Wine books for World Book Day

For World Book Day on Friday 5th March, here are some of my favourite wine books!

 

Vines in a Cold Climate – Henry Jeffreys

This tells the story of the characters behind the first wave of modern English wines in the 1980s and '90s – who helped turn English wine from a bit of a joke to world-class. It’s a fascinating and superbly told adventure, about changing climate and technology but most of all about the people with vision, passion and determination to make great wines in England’s cold climate. It’s been described as ‘gossipy’ – and it is, but that makes it fun and accessible. It’s a real page-turner!

 

The Noble Rot Book: Wine from Another Galaxy - Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew

Starting with the story of opening the Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant in Bloomsbury, ‘Rotters’ Dan and Mark take you on a voyage of wine discovery. They’ll take you through how wine is made, the main varieties, how to order wine and how to describe wine – all without the snobbery. Then we join them for the Rotters’ Road Trip, tasting their way around Europe’s wine regions and telling the stories of the growers and wine-makers they meet along the way. The book is lavish, with fabulous photos, witty illustrations and even some recipes. Dive in!

 

The Vintage Caper – Peter Mayle

This is a fun read: a diverting and witty crime novel by the renowned author of A Year in Provence. Investigating a world-class wine heist, the protagonist follows leads that take him first to Bordeaux's magnificent vineyards and then to glorious Provence. It’s loaded with sensory detail that will have you reaching for a glass of Bordeaux and booking your next holiday!

 

Oz Clarke’s Story of Wine – Oz Clarke

Over 8000 Years via 100 bottles, Oz takes us on a journey through the ages. Starting from the birth of a wine culture in ancient Georgia, we travel from 6000 BC through the fact and fiction of Persia, Egypt, Greece and Rome, and then across the world and through the centuries right up to the latest innovations in winemaking today. It’s written with wit and warmth – I didn’t want it to end!

 

History of Wine in 10 Glasses – Paul Wagner

This one’s for Audible fans. Starting in the Caucasus Mountains, you’ll get a taste of ancient history and a lesson on the first wines ever, as well as the gods who were believed to bring them to us. From there, you’ll make stops in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria and Hungary, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and all the way to modern times in America with a look at California wines and the wines from Latin America.

 

The Story of Wine: From Noah to Now – High Johnson

This is a fascinating book, both comprehensive and written with real passion by a master of the subject. It’s been described as a collection of many stories, spanning the wine world “from Noah to Napa, from Pompeii to Pomerol”. It’s more an adventure story than a reference work, with fascinating insights into the history, art, and culture of wine. There’s humour, drama and loads of interesting facts.