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.

Good Morning Friday with Marie, Ed & The Hudson Valley Wine Goddess

In case you missed the Good Morning Friday with Ed and Marie LaDuca radio show last week, I'm bringing it to you.  Just click below and listen as I discuss wine, how I found my passion, my family history in wine and more.

I love Marie &; Ed!  They were one of the first like minded people we met when we moved down here.  We met when we attended a Slow Food dinner and also found out that Marie actually heads up the South Jersey Chapter. We've been friends ever since.

I was thrilled when they invited me to their show, but I didn't realize I was their first in studio guest. I feel very honored. I hope they invite me back because I have a blast!!

Even though the broadcast was a bit slanted towards Mother's Day, the gifts I spoke about are great gifts for anyone, anytime.  Since it is radio, here are the visuals for what was shown. You can find out more about the Savino and Goverre at http://snip.ly/lt7g4  and the wine sippy cups at http://snip.ly/lt7g4

Gifts For The Wine Traveler and Boater

It's the season where you have to think hard for some good gifts for your friends and family.  Since we just purchased a boat (yes, what were we thinking) and I travel to California at least once if not more times a year, I thought I would focus on gifts for the wine traveler and boater.

I don't know about you but there is always that challenge of purchasing, shipping or bubble wrapping your wine and hope it doesn't break due to rough handling of your suitcase when I travel.  Sometimes it's cheaper to check and pay the $25 for your wine and carry on your clothes that it is to have that case of wine shipped.

I will tell you I did purchase this Vingarde Valise wine suitcase (and carried on my clothes) and it worked beautifully! This suitcase will hold 12 750ml bottles and you can also purchase inserts for magnums. If you purchase more than a case of wine, you'll have to decide which bottles you want UPS to take and which bottles you want to carry home. Well worth the investment and the wino that travels will love it!

For the boater in your life a Savino will hold the wine and preserve it in the carafe.  This Savino is shatterproof so you can pour the wine into it and bring it to the boat or pour it on the boat and dispose of the bottle so when you hit that wake the wine bottle won't shatter on the floor.

To drink that wine from the Savino I would suggest Goverre glass.  These are a portable stemless wine glass with a silicone sleeve and sippy cup lid. The Goverre is glass, but thicker than your typical wine glass and has the silicone sleeve so it doesn't slip when you put it on the table.  It comes in some nice pretty colors, perfect for the boat.