Sipped discs

Let’s face it: Most of us are intimidated by wine. The snooty sommeliers, the thick wine lists, the superior clerks overseeing shelves of old Barolo and trendy Gruner Veltliner -- make mine a martini, please!

The wine people know we’re afraid. But for once, they’re on our side. There are now several wine-tasting DVDs on the market, offering a quick overview and some good advice for the beginner. This is about as low-stress a way as there is to learn about wine: Invite a couple of friends, uncork a few bottles, kick back and let a master lead the way. We put three DVDs to the test, all starring a master of wine -- the oenological equivalent of a 10th-degree black belt. Go ahead, give them a swirl.

-- Chris Rubin

“Bob Uncorked!”

What you get: One DVD and four half-bottles of wine for $34.99.

How it works: Bob Betz leads an “interactive wine tasting” experience: 70 minutes of instruction, plus Cabernet Sauvignon from Clos du Val, Sauvignon Blanc from Grgich Hills, Merlot from Merryvale and Chardonnay from St. Supery.

The wine helps. Even uncorked, Betz tends to be bone dry. Still, he covers a lot of territory and provides a good overview. (But he blows it on the stemware, understating the importance of using the right glass.)

Was it good for you? Get ready for more, because this is only Vol. 1.

Quote: “Here’s an insider’s tip on how to get even more out of that wine. Do the reverse whistle: While you have the wine in your mouth, take a little air and pass it through the wine, and let that air out of your nose. Keep the wine in your mouth. Lets you taste the wine, feel the wine and smell the wine all at the same time.”

Where to find it: Wally’s Wine & Spirits, 2107 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 475-0606; www.bytheglass.net.

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“Jancis Robinson’s Wine Course”

What you get: Two DVDs for $39.98. Also on video.

How it works: Not just a lecture but a global travelogue from one of the world’s leading wine geeks. Robinson, who edited the definitive “Oxford Companion to Wine,” holds forth for five hours on all facets of the grape.

Much of the material comes from her BBC series several years ago, but other than a slightly dated look, this is a great way to pick up fairly deep information on the world’s major wines and winemaking regions.

Robinson, who has the demeanor of a librarian and a suitably dry sense of humor, holds your interest through both discs.

And just to be sure, there’s a quiz at the end.

Quote: “Our most sensitive organ by far -- the nose.”

Where to find it: TwentyTwenty Wine Merchants, 2020 Cotner Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 447-2020; www.jancisrobinson.com.

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“Wine Fundamentals”

What you get: One DVD for $24.95.

How it works: “The first rule of wine is ‘Ignore all other rules,’ ” says host John Champion, and that’s a good indication of the tone of this DVD, which is subtitled “The Essentials of Enjoying the Wonderful World of Wine.” Champion, an affable Brit, plays Everyman to a panel of experts headed by Tim Hanni, master of wine and iconoclast, whose presence guarantees a good time and a real education.

The disc also dips into the 8,000-year history of wine, quoting Beethoven, Colette, Thomas Jefferson, Plato, Louis Pasteur, you name it. Chapters include “Navigating the Wine List,” “Food and Wine” and even “Making Wine,” with an interactive glossary of terms and practical (if somewhat vague) tips.

Quote: “Go for Alsatian whites, because they’re always undervalued and they always work very well with food. And ... Rhone reds. Again, they usually work very well with food and usually are lower priced, certainly than the Bordeaux and the Burgundies.”

Where to find it: TwentyTwenty Wine Merchants; www.winefundamentals.com.