"Father of Australian Boutique Wineries."
Judith Kennedy–Australian Association Boutique Wineries [1998]

Food on the Plate, Wine in the Glass, "Probably the best thing ever written on the subject."
U.S. Wine Enthusiast

"Australia's own philosopher in the kitchen."
John Newton, Sydney Morning Herald

The Flavour of Wine (1969). "An attractive, original and sometimes complex little book by an erudite Australian surgeon-cum-winery owner."
Michael Broadbent's Guide to Wine Tasting, 1982

"Max Lake (first Australian to specialise exclusively in the surgery of the hand) continues to appear in a bewildering series of epiphanies, as a prolific writer, international wine judge, flavour consultant, provocative researcher."
Landmarks of Australian Gastronomy.

"Witty, frank and fascinating...food and wine lovers, flower fanciers–anyone in touch with their senses will delight in this (Scents and Sensuality) book."
Sydney Morning Herald.

"Would make gastronomic poets of us all."
Dr Alan Saunders

"His theories, presented with unfailing grace and humour, are offered with missionary zeal and the hope of improving our lives."
The Observer

"The man who started the wine boom."
The Bulletin, 1988

"Dr Lake sees life as one grand taste test, which is certainly an endearing point of view."
New York Times Book Review

"Max Lake, a rascal of the senses."
Australian Financial Review