest installment in a series dedicated to uncovering the world through its wines, this volume presents Mexico not just as a destination but as a living, breathing entity infused with history, culture, and the art of winemaking. Higgins writes with remarkable authority, his knowledge of vintages evident in every page. Yet, expertise is not a prerequisite for enjoyment; this book is as accessible to casual readers as it is to seasoned connoisseurs.
What makes Exploring Wine Regions: Mexico particularly captivating is its evocative imagery. Accompanied by stunning photographs of vineyards, exquisite cuisine, and the warm, welcoming faces of the Mexican people, the book brings each region to life. Even those who consider themselves homebodies may find themselves longing to pack a bag and set off on an adventure. Throughout its pages, Higgins crafts a series of love letters to Mexico’s diverse locales, each one showcasing its distinct character.
While wine serves as the central theme in Exploring Wine Regions: Mexico, it is only one piece of a much larger mosaic. Each destination unfolds with a sense of wonder, revealing its own unique blend of flavors, traditions, and landscapes. The narrative seamlessly blends informative detail with personal insight, creating a reading experience as rich and intoxicating as the wines it describes. Like an introduction to an old friend, every bottle, every vineyard, and every region tells a story, one that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0DBJBX3MH
Nerve-Wracking and Hilarious
In Strong Water, you take readers behind the scenes in restaurants and share anecdotes and lessons learned from your experience in the food and wine industry. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The stories in the book have been percolating for years. Whether it’s dealing with a corked poncho in Chile or navigating a formal service gone wrong, the wine world is full of moments that are simultaneously nerve-wracking and hilarious. I wanted to capture that spirit while sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish I would have written more over the years, especially keeping journals of wine trips. But I was so busy as an independent contractor with travel and events that I didn’t have much of a chance. But the journals I did manage to write are priceless now.
I enjoyed the humor peppered throughout your book. Do you have a favorite anecdote among those you share with readers?
Pouring a splash of an expensive Napa Valley Cabernet into a little girl’s Jelly (plastic shoe) for her dad to taste was definitely a priceless—and bizarre–moment in my sommelier career.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I regularly write a blog (timgaiser.com/blog) and a Substack (https://tgaiser.substack.com/). Otherwise, I’m working on two books at the moment. The first is a collection of non-wine essays called Hits and Missives: Essays at the Speed of Life. The second is a book for those just getting into wine called First Glass: Tips on Wine From a Master Sommelier. I hope to publish at least one of them by the end of next year. Stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Humorous restaurant experiences and memorable wine encounters
The evolution of a professional wine taster’s palate
Behind-the-scenes looks at the life of a sommelier
Unforgettable travel adventures in wine regions around the globe
Reflections on the connections between music, food, and wine
With wit and wisdom, Gaiser demystifies the world of fine wine while celebrating the joys of sharing a great meal. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a good story, “Strong Water” provides a delightful blend of humor, expertise, and passion for the finer things in life.
Strong Water: Tales of a Master Sommelier’s Life in Food, Wine, and Restaurants
Strong Water: Tales of a Master Sommelier’s Life in Food, Wine, and Restaurants, by Tim Gaiser, is a delightful exploration of the world behind the scenes in restaurants, food, and wine. With humor and honesty, Gaiser takes us through his decades of experience, offering stories about everything from his early restaurant jobs to becoming a Master Sommelier. The book is not simply about wine—it’s a mosaic of personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and the camaraderie of the food and wine industry. It’s as much about people and moments as it is about the craft of tasting.
One thing that struck me about Gaiser’s writing is his ability to paint vivid characters and scenarios. Take, for instance, his description of his first restaurant job at Biff’s Pancake House, where the chaotic 10-hour shifts exposed him to a cast of eccentric coworkers and patrons. His recounting of Darla, the chain-smoking manager with a helmet of Aqua Net hair, was hilariously vivid. The way he detailed the flow of a pancake joint during rush hours was not just funny—it was visceral. I could almost smell the coffee and hear the clatter of plates. These moments made me laugh out loud while nodding at the shared absurdities of service industry life. Another standout aspect of the book is its reverence for the art of wine. Gaiser delves into his passion for tasting and describes wine with poetic precision. His phrase, “The sum total shimmered like the surface of a quickly moving stream,” encapsulates the beauty of a great Burgundy. Yet, he balances this highbrow reverie with humility, as seen when he champions jug and boxed wines for their accessibility. This mix of poeticism and practicality makes his perspective on wine refreshingly grounded and approachable.
Gaiser doesn’t shy away from the grittier parts of his journey, such as the rat-infested jazz bar where he bartended. His recounting of Mr. Patel’s daily “rat roundup” was both grotesque and darkly amusing. These stories, while slightly horrifying, underline the book’s broader theme: the restaurant world is unpredictable, full of both wonder and absurdity. It’s an unvarnished look that gives the book its charm and authenticity.
By the end of the book, I felt like I’d spent hours with a charismatic, wise, and endlessly entertaining storyteller. Gaiser’s warmth and humor shine through, making even his most technical discussions about wine accessible and engaging. This book is perfect for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the inner workings of the hospitality world. It’s a celebration of passion, hard work, and the joy of sharing a meal—or a glass of wine—with others. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just someone who enjoys a good story, Tim Gaiser’s Strong Water is a must-read.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0DMTHBKC7
I Bristle At The Word “Inspiration”
Some Good Writ: Christmas, Cancer, Dad, Wine, Sex and Jeff is a collection of thought-provoking poetry covering everything from family to work to personal self-discovery. What was the inspiration for creating this collection of poetry?
You know. I bristle at the word “inspiration” in this case – for reasons. One is, I really can, and it not something for which I want a pat on the back, write poems daily. Sometimes I am a conduit to channel a message for myself to derive fulfillment where a piece of the puzzle may be missing, or to reaffirm a feeling. It was not at all hard to put most of these on paper – they wrote themselves, especially the ones about cancer which were written concurrently to his very short window of time I had left with him. He was starting to take leave mentally late Fall ’21/’22 but no one really knew it was stage 4 until only a week remained and given my propensity to write about everything, poems about working, my sexuality, and other vignettes tied to this time period just came viscerally.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Nothing or no one theme is ever more important than another and you always think your current compendium of work is your best so to me a mixed-bag of material allows each poem to complement in the others given I am trying to create a space in time reflective of what I feel now. The moment’s impact must be heightened by the suspension of time in that yes, we can feel one way from one hour to the next but ultimately the way something re-writes itself or the way the poet allows the muse to come forever defines the gravity of that which inspired the work.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Some Good Writ?
That if people who explored my previous work thought those might have been ambiguous or too general know that I can approach the personal or the universal or both in a work where precision for a writer is allowed to take many forms.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
It is hard to say. I want to be in a different place where I can say to people that to capture more moments of joy is the endgame but that would be disingenuous to the reader and to myself so when it comes, it comes and whatever it is, I hope it finds an audience of one because, in the end, what the reader takes away from it is just as important as when they read it or that reading the requisite or the newest book is key. That said, I am curious to see where life’s journey takes me and what eye-openers await. Plus, my feelings about the imposition of time as a man-made construct aside and that we are all part of one mosaic already in-place, I feel the reader is meant to read it when they are, but I cannot wait, as I said, to see what lies ahead
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook
In this book, you’ll find many intriguing statements and thoughts that cover a plethora of topics that include relationships, family, career, personal growth, and more. From funny and poignant observations about daily life to deep and introspective musings on the human experience, “Some Good Writ.” has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, a shoulder to cry on, or simply a fresh perspective on the world, “Some Good Writ.” is sure to deliver. With its relatable and authentic voice, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world or grappled with the complexities of the human experience.
This book is a beautifully crafted book of poetry that explores the many facets of love and care. Through a series of powerful and poignant poems, this collection delves into the depths of the human heart, illuminating the joys and struggles of loving and caring for others.
In the pages of this book, you’ll find a range of poems that touch on the many different aspects of life, love and care. From the tenderness of romantic love to the fierce and unbreakable bond of familial love, “Some Good Writ” covers it all. But this book is more than just a celebration of love; it’s also a call to action.
With its evocative and emotive language, “Some Good Writ” is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you’re seeking comfort and inspiration or simply looking for a beautiful and meaningful read, this poetry collection will surely deliver.
Press for Champagne
“This is the magic of Champagne. You only have to speak of it to make somebody happy.” Author Christopher S. Ruhland is an avid wine lover who has spent years of his life amassing wine knowledge. While he has knowledge of and enjoys all kinds of wine, he has a special place in his heart for the sparkling one; champagne.
As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the art of wine tasting, he has come up with a guide to make it easier for everyone who wants to taste and appreciate a beautiful glass of champagne. Ruhland takes the work out of going through hours and hours of research to find the best method for tasting and experiencing champagne. The guide doesn’t tell you what is superior and what isn’t. It just tells you what’s noteworthy and guides you in the journey of discovering the sparkling wine.
This informative book consists of six chapters and thus is a quick but valuable read. Readers will find a vast treasure trove of information within these pages. It has a structured approach in order to guide the reader through the steps and explain why he suggests doing things in this order. Ruhland has written with energy and warmth, giving the reader the feeling of having an actual conversation with a wine enthusiast over the dining table.
Press For Champagne: A Guide To Enjoying The World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine has a clever name; it is engaging and informative and incites curiosity in anyone interested in wine and champagne. This exciting book is written on a level that those that have never tasted wine before can understand. It also provides information that a more seasoned wine drinker will find beneficial. If you want to know more about the art and expand your pallet Press For Champagne is perfect for you.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B09LPBVF1K
Delightful and Endlessly Funny
Linda Sheehan Author Interview
Decanted follows a vivacious young woman as she learns making wine and the perils of love. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My daughter, the delightful and endlessly funny Samantha Sheehan, who created and produces Poe Wines Pinot Noir, Ultraviolet Cabernet, and a 95 point organic vermouth under the MOMMENPOP label is my total inspiration for Decanted. Like the novel’s heroine Samantha Goodyear, my daughter quit her job at a big five accounting firm to go to France to learn everything she could about making wine. Like the main character in Decanted, she then moved to Napa and took a bookkeeping job at a winery before launching her own wine brand that’s sold across the US and in many countries around the world.
Samantha is a compelling character that was fun to follow. What were some driving ideals behind her character development?
I wanted to draw my main character as a young woman who, though she’s a total product of modern times, has a tremendous love and respect for those who came before her. Samantha also has a tremendous work ethic, and never veers from her quest to achieve her dreams.
Wine making and wine culture were intriguing parts of this novel. Why was this an important aspect for you to include in the story?
Many people would like to understand more about wine culture and the winemaking process but don’t know where to begin. My goal in writing the book was to seamlessly give readers a fun wine education and illustrate what separates a great wine that reflects what nature intended from a tricked up brand with ingredients and flavors added by the big corporate wineries to sell the most bottles possible.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is my novel Fore Play, a comedy set at a Los Angeles country club that will be available this coming summer.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
From author Linda Sheehan, who’s part of a Napa wine dynasty, comes a story of grapes, wine, first crushes, and juicy redemption. Dreading the desk job that awaits her after high school, eighteen- year-old Vivian Goodyear takes off for pre- World War ll Paris, where she supports herself as an artist’s model.
Flash forward to modern day Manhattan where, inspired by Vivian’s courage, her grand-niece Samantha leaves her pressure cooker career to work the grape harvest in France. There, between picking grapes in the vineyard and crushing them in the cellar, she gets lessons in the art of making wine and in the art of making love. But when her world is turned upside down, a link from Aunt Vivian’s past could right it in a tale of being on top, sinking to the bottom, and coming up for glorious air.
LITERARY TITAN 