"Hello, Wine: The Most Essential Things You Need to Know About Wine"

For many of us, each and every year, Holiday Time equals Wine Time --- it's a part of all the celebrating, it tends to make a good gift, and it goes nicely with all that rich food. Our guest on ST today is Melanie Wagner, a certified sommelier and wine consultant who lives and works in Chicago. She is also the author of "Hello, Wine: The Most Essential Things You Need to Know About Wine," which is newly available from Chronicle Books. As we read of this title at the Chronicle website: "This breezy-to-read but super-informative guidebook is a stylish primer for any newcomer to the endlessly fascinating world of wine.... Twelve chapters explore every aspect of wine --- from how it is made to how to drink it --- and provide helpful descriptions of grape varieties and recommendations that can be taken to the wine store.... With insights ranging from what makes a wine exceptional [to] palate-building and enjoying wine with others, this is the perfect self-purchase or gift for anyone who wants a great wine resource."