I need help with general knowledge...

[Zinner]

A good book for basic knowledge is Wine by Style by Fiona Beckett(Mitchell Beazley-publisher). It takes you through grape varietals, winemaking and many things that influence the flavor and how we perceive the wine.
It covers a lot of the basics with tips for serving and storing wine and how wine and food pair up.
Take a look--I'm sure your local bookstore can get you a copy--and I'm going to bet you'll like it.