A new arrival and wine books for the summer break
I've been a bit busy for the last four weeks, welcoming my daughter Chloé!
It feels a bit odd posting this piece as I wrote it four weeks and two days ago. But four weeks yesterday I welcomed my husband and I’d first child, the gorgeous little Chloé into the world at a tiddly 5lb7oz.
I promised myself a break to readjust to my new life as a mum - and wow, what a readjustment it’s been. Four wild weeks of nappies and night feeding; squeezing in showers and filing French paperwork.
I know you’re not here to read about motherhood but true to the form of this blog you will be pleased to know that she’s already been wine tasting and on walks in her pram around the vines in the morning when it’s not too hot for her. (She’s also been to see a stage of the Tour de France and a couple of lovely long lunches, though the reality is that most of our day is the feed-burp-change-sleep cycle with the Olympics on in the background.)
I’ve enjoyed a few lovely wines from my cellar to celebrate but I will post about those later this week when I write up some notes on them.
So for this evening, I will post the article I had planned to post back in early July. A piece all about taking a break to read a good wine book, something I sincerely look forward to being able to do again very soon once Chloé and I find our rhythm.
My favourite wine books to enjoy (not study!) this summer
Whether staying at home or venturing on holiday, summer months are often a chance to read more. And what is more enjoyable than flicking through the pages of a wine book with a glass of something delicious. I’ve pulled together a round up of favourites to read at leisure and, although filled with plenty of detail and information, are wine books to indulge in rather than revise with.
Drinking with the Valkyries
By Andrew Jefford
https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/drinking-with-the-valkyries-by-andrew-jefford
Andrew understands wine, there are plenty of people who do. But Andrew also breathes poetry, and there are far less people who can that.
This emotive and vivid series of vignettes opened my eyes to an entirely new way to write about wine. It immediately shot to the position of my favourite wine book, and nothing has toppled it since. Anthological in nature, each essay or tale dips into a different topic and transports you all around the world to places, producers and wines that are brought to life so vibrantly you have a round the world plane ticket in your pocket.
In fact, I often pick up this book on my kindle when I’m on a flight, when I’m waiting for someone to meet me for coffee, or (importantly) when I am on a sun lounger. The anthological nature makes it bite-sized brilliance and an excellent choice not just for this summer, but for plenty of other summers to come.
I interviewed Andrew a few years ago and we have remained friends since. If I can craft even a small portion of his genius in my future writing, then I will be truly happy.
‘The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson’ and ‘The Story of Wine: From Noah to Now’
By Hugh Johnson OBE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Wines-Hugh-Johnson/dp/1913141306
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Wine-Noah-Now/dp/1913141063
Hugh carved a career writing his practical Pocket Book of Wine series and The World Atlas of Wine – both of which helped wine lovers all over the world better understand the vast and ever-changing world of wine.
But, as useful as they are, it’s his more literary works that are truly ‘lounger-worthy’ and deserve your eye this summer. Hugh Johnson OBE is charming and wise, he’s informed and approachable. It’s a delight to dip into his brain.
I’ve been lucky enough to interview Hugh on two occasions when I was working at The Wine Society where we discussed both The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson and Story of Wine.
The Story of Wine is a brilliant backstory which gives context and colour to the subject of wine. It’s easy to dip into is particularly enjoyable if you’re traveling through any wine regions this summer and can combine a little history and culture.
Reading The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson feels like sharing a great bottle with an old friend. It’s an evening of easy conversation over candlelight, stretching into the early hours of a summer evening. It’s the ideal anecdote to a busy or chaotic lifestyle and is a wonderful book to truly relax with.
Vines in a Cold Climate: The People Behind the English Wine Revolution
By Henry Jeffreys
https://www.waterstones.com/book/vines-in-a-cold-climate/henry-jeffreys/9781838956677
You don’t need me to tell you how good this book is… plenty of other people are shouting about it. It was New York Times pick for best wine book of 2023, won the ‘Best Drink Book’ award at the coveted Fortnum and Mason Food and Drink Awards this year and has had rave reviews from the likes of Jancis Robinson OBE.
It’s a cheeky, sometimes sweary, but always entertaining overview of the British wine scene. This book, for me, marks the start of the next era of English wine – the era where we are taken seriously but with a brilliant sense of humour.
If you’re planning a staycation this year, then why not accompany it with a celebration of our home-grown wine scene.
Bursting Bubbles: A Secret History of Champagne and the Rise of the Great Growers
By Robert Walters
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bursting-Bubbles-History-Champagne-Growers/dp/1846892546
Another Fortnum and Mason award winner and Runner up in the Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year 2018.
Robert Walters’ important book draws on 25 years of industry experience to deliver an insightful alternative look at Champagne.
Eager wine-lovers will enjoy the myth-busting, fact-packed nature of this book. It manages to pull the pretention out of Champagne in an entertaining adventure caper that feels perfectly suited to a summer spent traveling or planning your next travel adventure.
Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud
By Rebecca Gibb MW
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Crime-Short-History-Fraud/dp/0520385934
Master of Wine Rebecca Gibb artfully melds history, culture and a dollop of scandal in a light-hearted but informative new book that explores the various faces of wine fraud through the ages.
Masters of Wine are proficient in making complex subjects easy to understand and none more so than Rebecca here. It’s the sort of book that doesn’t require any wine knowledge to enjoy – a sort of Agatha Christie meets Tin Tin’s adventures for anyone who has enjoyed a glass or two. In fact, it’s best enjoyed with a glass or two.
Once you’ve devoured this over the summer, it’s the sort of book you can pass on to anyone and be sure they will enjoy it.
A portion of book royalties will be donated by Rebecca towards finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to help her son.