Alice Feiring’s “The Battle for Wine and Love Or How I Saved the World from Parkerization”(Harcourt, $23) just hit my desk and I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl.

In the book, Feiring takes on globalization. Specifically, why and how new Old World wines taste like New World wine, if that makes any sense. She is a tireless champion of artisan winemaking, and wines with soul, and travels from France to Spain and Italy in search of what’s left of it. Should make a good read, and an even better Father’s Day gift. Check it out.

I’m having a hoot of a time reading Graham Harding’s “A Wine Miscellany: A Jaunt Through the Whimsical World of Wine” (Clarkson Potter; $16.95). Harding is chairman of the Oxford Wine Club and holds the diploma of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.

He’s also a fantastically witty Brit. The book’s short, punchy wine dork factoids are arranged to lead naturally into one another. You’ll learn about the birthplace of wine (China or Persia, depending on what you consider wine); heaven’s wine guy (the early St. Vincent, apparently) and the world’s largest wine list (belongs to a steakhouse in Florida, natch)

Compact and thus perfect for BART or to tuck into your bag for a coffee-shop Sunday, I recommend the book for enthusiasts and experts alike.

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).

Go buy "Secrets from the Wine Diva." Now. Author Christine Ansbacher eschews soil and flowery descriptions for concrete tips as early as page 2: Avoid red wine headaches by taking an antihistamine, don’t store wine in the fridge unless it’s a screw cap, and make a $10 Cabernet taste like a $30 one by playing TAP - temperature, aceration, glassware. The book is published by Sterling, costs $14.95 and is thin enough to fit in my purse. It’s my BART book right now. I read it on my way back from treks to Vino Venue in SF. Of the last five wine books I’ve read, this is the only one that doesn’t put me to sleep, isn’t filled with antiquated name-dropping that means nothing to us and actually teaches me something I can do now to buy, order and enjoy wine better.

Sorry I haven’t written for almost a week. I’ve been deeply involved in Hugh Johnson’s autobiography, "A Life Uncorked." The preeminent British author of "The World Atlas of Wine" and "Hugh Johnson’s Wine Pocket Book" is coming to the Bay Area this weekend and I really think you should meet him and hear why he thinks wine should only be compared to music, not other wines.

Here are the details:

Wine Country Luncheon & Book-Signing
Sunday, April 23rd,
11:30 am, Sunday, April 23rd
Wente Vineyards Event Center
5050  Arroyo Road, Livermore
Luncheon $45.00 per person
Call 925-456-2400 for reservations, or online at ticketmaster.com

Need more enticing? Here’s the menu:
        First Course
        Crab Louie Salad with Butter Lettuce,
        Sweet 100 Tomatoes, 8-Minute Egg, Avocados and Scallions
        Wente Vineyards 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Livermore Valley

        Main Course
        House Smoked Double Cut Pork Chop
        with Red Skinned Potatoes, Asparagus and Spicy Red Onion Marmalade
        Wente Vineyards 2002 Crane Ridge Reserve Merlot, Livermore Valley

        Dessert
        Mocha Meringue with Milk Chocolate Mousse
        and Cabernet Glazed Strawberries
        Wente Vineyards 2003 Charles Wetmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon,
        Livermore Valley