March 28, 2008
John Wiley and Sons. Inc
New Jersey 239 pages $ 19.99
Grape growing, wine production, and marketing have been the domain of men until 1980’s. Shortly after women at least in North America, gradually became interested in wine and quickly conquered the peculiarities and secrets of wine chemistry. Today, most laboratories of North American wineries employ women in high proportions, and this is increasing every year.
Women have been in the marketing end of the business for two decades and managed to advance quickly. Today, many are managers of marketing departments, or wineries, or importing agencies.
Deborah Brenner, a talented writer, who is full of business ideas, conceived the tile “Women of the Vine” to celebrate the success of women, hoping to attract more to the wine industry. Her idea was to select and interview successful women in the winemaking and other related businesses.
The interviews are in-depth, revealing, and inspiring for all.
While the book is about women in the wine industry and related businesses there is enough information on winemaking and consuming that anyone interested in this noble beverage can learn a great deal
There are many enlightened passages – about growing grapes, making wine, buying, storing, and enjoying.
Every interview starts with a quote from an author. One such example is:
“If you take a passionate interest in a subject, it is hard not to believe yourself specially equipped for it”. Ethel Smyth, Streaks of Life, 1922.
This is a highly readable, interesting, and inspiring book for all wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. It encourages enlightened consumption, but above all reveals that wine making and marketing are far from what many imagine – fun, games, dinners, parties and conferences.
Grape growing, wine making, and marketing are hard work and which requires devotion attention to detail, focusing, and love for being involved.
“Women of the Vine” deserves to be in the library of all who want to know more about this fascinating industry.
Both producers and consumers will benefit from referring to this book from time to time for inspiration and to increase their enjoyment while consuming this noble beverage.
Now he consults and writes to increase wine, beer and liquor awareness. He conducts seminars and would be pleased to consider your requests. To peruse the list of his published books and order please contact him at hirayrberberoglu_3@sympatico.ca
www.littlefatwino.com