An all-inclusive guide to wine, beer, and spirits As people develop more sophisticated tastes, a basic understanding of wine, beer, and distilled spirits is more important than ever for chefs, servers, bartenders, and restaurant managers. And for anyone who simply wants to get more out of enjoying wine, beer, and spirits, developing an appreciation for the history, production methods, and techniques for evaluating alcoholic beverages is an essential first step. For professionals and amateurs alike, Beverage Basics provides a thorough and accessible education in the fundamentals. Beverage Basics covers the art and science of winemaking from the vineyard to the table, takes a comprehensive look at the production methods, styles, and ideal food pairings for beer and spirits, and even covers the often-overlooked issues of health and the law. Written by wine and spirits expert and educator Robert W. Small, the book offers expansive coverage of everything you need to know about virtually all of the world's common alcoholic drinks. * Offers a uniquely user-friendly approach to the subject of wine, organizing coverage by varietal rather than appellation * Written by Robert W. Small, former dean and emeritus professor of The Collins College of Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and Chairman of the Los Angeles International Wine competition * Heavily illustrated with gorgeous full-color photographs, maps, and sample beverage labels Covering everything from ancient origins to modern drinking habits, Beverage Basics is the perfect all-in-one guide for food and beverage professionals, students, and wine and drink lovers.