Not something you often hear people requesting. Many wine books are technical, meant for industry wine geeks. I have several of the aforementioned wine books in my personal library, and they’re quite good from an insider’s perspective. However not always riveting reading. Do you love a can’t put it down read? The kind that reel you in and tell a story. These are three very different books I found perfect for a giant glass of Rosé or Champagne poolside.
Cork Dork: Bianca Bosker is legit. Bosker is the former tech editor for Huffington Post and has contributed to many publications including The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal. If there is a 50 Shades of Wine, she’s written it. It’s got the same addictive can’t put it down trait. A delicious insider tale of her venture into the wine space. Based on her real world experience the story opens with her starting as a cellar rat in New York City. In one of the best restaurants. From there she breaks into some of the most elusive wine scenes in the world. From secret tastings with Master Sommeliers to highly scientific evaluations with scientists, she’s done it. Boskor provides entertaining insights with wit and humor. A great read for those in and out of the industry. Get it on Amazon!
Just Released: The California Directories of Fine Wineries Eighth Edition Publisher Tom Silberkleit teams up with writers Daniel Mangin, K. Reka Badger and Cheryl Crabtree for this hardcover guide. You’ll enjoy wine tasting tips and insights on their favorite upscale wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino . It includes detailed maps and a wealth of beautiful photos. There is also a time-saving research aspect for your tasting adventures. A vetted wine directory of scrutiny, not an index of all. Each must meet a quality index. Wine, service, and amenities are fully evaluated to ensure your experience is one of the best. Available on Amazon
Champagne Uncorked: Alan Tardi Want insights into one of the most revered global Champagne brands? Sommelier Alan Tardi takes you off the beaten path on an exclusive behind the doors story of Krug. This is the intriguing story of the creation of Krug’s Grand Cuvée. A deep dive into France, Champagne, and the Krug experience. Far more than an overview, Tardi is immersed with the family and the winery. He lives and breathes the brand and Champagne. From the vineyards to the storied history of Krug’s evolution he shares insights difficult to find anywhere else. If you are a Champagne lover or a history buff, the story of Krug and Champagne is indeed an interesting read. Available on Amazon
There is something a little different for everyone. The Cork Dork was so beautiful as a first person experience from an outsider into the world of wine. Bianca experienced a world many dream of and told the story almost as if you were there with her. The California Directories are always handy when tasting wine in wine country. A perfect way to plan an upcoming trip, dream about where you might go one day or if you hop into the car and don’t know where to go it will give you lots of ideas. And what better guide on Champagne from a wine book written while spending quality time at the leading French wine producer in Champagne, Krug Champagne. Imagine spending time in the vineyards of Champagne at Krug? It doesn’t get any better.
Stay tuned as we get geeky and run the next list of wine books for people who truly want to learn the inside information on wine. Do you have a favorite wine book? Share in the comments below.
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
All I want to do... is have some fun @tressabores #NapaValley check them out. Absolutely outstanding down to earth vibe and wine that`s better for you and planet earth. Sustainable, organic & truly killer wine! #certifiedsustainable #certifiedorganic
I know no joy as great as a moment of rushing into a new love, no ecstasy like that of a new love.
~ Anais Nin
The words say it all. Magnificent drink. If you can get it. @turleywine 2015 Napa Valley Library Block Petite Syrah
Dark, brooding with a side of magnificent freshness.
And now back to Paris for a formidably fabulous Friday! Michelin-star restaurant- check! Fabulous dark and exquisite library for enjoying cocktails, a breathtaking entrance of a French hideaway from years ago...
Stunning Michelin star restaurant and beautiful bibliothèque with Parisian friends.
Bookmark this spot! I don’t often share where I dine unless I am out of the country, but because so many people ask 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren I am going to change that. Take my favorite brunch and Fried Chicken spot! @southsidenapa offers not only some of the freshest most inviting dishes in Napa, they also have a wide array of coffee, tea, wine and bubbles to pair your dishes with.
Its one of the few #petfriendly places with great food and an inviting team. Lots of talent here in the food arena and the outdoor seating area is equipped with swinging chairs, a fire pit and comfortable seating inside and out.
Fried Chicken you ask? Yes! Pairs perfectly with your Napa Valley Sparkling and #Champagne.The best in Napa Valley. Make sure and call ahead, they often sell out.
Hours are 8am-2pm
Breakfast served all day and an expanded lunch menu.
With over 30 years of sustainability under their belt, Domaine Carneros has a big headstart in the way of sustainability. They built the first significant solar installation, recognized as the largest in the world at the time. Far beyond complacent, Domaine Carneros continues to push the limits and try new techniques and strategies to improve their abilities.
Domaine Carneros
An incredible indulgence and the ultimate experience.
It’s in my neighborhood. Two miles away door to door. Why do I find myself returning again and again? Because this is one of the most stunning destinations in Carneros and Napa Valley. Stunning in both taste and views.
The skies, the ultimate blue, the vineyard hills throughout the landscape. It’s a breathtaking pinch yourself situation no matter how often you visit.
The team is so welcoming and the sparkling wine is world class and made sustainably. If you’re ready to step up your sparkling wine game this is where you need to be.
The wines tasted:
2016 Estate Brut Cuvée (late disgorge) ripe pear, white flowers, creamy, beautiful structure.
2019 Brut Rosé Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, incredible well poised, citrus, red berries, almonds and floral notes
2015 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Tête de Cuvée The dream. A signature must taste from the most prized blocks of Chardonnay. Evocative of citrus curd, pie crust, a nuance of ginger and tart lemon. I could drink this all day every day!
2017 Ultra Brut Tropical fruit, lime, lemon zest, crisp, lovely palate and exquisite finish.
The ultimate indulgence, featuring three of Tsar Nicoulai’s finest caviars:
Classic, Select, and Golden Reserve
Served with potato chips, toast points, and Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche.
Make your reservation today!
Domainecarneros.com and ask for the caviar experience!
#TheWineSiren #DomaineCarneros #CertifiedSustainable #NapaValley #WinePairing #SparklingWine
Incredible experience and it keeps on getting better every time I visit. Have you been to @goosecrosscellars ?
Fantastic red white and Rosé wine. There is absolutely something for everyone. Including clothes for the shoppers amongst us.
#rosé #roséallday #napavalley #winetasting #winelife #summervibes #bestday #goosecrosscellars #visitnapavalley
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
8 Responses
One down & two to go! Wine & books are two of my favorite things… Cheers!
Very cool. Which one did you read and what did you think Misty?
Thanks for the recommendations Kelly. Cork Dork has been getting quite a bit of attention lately. Another wine book I read recently is “American Wino. Reds, Whites and One Man’s Blues.” Pretty hilarious but not for the faint of heart.
Thanks for taking the time to post Suzanna. I will have to take a look at your recommendation. Kelly
I just finished Cork dork which is great The California book has 1 star on amazon Let me know what your teview is.
Hi Tracy, The review is in the post. I read the review on Amazon prior to publishing. The person who rated the Directory of California Wineries was looking for a complete list of all wineries.That would make it over 1,000 listings.This book is specifically vetting who they consider some of the most beautiful & unique experiences and world-class properties. Great for getting an initial handle on the areas, but if you want to visit all 1,000 wineries in the three regions a wine map or two would be a better choice. Hope that helps. Thanks for popping in.
Hi Kelly,
Just got back from three weeks in China (where the home-grown offerings include Great Wall Cabernet Sauvignon), and what a delight to see your review of The California Directory of Fine Wineries! Thanks for the kind words. My coauthor (Cheryl Crabtree) and I had a great time researching the book and really liked the mix of upscale and down-home wineries this edition. Hope to cross paths with you at a few! Yours truly, Danny Mangin
Welcome back Danny, Great to have your book in here. It really is a well-done directory and very well written. I truly enjoyed it!