Wines by the Book

(Wines&Vines) - The popular “For Dummies” series of reference books added a new title this year, and it’s meant for sipping, not for reading. Secaucus importer Vision Wine & Spirits LLC sealed an agreement with Wiley Publishing to develop and market nationally an exclusive line of “Wine for Dummies.”

The four wines in current release include a DOC Chianti and a Pinot Grigio from Italy, plus a California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The latter two represent a stretch for Vision, launched in 2010 and described by its director of marketing Mark Tucker as “an innovative company.” It’s the first time the importer has featured wines from within the United States. 

According to Vision, Wines For Dummies caters to the beginner and novice wine-drinker and was developed to make wine experiences easier. Each wine is meant to reflect its appellation, and the labels include phonetic spellings of the grape varietals and easy-to-understand descriptions.

Even those who have never resorted to one of the “Dummies” books will find the packaging familiar. According to Tucker, the agreement is also a first for Wiley Publishing. Although Wiley has licensed electronic products to complement the reference books, “To my knowledge, this is the first ‘consumable’ product,” to bear the brand, Tucker said.