Looking for inspiration? Here are the best things to read, watch and listen to for wine lovers. We’ve picked out some of the top wine-related books, TV shows and podcasts for your enjoyment!
Books:
Ethos Priorat
Written and photographed by Elizabeth Hecker over 15 years, Ethos Priorat is packed with images of the landscape, wineries and people of DOQ Priorat in Catalonia. Hecker delves into its history and modern renaissance led by wineries such as Alvaro Palacios, Clos Mogador and Mas Martinet, also profiling the generation shaping its future, including René Barbier, Dominik Huber, Ester Nin and Sara Pérez. A compelling portrait of one of Spain’s top wine regions.
Available through Académie du Vin Library
The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries
Mark Gudgel has penned a concise yet rich history of Napa Valley, dating from its original inhabitants and explaining Steven Spurrier’s role in elevating the region’s reputation with the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting. Gudgel’s impressively detailed account of Napa’s early days brings to life the pre-Prohibition era characters who would lay the foundation for what would become America’s iconic wine region, and the investor class that dominates today’s Napa Valley. Deeply insightful, given its brevity.
Available through Amazon UK
Message in the Bottle
From Tim Gaiser MS, former director of education of the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, this Guide to Tasting Wine compiles strategies and insights gained over more than 30 years of teaching. While many sections are aimed at helping sommeliers pass the tough MS exam, there are useful tools for wine novices through to those wanting to brush up on blind tasting skills. It’s an academic textbook, but Gaiser injects friendly tips and anecdotes.
Available through Amazon UK
New British Wine
Written by Abbie Moulton, with engaging photography by Maria Bell, New British Wine offers a fresh take on the UK’s wine scene. Focusing on organic, natural and low- intervention wines, it introduces the boutique vineyards, sustainability champions, urban wineries, cutting-edge restaurants and new-wave bottle shops that are driving this creative young industry. Cleverly curated, it’s a vibrant snapshot.
Available through Amazon UK
TV and film:
Drops of God
This beguiling eight-part drama centres around the world’s biggest (fictional) private wine collection, which the late owner leaves to the winner of a blind tasting – between his estranged daughter Camille (Fleur Geffrier) and his ‘spiritual son’ Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita). She’s at a disadvantage, having developed a physical aversion to alcohol that’s tied into her traumatic childhood. A sophisticated look at guilt, forgiveness and the redemptive qualities of fine wine. Apple TV+.
Wine & Culture LA
Sommelier Devin Reed is host, creator and producer of this wine entertainment and education series, available on YouTube and now in its second season. With more than 10 years of experience in the wine industry, Reed shares his knowledge and passion for wine in a series of laid-back interviews with well-known guests, takes them through wine tastings, discusses iconic wines in ‘The Showroom’ and ends with a quiz.
@TheMillennialSomm
Based in Washington DC, Isis Daniel is The Millennial Somm. Falling in love with wine while working in hospitality, she now uses social media to introduce a new generation of drinkers to the subject and is a powerful voice for diversity in the wine trade. With almost 150,000 TikTok followers, Daniel broadcasts live #TastingThursday (sing it) videos and snappy shorts packed with a range of basic wine education. TikTok, Instagram, Patreon.
Tellement Soif
This subscription-based web TV channel publishes engaging daily videos in French about wine, beer and spirits, from book and wine shop reviews to interviews and vineyard visits, deep dives into wine regions, and discussions on industry issues. Editor-in-chief Antoine Gerbelle, previously a journalist for La Revue du Vin de France, has a keen palate and laid-back but respectful style. Highly accessible, relevant and eye-opening.
Podcasts:
A Cork in the Road
Atlanta, Georgia-based wine educator Kelly Cornett’s thorough podcast celebrates the thriving southeastern US wine scene. While the context is local, the content has broader appeal; experts share their journeys into wine, winemakers talk about biodynamics, and there are tips on matching wine with cigars or food. With three episodes a month and six previous seasons, there’s plenty for new listeners to dip in and out of. Listen on Spotify.
Wine Times
Free-flowing conversations led by The Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons and comedian Suzi Ruffell. Each episode sees a celebrity guest discuss their love of wine while tasting through a selection of bottles chosen by Lyons. During this informal tasting, Lyons shares his expert wine knowledge, while self-proclaimed wine novice Ruffell asks the questions. A good balance of fun and wine education. Apple Podcasts, Spotify & other major podcast apps.
The Grape Nation
Veteran broadcaster Sam Benrubi’s informative weekly podcast features winemakers, sommeliers, writers, retailers and more. With his easy interview style, Benrubi is equally at home talking to big names like Jancis Robinson MW and Eric Asimov, or local heroes such as the engaging Kilolo Strobert, owner of Brooklyn’s Fermented Grapes wine store. Recent episodes include a review of Bordeaux 2020. Apple, Heritage Radio Network, Simplecast.
Drinking Well
As wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd marks its 325th anniversary this year, it will broadcast a special edition of its Drinking Well podcast on 29 March, discussing the BBR family reserves. You can also catch up with seasons 1 and 2, which feature tips for collectors – including when to drink certain vintages and how allocations work – plus buyers sharing their love of particular regions. Season 3 will be out this summer. Amazon Music, Apple, Audible, Food FM, Spotify.
