When I was a young wine expert in training, there was no Internet. If you wanted to learn anything, you had to look it up in a book.

Back in the day there wasn’t a wine scribe more famous than Hugh Johnson – a gregarious Brit with a casual way of delivery on vino that paved the way for today’s first person blogger culture.

Johnson is still writing with his Pocket Wine Book 2012 (Mitchell Beazley, $16.99), the undisputed bible for any wine lover on the go. This year he’s also created a Wine Journal (Mitchell Beazley, $17.99) that allows vinophiles to write their own reviews and keep track of what they’re putting in their mouths. 

The journal would make a great Christmas gift, especially when paired with a wine worth writing about. France’s Père Anselme La Fiole du Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($35.49 – $39.50) is a non-vintage blend of up to 13 grapes with a rustic personality perfect for holiday drinking. 

Prices reflect the range across Canada. Some products may not be available in all provinces.