How to Drink Like a Billionaire: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre

Lately I have been on a mission to educate myself about wine so I have been reading every book and listening to every podcast I can get my hands on. This is by far my favorite and reinforced why I get so excited about wine. Yes, this book was full of useful information, but it also teaches the ATTITUDE of wine enjoyment. Big, bold, bling-y and unapologetic. Thanks to this book I bought my first magnum, have carried wine in a flask (to a boring reception where I knew the refreshments would be awful), and need to get my hands on a perron. I never drink more than a couple drinks in an evening, but after this book, each glass feels like a party. I originally bought the audio book, which I highly recommend because it is so entertaining you will not feel like you are listening to 'wine education.' But I ended up buying the hard copy to have as a reference and it looks great and will be a great gift option. In fact, a portion of this book is dedicated to choosing an appropriate wine gift --personally, I think this book makes a great accompaniment to whatever bottle you choose to give. I'm a fan.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to attend several of Mr. Oldman's wine seminars, and have found them to be informative and entertaining. Happily for the reader, this book does a nice job of channeling the author's stage persona, and it's a refreshing take on a wine education. Most wine books err on the side of pedantic prose, mistaking stuffiness for expertise. Reading this book is kind of like learning about the birds and the bees from your naughty uncle-- full of juicy stories and great tips. Who knew, for instance, that you can freeze your leftover wine for later drinking, or that Sauternes and Cheetos are a magical combination? The author's tongue-in-cheek approach is fortunately not a mere substitute for knowledge though, and such gems as "Mark's Gift Matrix" will increase your wine confidence in no time."How to Drink Like a Billionaire" furthers the manifesto of Mr. Oldman's last book, and gives the budding oenophile ample advice on how to drink bravely. The secret of a billionaire, it seems, is to focus on the joy in every drop and drink without fear. Do yourself a favor-- get this book, and buy more copies for friends and family. After all, why should billionaires have all the fun?

Of all the books I've read this year, this one has become my go-to conversation starter. A complete stranger at a wedding, a co-worker at the office, a wine store owner as I purchased one of the book's recommended bottles, each one was excited to 'talk wine' and I loved sharing the underappreciated wine recommendations and the unusual food pairings from the book.Billionaire is worth the buy if only for the "Oldman's 10 Best" chapters where the author names a popular wine, like pinot noir, and then lists 10 alternative wines that are similar but not as well known. Many of these wines are under-priced, pushed in the $10-$25 dollar range from lack of demand due to an intimidating name or lack of fame. These chapters spur the question, 'Why settle for a middle-of-the-road chardonnay, when you can drink a fantastic (insert top 10 recommendation here) for the same price?'This book is the opposite of pretentious. Oldman's writing is approachable, witty, and will spark a little adjective envy as he masterfully describes wine using words not typically associated with drinking. I highly recommend stocking your bar with this book!

First, this book is a great read, cover-to-cover. If I didn't drink wine (I do), it would still be a joy to read. The observations, insights and stories are worth the price of admission, even if the reader does not plan to put the book's knowledge to its intended use.Second, the book is a guide to enjoying wine and life. There is a whole world of wine between high-end burgundy and wine with "lipstick, cupcakes or feet" on the label and Oldman urges his readers to explore and enjoy it. In Oldman's world, wine is not merely consumed, it is experienced and his book ensures the entire process can be savored.Third, Oldman arms the unwary with the tools necessary to enjoy wine and the winebuying experience. Oldman gives the reader tips to assess where a sommelier's allegiances lie and then urges the reader to press the sommelier to be an engaged guide to wines on and off the list. (See off list bottles p. 101)

I wouldn't have gone out of my way to purchase a book on wine... but a friend recommended it and I'm so glad he did. Very well done. The author's humor comes through in spades; while he takes the subject of purchasing and drinking wine seriously, he doesn't take himself too seriously. I felt like I was getting straight talk. At last, I don't feel like I have to have 10 different wine glasses and know which one to use with which wine?! The art and infographics make it very readable and the paper choice makes it a joy to flip through. I'm actually considering giving it as a gift which is big because I'm busy trying to decrease the number of books in my own home. But this one is a pleasure to peruse --- you could read a page or two at a time and come back to it; or use it as a reference at other times. Try it. I think you'll enjoy --- and learn while you do.

I've loved Mark's writing since his first book and it just gets better. His writing style keeps you interested from the first moment on. I bought the Kindle version for my PaperWhite and some of the graphics were not readable so I can imagine what this book is like in book format with all this extra information! Great read and a wealth of great information on wine styles and regions, giving alternatives that can be cheaper and taste alike. I love the pronunciations he writes for the way to say wine names and regions properly, too. You will be delighted with this book from the start and won't want to put it down. Can't wait for the next one, Mark!

I found the cover off-putting, but the author is extremely likeable and grounded. I find I can identify with his clients, who are choosy about when to spend and where to save. The format is easy to pick-up and read bits at a time with one-page anecdotes and advice applicable to the everyday.

Very entertaining read, great coffee table book

Factual and funny