Regarding learning about wine, there are many sources on the internet (http://www.vinosearch.com and use info as a keyword in your search) that provide useful information. In respect to books, check out the wine library page on VinoSearch and look at the suggetions.
The wine avenger is a good beginners book and also wine for dummies is a great book to start with and keep as a reference book. Tasting is a necessary exercise and enjoyable as well. Attend
tastings when you can. That is a cost effective way of tasting a lot and being able to have wines side by side to go back and forth training your palette.
Check the http://www.vinonet.com links page and click on the faq section. Search for how to taste and individual grape varieties for information on flavor profiles. Also check the VinoSearch education page.