Have you ever been reduced to a quivering mass of jelly when handed a wine list? Wondered why a sommelier was hovering near your table? Felt out of your element at a nice restaurant with clients, colleagues, or friends?

Professional Drinking will boost your confidence and squash the fear of embarrassment. Sommelier and executive coach Jim Schleckser teaches you to handle yourself like a pro in a restaurant or bar, at a business event, or in any social situation.

With loads of advice for quick success, funny stories, and easily remembered tips, Schleckser reminds us that wine and spirits are made to be enjoyed. We take wine more seriously than we should, though, so it feels like a test. To overcome the anxiety, we just need a little knowledge and one basic rule: There is no such thing as bad wine, just wines we like and wines we don’t.

Beyond the basics, Jim offers confidence-building advice on:

Remembering which glass on a table is yours The 10 cocktails you should taste and learn to make How to avoid getting drunk or getting a hangover And more!

So grab a glass of wine, get ready for some laughs, crack this book open, and drink up.