Voodoo Vintners Oregon’s Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers Katherine Cole, who writes wine columns for the FOODday section of The Oregonian newspaper and MIX magazine, has just published her first book entitled Voodoo Vintners: Oregon’s Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers. It’s a terrific read and delves deep into the heart of biodynamic winemaking and farming. It’s also the first of its kind, not just because of its focus on Oregon, but also because of Katherine’s vibrant and insightful style. Her approach is so entertaining that you won’t even realize how much you’re learning about wine, including the more esoteric aspects of biodynamic farming, which […]
Books: Wine
Best Wine Books – Summer in a Glass
There are lots of terrific wine books you can enjoy this summer, including my recent discovery: Summer in a Glass: The Coming of Age of Winemaking in the Finger Lakes by Evan Dawson. Evan is managing editor of the New York Cork Report and morning news anchor at WHAM-TV in Rochester. He’s penned a terrific account of one of the fastest growing wine regions in the U.S. by telling the stories of the winemakers, characters who leap off his pages. I love this approach to learning about wine rather than the encyclopedias and guide books … you don’t even realize […]
Wine and War: the French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure
Wine and War: the French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure Don & Petie Kladstrup The story of how French winemakers were able to preserve their wines from the occupying Germans during World War II is expertly told in Wine & War: The French, the Nazis & the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure by Don and Petie Kladstrup. The French used such clever tactics as creating false cellar walls behind which they hid their best vintages, smuggling Allied soldiers out in their barrels and passing off poor vintages to the German troops. It’s a thrilling read for […]
Africa Uncorked
Africa Uncorked by John and Erica Platter Africa Uncorked won the coveted Glenfiddich Award. The husband and wife team chronicled their trek across Africa visiting vineyards and meeting winemakers who deal with severe droughts, elephants and antelopes and tribesmen packing AK-47s. A beautifully written travelogue that will make you want to pack your bags and go. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $15.72 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $20.96 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: US $24.95 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: US $24.95
World Atlas of Wine
World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson An excellent reference book that should be part of any wine library is the World Atlas of Wine, which has sold more than four million copies since it was first published in 1971. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $59.00 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $59.00 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: US $50.00 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: US $50.00
Wine with Food
Wine with Food by Joanna Simon Wine with Food suggests wines to serve with spicy, hot and sweet dishes, as well as the less-challenging, everyday fare. The summary charts at the back of the book are worth the price alone. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $23.80 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $22.44 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: US $17.50 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: US $25.00
Wine into Words:
Wine into Words: A History and Bibliography of Wine Books in the English Language, Second Edition by James Gabler is a history and bibliography of wine books—a marvelous resource for anyone who wants to start a library. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $69.86 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $55.77 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: US $75 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: US $60.00
Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking:Uncork Your Creative Juices
Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking:Uncork Your Creative Juices Michaell J. Gelb Michael Gelb takes a mind-altering, life-changing approach to wine and the mind in this wonderful book. Drink deeply from his delightful perspective and savor life fully lived. Buy it from Amazon Canada: (CDN$ 15.68) Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: (CDN$16.50) Buy it from Amazon U.S.: (US$13.57) Buy it from Barnes & Noble: (CDN$15.39)
Windows on the World Wine Course: 2008 Edition
Windows on the World Wine Course: 2008 Edition by Kevin Zraly, Peter M. F. Sichel(Introduction) If you’re just starting to learn about wine, I recommend Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly. It covers all of the major wine regions, styles and terms without bogging down in the mind-numbing jargon that can discourage a novice. His book is filled with lively anecdotes, pictures and charts. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $29.95 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $29.95 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: US $24.95 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: US $24.95
Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide
Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide Paul Gregutt The most comprehensive and authoritative book on Washington wines. Paul has a lively style that makes the story of Washington wine country come alive. Buy it from Amazon Canada: $33.79 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: $36.95 Buy it from Amazon U.S.: $34.95 Buy it from Barnes & Noble: $34.95
