Welcome to Bri Books! Ready to get into wine? These 8 books all about the magical world of vino can help. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 8 books for wine lovers (and beginners). Consider this the ultimate wine lover’s reading list.
‘Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa’ by Charles Frankel. This book was probably one of my favorite wine-related reads of 2023. In ‘Volcanoes and Wine,’ geologist Charles Frankel introduces us to the volcanoes that are among the most dramatic and ideal landscapes for wine making. From California to the Canary Islands and beyond, Frankel gives an in-depth account of famous volcanoes and the wines that spring from their soils. He details each volcano’s most famous eruptions, the grapes that grow in its soils, and the people who make their homes on its slopes. This illuminating guide will be indispensable for wine lovers looking to learn more about volcanic terroirs. ($18) University of Chicago Press, Amazon)
‘The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture’ by Michael Steinberger. ‘The Wine Savant’ is a punchy, educational, and downright entertaining introduction to all things wine culture. This book is valuable for wine drinkers and oenophiles alike. From three-buck Chuck to priceless Bourdeauxs, this book gives the inside scoop on the key concerns facing a new generation of wine lovers.($10) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WW Norton, Abe Books, Penguin Random House Canada)
‘Enoteca: Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition’ by Joyce Goldstein. Renowned chef, author, and teacher Joyce Goldstein explores the origins of enoteca culture and cuisine in Italy, one mouthwatering recipe at a time. With sumptuous color photography throughout, this cookbook expertly pairs classic Italian fare with equally delicious wines, enabling anyone to recreate the enoteca experience at home. ($6) Amazon
‘Fire + Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings’ by Mary Cressler and Sean Martin. Consider this book your one-stop guide for elevationg your BBQ game and wine knowledge simultaneously. With 75 recipes that pair smoky goodness from the grill with the wines of the Pacific Northwest, this book is the perfect marriage of pitmaster expertise and sommelier sensibilities. With recipes that celebrate smoked and grilled food (and the wines that pair best with them), this wine-meets-cookbook ticks all the boxes. ($20) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, Target, Abe Books)
‘Movers and Shakers: Advice from the Women Changing the Alcohol Industry’ by Hope Ewing. This book is a collection of industry advice and tips, beverage history lessons, and feminist takes on the professional challenges faced by women in the alcohol industry. Hope Ewing dissects how women are paving the way and creating a more inclusive and sustainable world full of delicious drinks. A veteran bartender, Ewing had grown impatient with the surprisingly outdated perceptions of women in the alcohol industry. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, often the first in their fields, the women she knew in the business were leaders, mentors, and trailblazers. In ‘Movers and Shakers’, Ewing seeks out the ambitious, entrepreneurial women business leaders, mentors, and trailblazers, and shares their stories with us (along with invaluable advice and insights into a wildly and rapidly evolving industry. ($17) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thriftbooks)
‘VineMeUp: An Activity Book Celebrating The Melanated Wine Enthusiast’ by Sarita Cheaves. – Created shortly after the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, Sarita Cheaves channeled her wine knowledge and her love for all things quirky and quizzical into this brilliant and delightful activity book. This book is a compilation of her experience in the wine industry and her commitment to uplifting Black and brown wine experts, influencers, and thought leaders alike ($6) Amazon, ($25) Vinemeupdc.com
Natural Wine for the People: Natural Wine for the People: What It Is, Where to Find It, How to Love It’ by Alice Feiring. This book is the perfect compact illustrated guide to the emerging and enormously popular world of natural wine, a style that focuses on minimal intervention, lack of additives, and organic/ biodynamic growing methods. In ‘Natural Wine for the People,’ James Beard Award-winner Alice Feiring sets the record straight, offering an accessible guide filled with easy definitions, tips and tricks for sourcing the best wines, whimsical illustrations, a definitive list to the must-know producers and bottlings, and an appendix with the best shops and restaurants specializing in natural wine across the country, making this the must-buy and must-gift wine book of the year. ($18) - Penguin Random House, Amazon, Kitchen Arts & Letters
‘99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines’ by Andre Mack. In this entertaining, informative, and thoroughly unconventional wine guide, award-winning sommelier, winemaker, and wine educator André Mack presents listeners with the 99 bottles that have most impacted his life. Instead of just pairing wines with foods, Mack pairs practical information with personal stories, offering up recommendations alongside reflections on being one of the only African-Americans to ever work at the top level of the American wine industry. ($15-$25) (Amazon, Thrift Books, OKSomm, Abrams Books, Bookshop.org)
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Wine Week Episodes
Welcome to Bri Books! With the holiday season in full swing and 2024 on our doorstep, I’m sharing the 9 best gifts for the wine-lover in your life (or for yourself—I won’t tell!) If you’re searching for a unique gift for wine-lovers, look no further. In this episode, I’m breaking down the best go-to gift ideas for oenophiles. Spoiler alert: none of these is a bottle of wine. Shocker! Here are the silly, practical, and downright delightful gifts that any Bourdeaux babe or Chardonnay-sipper on your list and in your life. Instead of buying another bottle of vino, consider these cool and unique wine gifts for wine-lovers.
Consider this your go-to wine gift guide for the 2023 holidays and 2024:
Argaux “Year of Firsts” Wine Gift Box: This brilliant collection of wine gift boxes are curated to celebrate the birth of a new baby ($85), wedding anniversary,($150-$400), or an engagement ($100-$200). This genius (and thoughtful) gift is a reminder that every milestone matters, and it’s the perfect gift to remind the wine lover in your life to savor life’s moments, both big and small. The wines are hand-selected by Argaux’s team of sommeliers, and the gift sets are customizable.
Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine ($150): This exclusive wine sampling set is perfect for wine snobs and beginners alike. The 'Holi-Day collection features 6 reds, 5 whites and 1 rose. the T’was the Night collection boasts 7 reds, 4 whites, and 1 rose—perfect for kicking back by the fire (or by the television.) With a new wine to sip each night, this gift will keep your oenophile entertained for at least a fortnight. Win-win!
Recanter Wine Breather Decanter ($50): A unique sommelier-style decanter that grates, serves, and rebottles unfinished wine, this gorgeously designed decanter is the perfect centerpiece for any wine obsessive’s table. It’s easy to use, cleaning is a breeze, and the stainless steel and silicone topper allows you to flip and secure the decanter onto the wine bottle and rebottle any unfinished wine—without a spill!
Stemless Aerating Glasses ($50): The aesthetically-oriented wine lover on your list will swoon over these stemless aerating glasses. Simply pour your wine into the central cell, and watch it cascade into the glass, instantly releasing the wine’s full bouquet of flavors and aroma.
Bathtime wine holder ($38): Because bath time is a ritual! The casual wine-lover on your list (with a sense of humor) will be tickled by this artfully designed wine holder. It easily suctions to the tub or shower wall, making it perfect for sipping whilst sudsing.
Wine glass baseball cap ($18): Looking for a wearable wine-related gift? Look no further than this painfully chic wine glass dad hat/ baseball cap. The wine glass decal will draw smiles from across the room, and will shield you from that post-hangover sunshine.
‘The World in a Wineglass’ by Ray Isle book ($17): Drawing on his deep knowledge and genuine appreciation for winemaking, Ray Isle takes us on a tour of hundreds of independently owned wineries around thew orld—from France to Oregon to Chile and beyond. The bibliophile on your list will be thrilled with this gift, which brilliantly destigmatizes the world of wine while injecting a bit of wanderlust.
Wine puzzle ($38): Step into a daydreamy, imaginative world of puzzling with this 1,000-piece set inspired by red, white, and rose wine. Bonus points if you help the recipient put it together over, you guessed it, a bottle of wine.
Wine bottle candle ($75): Okay, okay, I actually really want this for myself! This realistic wine bottle-shaped candle is a complete showstopper. At once romantic and deeply practical (who doesn’t love a candlelit meal?), the hostess on your list will love this cheeky gift.