The Geography of Wine - by Brian J Sommers (Paperback)

About the Book

A fun and fascinating examination of a vineyards geography, this book takes connoisseurs--and would-be connoisseurs--on a tour of wine regions and explains the principles geographers use to understand the critical factors that make up the wine character of a place. Illustrated.

Book Synopsis

Wine is more than taste, smell, and appearance--it is a reflection of a place and its people. Why is Bordeaux a great place for red wines? Why do some places produce Rieslings and others produce Chardonnay? A fun and fascinating examination of terroir (the French word for the geography of a vineyard) this book takes connoisseurs--and potential connoisseurs--on a tour of wine regions, and explains the principles geographers use to understand the critical factors that make up the "wine character" of a place.

From the Loire Valley to Napa Valley, Madeira to South Africa, Australia to Chile, The Geography of Wine is an entertaining and informative introduction to viticulture for worldly wine lovers everywhere.

Review Quotes

"Sommers, a professor of geography, explains the role that landscape, history, economics and culture play in wine regions from Burgundy to Australia to California... Historical factors such as colonialism, trade and urbanization also determine what wines are cultivated and where. As well, the economic geography of contemporary vineyards is ever-evolving: retail venues and the marketability of a product vary enormously, the Internet has broadened the market for wine and conglomerates are an increasing presence. In his wide-ranging analysis of the obvious and imperceptible elements that characterize a wine region and its rewards, Sommers tips his glass to the steadfast amour between viticulture and geography."--Publishers Weekly

"Draws together a number of valuable perspectives on wine, wine culture, and the wine business into one place. For wine consumers whose education on the subject has been hit and miss--and again, that would be most of us--it's a productive read."--Vinography.com

"An interesting study of humanity's long and varied relationship with Vitis vinifera. Wine enthusiasts will find this book of value, and by reading it, some may well come to a greater appreciation of the geographical perspective."--David M. Cochran, Jr., Southeastern Geographer

About the Author

Dr. Brian J. Sommers is the Assistant to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and Director of the International Studies program at Central Connecticut State University. He has a Ph.D in Geography from the University of Arizona. His research and teaching interests are in cultural geography and heritage landscapes. Dr. Sommers' interests in wine are as a result of work done while pursuing his master's degree at Miami University (Ohio). He is the author of The Geography of Wine.