The Winemaker's Hand - (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary H) by Natalie Berkowitz (Hardcover)

About the Book

Winemakers reveal how a vintner's approach affects the nature of the wine they produce.

Book Synopsis

In these fascinating interviews, winemakers from the United States and abroad clarify the complex process of converting grapes into wine, with more than forty vintners candidly discussing how a combination of talent, passion, and experience shape the outcome of their individual wines. Each winemaker details their personal approach to the various steps required to convert grapes into wine. Natalie Berkowitz speaks to winemakers from different backgrounds who work in diverse wine-producing regions, including Chile, England, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and the United States. They talk about familiar and unfamiliar grape varietals, their struggles with local terroirs, and the vagaries of Mother Nature. Some represent small family wineries with limited production while others work for corporations producing hundreds of thousands of bottles. Each individual offers rare insight into how new technologies are revolutionizing historic winemaking practices. The interviews are supplemented with personal recipes and maps of winemaking regions. An aroma wheel captures the vast array of wine's complex flavors and aromas.

Review Quotes

The Winemaker's Hand... is full of valuable interviews, research and insight, giving voice to the vintners.--Newsday

A joy to browse, The Winemaker's Hand is especially recommended for sophisticated wine connoisseurs.--Midwest Book Review

These interviews with winemakers from all over the world present an irresistible opportunity for other winemakers, students of winemaking and wine lovers in general to get inside their heads. The author has these fascinating people talking informally about their diverse paths to winemaking, and what influences their winemaking decisions and preferences. This is an insider's look at a life that many would envy.--Michaela Rodeno, Co-owner Villa Ragazzi Winery andformer CEO of St. Supéry Winery

A unique book. I learned from the interviews why certain wines are my favorites and constantly stand out from all others.--Robert Gutenstein, Member of Council International Wine and Food Society and former President of The Wine and Food Society - New York

Few if any wine writers have devoted as much time and care as Berkowitz to the disparate paths to evolution of the winemaker's emotional intelligence that result in memorable wines from around the world.--Armand Gilinsky, Sonoma State University

For those who are serious about understanding the essence of fine wine, The Winemaker's Hand is a must. Through this book wine lovers can travel, at least vicariously, to important wine regions and experience the dedication and passion of vintners. Special wines come from special places. And special wines are made by special people. This book is special, too -- worthy of its subject and deserving of your attention. Savor it as you would the wines of the talented enologists who inspire its story.--Anthony Verdoni, "The Wine Professor" and host of Eat Drink Italy with Vic Rallo

Natalie's in-depth research and interviews with top winemakers from all over the world are compelling and authoritative. The dialogue with each winemaker is an intimate look at the individual nature of winemaking along with the artistry and passion it takes to create world-class wines--Jack Daniels, President and Founder, Wilson Daniels

About the Author

Natalie Berkowitz is a wine, food, and lifestyle writer. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and many other publications. She is also the author of the blog Winealicious. She taught a wine appreciation course to seniors at Barnard College and Columbia University for over a decade.