The Perfect Book For All Your Favorite Wines

I hope you've got a nice glass of Pinot in your hand right now, because today is National Drink Wine Day, and you wouldn't want me to call you a Grinch now, would you? I know, I know, it's the middle of the working day — but I say you can pass this one off as a matter of cultural importance. Besides, research (that I conducted with myself) proves that wine actually helps get the job done.

OK, that last point doesn't quite work if you're a surgeon. Or a cab driver. Or any job that involves operating machinery. But if you're lucky enough to work with books, I'd say wine is a good shout. It's pretty much a scientific fact that any book can be improved with the right wine — and today is the perfect day to give that theory a whirl.

Of course, you can't just dive in and uncork a Cabernet Sauvignon to go with your annual Bridget Jones re-read. I'm telling you, that would be all wrong. No, leave it to me; I've got the perfect wine-and-book pairings for you. Because I don't know if you've noticed, but wine and books have one great thing in common: no matter what mood you're in, there's always the perfect book, and the perfect glass of wine, just waiting for you to look their way.

1. Pinot Grigot with My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

P.G. Wodehouse's dry and fruity English wit was just made to be served up with an equally dry and fruity wine. Especially if that wine is brought to you on a tray by an impossibly wise butler by the name of Jeeves...

2. Pinot Noir with In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

A Pinot Noir deserves something a little darker and spicier than your average read. In A Dark, Dark Wood is set, as you might have guessed, in the middle of a dark, dark wood — a surprising backdrop for a bachelorette party. Never have I ever...found a book-and-wine combination more perfect than this one.

3. Chardonnay with Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Chardonnay deserves something perfectly sweet — and boy, have I found the perfect book for this. Start with one of the most romantic books of all time, Austen's Pride and Prejudice — and add dogs. The result? Teri Wilson's adorable Unleashing Mr Darcy.

4. Merlot with The Widow by Fiona Barton

The newly-released The Widow is an intense thriller that digs much deeper than you expect. Sound familiar? That's because I just described a much-needed glass of Merlot.

5. Non-alcoholic White Zinfandel with A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

Even if you don't drink alcohol, a refreshing glass of White Zinfandel will always hit the spot. Pair it with the fresh and funny A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan, and you've got yourself the perfect night.

Or afternoon. Or mid-morning. Hey, it's National Drink Wine Day; I'm not judging.

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