![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-Cover-1024x744.jpg)
Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier
Written by: Aldo Sohm, Christine Muhlke
Illustrated by: Matt Blease
Designed by: Alaina Sullivan
Textbook Design Style
Before purchasing a hard copy of Wine Simple, I’d seen screenshots of a few page layouts. I’m a sucker for grids, clean design, and wine. What’s not to love about that combination? It became clear that I needed to explore further. I’m so happy I did.
One thing I love most about Wine Simple is that the content and purpose inform the design of the book. Creating a “totally approachable guide” to anything requires careful consideration of content hierarchy: The subject matter must be written and displayed in digestible and memorable ways. If the point is to learn quickly, the layout must serve that function.
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-SectionOpening-1024x773.jpg)
Repeatable Elements
Textbooks rely on repeatable design systems. It’s practical for layout but also helps reinforce the learning process. While the minor details of a spread layout may shift a little to accommodate text length or line breaks, the reader can expect to turn the page and find a matching theme in each section. It helps group like pieces of content together for easy skimming, which is helpful when reviewing what you’ve just read. Wine Simple does a tasteful job of using crisply designed section templates with touches of unique illustrations, icons, and breakout boxes to maintain the reader’s interest.
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-VarietalTemplate-1024x754.jpg)
Illustrations
Speaking of art, Matt Blease’s illustrations do a great job of supplementing the written content. I’m not sure if the illustrations came first and the layout after or if it was a coordinated effort, but it’s a great pairing. The line quality of the art complements the book’s simplified design style and brings a reprieve of softness to a very structured layout. Chef’s kiss!
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-AromasChart-1024x757.jpg)
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-FoodPairings-1024x768.jpg)
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Illustrated charts allow the reader to pause between text-heavy sections.
Color and Fonts
The color palette is as sophisticated as the book itself. They’ve chosen colors that represent different varietals of wine and deploy them with a limited selection of secondaries to emphasize or soften. The sections aren’t color-coded, but there’s definitely attention to detail on how color is deployed. For example, I loved the way they’ve chosen to highlight specific text. On light backgrounds, it’s highlighted in bright yellow. Otherwise, the highlight is reversed in white on a color background. If you’re learning how to pay attention to detail in wine, you may also pick up on great ways to do the same with design in the process.
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-Highlight1-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://emilycombs.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WineSimple-Highlight2-761x1024.jpg)
Highlights change color based on the background.
Typographic styles are also handled elegantly. As far as I can tell upon first read, there are three fonts: A Futura-ish flavored quirky title font, probably Futura or some flavor of it for reading copy, and a serif (I’m guessing Garamond) only set in italics for introductions or notes. It’s a combination that allows for a modern, sophisticated look with a touch of quirkiness.
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If you can’t tell by now, I’m having a great time savoring this book on my first read-through. It’s the kind of informative eye candy that sticks with you for the long haul, and I applaud everyone involved in its production!
Written by: Emily Combs, HALO 22
Edited by: David Spratte, HALO 22