For many, sipping a glass of wine while reading a juicy novel may be a favorite pastime. I know it is for me. After a day of errands, writing, or organizing the pantry for the millionth time (truth), I enjoy opening a bottle of something delicious and relaxing with a good book. In fact, there’s always a book on my coffee table begging for me to enjoy!
In the past few months, I’ve received (as samples) three outstanding reads worth sharing. Find each and let me know your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Natalie MacLean
Wine Witch on Fire by Natalie MacLean
If you haven’t heard of Natalie MacLean, a bestselling wine writer, it’s time you did. This driven, go-getter was named World’s Best Drinks Journalist and won four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. Just recently, Natalie was honored as the 2024 recipient of the Wine Growers Canada Wine Industry Champion Award, presented to “an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry through media, research, policy and regulation, education, advocacy or other means, significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry.”
By all accounts, Natalie MacLean has had the wine world in her hand for decades. But it hasn’t been as easy and seamless as many think. Her latest book, Wine Witch on Fire, is a page turner that reveals the struggles, heartache and despair of a career in tech, then wine and a marriage that unexpectedly leads to divorce. This honest and inspiring story is worth a read for anyone who desires a jump start after questioning their own self-worth and desiring motivation to have a second chance in life. Cost is $25 (USD) and you can order HERE.
Exploring Wine Regions-California Central Coast by Michael C. Higgins, PhD
Raise a glass if you’re ready to explore California wine country but not Napa, Sonoma or your usual sipping spots. Seasoned author Michael C. Higgins has published, Exploring Wine Regions-California Central Coast, his third book in the Exploring Wine Regions series. The 436 page coffee-table-worthy book is one that takes the wine lover on a journey to fascinating regions that may not be on everyone’s radar.
Higgins adeptly combines wine education and stunning photography in this beautiful travel, wine and food guide. Now that I’m a resident of California’s Central Coast, Exploring Wine Regions-California Central Coast reveals even more surprising gems to experience and I’m ready to get in the car now! From Monterey in Monterey County to Valle de Guadelupe in Baja California, Higgins includes extensive resources relating to wineries to visit, where to dine, where to stay, travel tips, and so much more.
Not all wineries in this vast region made the cut, however. To be included, wineries must be open to the public for visits, wines offered must be outstanding and interesting experiences should be offered for guests. “Every place I have writted about in this book is from my own personal, hands-on experience. No one has paid me to write any of these reviews,” states Higgins. Cost is $44.95 and you can order HERE.
Slow Wine Guide – USA Guide 2024
As a proud contributing editor/field coordinator to the Slow Wine Guide – USA Guide 2024, it would be remiss of me not to include this incredibly important book in this article. Over 400 wineries that are inspired by the Slow Food Manifesto for good, clean and fair wine are profiled in the guide. Anyone who seeks wines from producers who are cognizant of sustainability by farming without synthetic herbicides must find this book.
Contributing editors visited each winery in the book, assessed farming practices and reviewed their highly lauded wines. Included in each winery’s profile are contact information, brief history, vineyard specifics, characteristics of three selected wines, case production number, and farming and winemaking strategies that are positive expressions of environmental stewardship. Currently, wineries in California, Oregon, Washington and New York are in the guide with more being added for the 2025 Guide. Cost is $25.00 and you can order HERE.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Enroll now in my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.
It’s a perfect entry level course for any tasting room associate, a curious wine lover, or someone who would like more confidence in finding a wine in a wine shop or wine list. Click HERE for information and to join the community.
