Grape Reads to Gift this Season

 As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect gift for the wine enthusiast in your life begins. Whether they are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning their wine journey, a thoughtfully chosen book can be a wonderful present. To help you in your search, I've curated a selection of exceptional wine-themed books that will captivate and educate any wine lover. Each book offers a unique perspective on the world of wine, from explorations of specific wine regions to deeply personal narratives. So, pour yourself a glass, settle in, and explore my top picks to make your holiday gift-giving successful.  All books mentioned can be purchased on my Amazon store https://amzn.to/49YErrO

A must-read! I am not saying that because I’m the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess. This comprehensive guide leaves no grape unturned in profiling over 70 varieties that thrive in cool-climate wine regions. Not only does it profile the grapes, but it also profiles the history, the nurseries, growing conditions, vineyard management, and the people behind the grapes. 

𝘼 𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Two chapters are dedicated to New England grape breeders. Some grape DNA updates. Concord is an offspring of Catawba and Catawba is half vinifera. This book will give you an appreciation of the history of the Hudson River Valley AVA and the people and nurseries behind it. You will understand the growing conditions, vineyard management, and winemaking process well. It’s not just about the Hudson Valley. You will learn and better understand grape breeding and hybridizers with the who, what, where and why. This a great book for the person interested in growing grapes sustainably and making good quality wine or looking for a better understanding of the growing conditions and grapes grown in cool climates.

How to Drink Australian provides an in-depth exploration of Australia's wine regions, taking readers on a state-by-state and region-by-region journey across the country. Each state starts with an introductory overview and then dives into the major wine regions in dedicated chapters. This book is great for knowledge and if you are planning a trip down under.

These regional spotlights examine several key dimensions, including:

• The history and evolution of winemaking in that area
• An overview of the geographical landscape and terroir
• Descriptions of the signature wine styles and grape varieties the region is known for
• Behind-the-scenes insights, current issues, and recent developments in the region
• Profiles of important producers, covering both up-and-coming winemakers and established power players

Interspersed throughout are beautifully detailed maps created by wine cartography specialist Martin von Wyss that showcase important vineyards, producers, and defining characteristics of each region.

Overall, How to Drink Australian offers an intricately crafted guide for readers seeking to explore Australia's wine scene and understand the stories, history, and personalities behind the bottles.

"Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much" offers a unique and personal perspective in wine books. This addition brings a different dimension to our recommended reading list. This is a deeply personal account of Natalie Maclean's life as she entered the wine sphere, how she overcame adversity, including the challenges of divorce, the struggle with reputation, and issues related to excessive drinking.

Why It's a Must-Read:

• Personal Journey: The author shares a raw and honest story, providing readers with an inside look at the personal struggles that can occur in the wine industry.
• Inspirational: It inspires anyone facing personal challenges, illustrating how one can emerge stronger from difficult situations.
• Connection to Wine: The book maintains a connection to the world of wine, offering insights into how personal experiences can influence one's relationship with wine and the industry at large.
• Empowerment and Healing: The narrative is not just about the challenges but also about empowerment and healing, resonating with readers who may have faced similar issues.

Together, "How to Drink Australian," "Grapes of the Hudson Valley And Other Cool Climate Regions of the United States and Canada, Second Edition," and "Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much" form a diverse and enriching collection of wine literature. Each book, in its own way, contributes to a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of wine, whether it's through exploring wine regions, understanding wine production, or relating personal experiences within the wine world.

Books for the Wine Lover this Holiday Season

Are you like me and feel like BAM it’s the holiday season and everything is rushed and crazy. You are trying to find that right gift for everyone on your list. As we are taking part in the holiday cheer and going to parties, shopping, January is right around the corner and BOOM, it’s quiet. That is the best time to curl up with a good book, try a new recipe and begin to plan your 2018 travels.

Among all the holiday gift guide posts there are out there, I hope you take a look at my three suggested books for the wine lover this holiday season. There is one for the cook, one for the traveler and one novel for the person to curl up on the couch in front of the fireplace with a good glass of wine.

FOR THE COOK

Pinot, Pasta and Parties

Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino

This cookbook is from Actor Paul Sorvino and his wife Dee Dee Sorvino. They share with you their background, their stories and their recipes. They love to cook Italian of course. Each chapter has a theme and a well thought out menu and begins with a special cocktail. Their stories about growing up, what influenced them, how they met are all intertwined within. I tried the Spaghetti Western Mac and Cheese. Easy to make and delish! Also for those movie nights is their Italian Popcorn. At the very end of the book there is a section that explains the major red and white grapes of Italy. SRP $30 but Amazon has it for $20.60

FOR THE TRAVELER

Tapping the Hudson Valley

 Debbie Gioquindo

OK, so here is where I have to give myself a plug. Tapping the Hudson Valley is your guide to visiting the craft beverage producers of the Hudson Valley and the sights along the way. Comprehensive one and three day itineraries complete with restaurant and lodging suggestions along with directions should your electronics fail. Even has suggestions for day trips from New York City on Metro North to visit some of the lower Westchester breweries. I have had people who purchase this book tell me they use it and get autographs from the craft beverage makers (winemakers, distillers, brewmaster, & cider makers.) Create memories with Tapping the Hudson Valley. Available on Amazon $12.95

FOR THE NOVEL READER

Crush - A Wine Thriller

Jennifer M. Fraser

This novel is a great read for a cold winter day, in the ski lodge(if you don’t ski) or on the beach and by the pool. You won’t be disappointed. Jennifer M. Fraser will have you on the edge of your seat trying to guess who’s behind he situations that occur and it’s not who you think. There is a little bit of spy, romance and wine in this wonderful novel. After you read the last page, you will want to take a trip to British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region. You can read my review here. Crush is available on Amazon for $9.95

This month I began having a segment on Hudson Valley News Network it will be turning into a video segment twice a month in the new year.

This appeared yesterday under Food & Wine.

The one thing I would add to the list that was omitted is Ashley Routson (formally of Montgomery, New York) book for the beer lover The Beer Wench's Guide to Beer, An Unprententious Guide to Craft Beer. Let's face it, after a day of wine tasting you need a good beer to cleanse your palate. Ashley has been involved with evolution of craft beer from the beginning. She explains everything you want to know about craft beer from terminology to measurement scales. The different types of craft beers, what they pair with and if you like a certain type of wine, what craft beer you will enjoy. There are food and cocktail recipes included as well. Definitely THE go to book for understanding beer

Wine Lovers – Gifts of Knowledge

Posted on: December 2, 2015.

Debbie Gioquindo: HVNN’s Wine Goddess

Wine Lovers and Enthusiasts have a never ending thirst for Wine Knowledge.  Here are some great books that they will not only enjoy but help them to become even better wine enthusiasts.

THE WINE BIBLE by Karen MacNeil

It’s that time of the year again when we are all looking for that special gift for the person who loves wine.  There are many wine books, yes books, not a kindle download, something that will look good on the coffee table and are very informative.  I’ve reviewed a few that I think will make wonderful gifts this Holiday season.  Oh and I have to throw in the craft beer book.  After a day of wine tasting one needs a good pint of craft beer to cleanse the palate.  Besides, you might now of a friend who will enjoy the Craft Beer Guide.

We will begin with The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil.  I had the great opportunity to meet her at the Wine Bloggers Conference this year. This is a great book that explains the building blocks of wine, wine regions, wine terminology and she even explains what you need to know to purchase, store and serve wine.  A must for a wine lover whether seasoned or a newbie.

 THE HISTORY OF WINE IN 100 BOTTLES by Oz Clark.

If you are a history of wine buff discover the innovations and discoveries that have impacted the evolution of wine and wine making. Travel back to 6000 BC where it all began. It’s quite amazing, the history and transformation of wine through all the cultures and countries and bottles.

THE GRAPES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY  by J. Stephen Casscles. 

Steve brings an educational book about history of the Hudson Valley wine region along with grapes of the region.  He talks about cool climate grapes that are grown in the Hudson Valley and other regions in the US and Canada.  When I say talks about, he goes in-depth to the biological parents of the grapes to the producers and innovators of the region.

THE EXES IN MY IPOD by Lisa Mattson

For the female on your list who thinks working a winery is glamorous and must be easy, this book is a one woman account on her journey from high school to wine country and the men that gave taught her life lessons along the way.  Is it a “woman’s trashy novel” yes but is is non-ficton and a true account of someone’s life and the men that influenced her of NOT along the way. It will give the reader the strength to follow her dreams.

3 Books for the Wine Lover on your List

Whether the person on you list is to wine, likes wine or just wants to know about wine, here are three book suggestions on an overall get to know wine.

WineWise by Steven Kolpan, Michael A Weiss and Brian H Smith, all professors of wine at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

This is a get to know your wine and wine region book. They nicely explain the wine regions and also notable wines from the region, both inexpensive and expensive.

They spend time in California, Washington, Oregon and New York wine regions. Take you to South America and cover Chile and Arentina before heading Down Under to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

That about takes you half way through the book before you head to the European wine regions. Here you go into the major wine producing countries in detail.

They finish the book with food pairings and navigating through a restaurant wine list.

A good all around book for the person who wants some knowledge on wine. It sells for $24.68 on Amazon.

For the person who wants to take that wine course, but can't seem to fit it in their schedule, Kevin Zraly's, Windows on the world Complete Wine Course 30th Anniversary Edition is for them.  

This book makes you feel like you are in the classroom with Kevin.  There are QR Codes with links to explain pronunciations and a few videos along the way.  

He goes into the wine regions, wine and food, the major grapes of the region and more.  Even has a tasting worksheet and guidance on the wines to purchase for each tasting.  Yes you will be tasting. Don't let me forget the quizzes.  Don't be alarmed, but after each class (chapter) there is a quiz.  Just like attending wine school in person.

Kevin's Window on the World Complete Wine Course sells for $17.85 on Amazon

For you girlfriend that wants to know wine, I suggest the Saucy Sisters Guide to Wine.  This book, Barbara and Beverly speak to you about wine, girlfriend to girlfriend.  Even at times comparing wine to fashion and men. At times they will have you laughing so hard you might choke on that sip. 

Not sure how to shop for wine, don't worry they give your some good strategies for both purchasing on line and in your local wine shop.

Need some selections to pair with life events such as first date, wedding, first child, divorce, death. No worries, they take those feeling and pair it to a wine complete with explanation.

A fun book to learn about wine with a bunch of laughs on the way.  

The book sells for $9.97 on Amazon and is available on Kindle too.