Bottoms Up

There’s another “I’m the pro, you’re the newbie, let’s entertain and educate people at your expense” wine book out.

But unlike Lettie Teague’s “Educating Peter” where the narrator is Food & Wine columnist Teague, in “A Moveable Feast,” (Wiley, $18.95) Rick Kushman, a TV critic, not a wine one, is the voice of the book. His best friend, Hank Beal, is the wine buyer for Nuggest Market, and the pro here.

I haven’t read the whole book, but their journey is a fun one, as Kushman’s various get-to-know wine experiences are sincere and infused with comedy (re: his spits always wind up as dribbles). I met Kushman at the Symposium for Wine Writers in Napa back in February, and he’s a fine, self-deprecating, funny guy, not to mention a great writer. He loves wine, wine settings and the memories of sharing wine with others, which is the most important thing.

Also a bonus you won’t find in other “Sideways-type” memoirs: there’s an index of 141 tasting rooms in the back of the book, complete with directions and extras or freebies (few in Napa, obviously).