As winter creeps in and we start craving the snug embrace of our homes, there’s nothing like curling up with a glass of wine (or a hot cup of tea) with a wonderful book by your side.

Here are six books that we highly recommend.  These aren’t just any books; they’re like little passports to vineyards, telling tales of badass winemakers, and giving you a backstage pass to the juicy cultural bits that make wine so special. 

Wine & Words: A Literary Journey Through 6 Captivating Stories

Picture yourself savoring these stories while soaking in the vibes of French vineyards, the hustle of NYC’s Michelin-starred joints, or the charm of Italian landscapes. Whether you’re sipping on a complex wine or sticking to your trusty tea, let these pages unfold, creating a chill playlist of flavors and tales that sync up perfectly with the laid-back vibes of winter. 

1. Wine and War by Don Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup

• Description: A fascinating journey through history, “Wine and War” by Don Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup intricately unveils the heroic efforts of French winemakers during World War II to safeguard not only their vineyards but also the very essence of their cultural heritage. Dive into tales of unwavering resistance and remarkable resilience that mirror the unique contribution of viticulture to the nation’s spirit during challenging times. Savor this book with a glass of Burgundy wine, allowing the velvety notes to harmonize with the poignant stories of struggle and triumph, creating an immersive experience that bridges the past with the present.
• Link: Wine and War

2. To Fall in Love, Drink This by Alice Feiring

• Description: Alice Feiring‘s memoir takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, making you laugh, cry, and reflect deeply on life, love, and the intricate world of wine. A must-read that captures the essence of a personal journey intertwined with the magic of wine, her narrative transcends the pages, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the transformative power of both storytelling and the nuanced flavors of life. A truly wonderful, must-read memoir that lingers in the heart and on the palate long after the final chapter.
• Link: To Fall in Love, Drink This

3. Adventures on the Wine Route by Kermit Lynch

• Description: Embark on a delightful journey through various French wine regions with Kermit Lynch. This book is a captivating road trip diary that shares stories of passionate winemakers, their traditions, and the unique characters encountered along the way. For those in love with all things France, including wine, this is the book for you! Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, savor the distinct terroirs, and let Lynch’s narrative be your passport to a sensory exploration of France.
• Link: Adventures on the Wine Route

4. Wine Girl: The Trials and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier by Victoria James

• Description: Victoria James’s memoir is an inspiring tale of resilience and triumph in a male-dominated industry. Explore her journey to become the youngest sommelier in a Michelin-starred New York City restaurant, transcending professional achievements to delve into personal growth. Within the pages of “Wine Girl,” witness not only a remarkable professional ascent but also a narrative that unveils the complexities of personal resilience and the triumph of authenticity in the face of challenges.
• Link: Wine Girl: The Trials and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier

5. Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times by Don Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup

• Description: This book is a backstage pass to the incredible stories behind the creation, survival, and thriving of Champagne against all odds. A sparkling tale that will elevate your love and appreciation for the iconic bubbles, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship, resilience, and effervescent history that defines the world of Champagne. 
• Link: Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times

6. Passion on the Vine: A Memoir of Food, Wine, and Family in the Heart of Italy by Sergio Esposito

• Description: For those enchanted by Italy, this memoir by Sergio Esposito is a gem. Discover his accidental entry into the world of wine, which brings him full circle to his Italian roots. A personal and passionate exploration of the beauty of Italian wine, Esposito’s narrative is a sensory journey that invites readers to bask in the sun-drenched vineyards and savor the rich cultural heritage woven into every drop of Italian wine.
• Link: Passion on the Vine: A Memoir of Food, Wine, and Family in the Heart of Italy

Conclusion

These six captivating books not only indulge your love for wine but also weave tales of courage, passion, and triumph. As you embark on this literary journey, let the pages transport you to vineyards, winemakers’ tales, and the heart of wine culture. Cheers to the invigorating power of stories, love, and the timeless beauty of wine!

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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