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In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism
From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of Judgment of Paris and To Cork or Not To Cork comes a delightful, entertaining, and informative exploration of the thriving world of wine tourism.
George M. Taber set out on the wine lover's ultimate dream: a journey to the twelve most beautiful and fascinating wine-producing regions around the globe. In Search of Bacchus chronicles that experience: the gorgeous landscapes, conversations with winemakers, unforgettable meals, must-do activities, and of course, the taste of the wines. Here he offers suggestions for travelers, commentary on trends in the wine world, charming anecdotes, and recommendations of vintages available in the United States, so that oenophiles at home can live vicariously through his travels.
From the Napa Valley, where the art of wine tourism was perfected, to the deserts of Argentina, to a thousand-year-old monastery in Tuscany, to the famed châteaux of Bordeaux, Taber discusses the history, architecture, and culture of each destination in fascinating detail. He provides insight into the latest in the technology, politics, and business of wine, and uncovers a host of interesting characters who are major figures in their local wine worlds, including a Chilean arms merchant, a German-born Polish refugee living in South Africa, the dynamic woman who started the Wine Tourism Movement in Italy, and many more. Taber blends his own wine in Portugal, bungy jumps in New Zealand, and goes on a safari in South Africa, all in the attempt to quench his thirst for fine wine and adventure.
An accessible blend of wine lore and travel memoir, In Search of Bacchus is another engaging, immersive read from George M. Taber, sure to satisfy wine lovers everywhere.
George M. Taber set out on the wine lover's ultimate dream: a journey to the twelve most beautiful and fascinating wine-producing regions around the globe. In Search of Bacchus chronicles that experience: the gorgeous landscapes, conversations with winemakers, unforgettable meals, must-do activities, and of course, the taste of the wines. Here he offers suggestions for travelers, commentary on trends in the wine world, charming anecdotes, and recommendations of vintages available in the United States, so that oenophiles at home can live vicariously through his travels.
From the Napa Valley, where the art of wine tourism was perfected, to the deserts of Argentina, to a thousand-year-old monastery in Tuscany, to the famed châteaux of Bordeaux, Taber discusses the history, architecture, and culture of each destination in fascinating detail. He provides insight into the latest in the technology, politics, and business of wine, and uncovers a host of interesting characters who are major figures in their local wine worlds, including a Chilean arms merchant, a German-born Polish refugee living in South Africa, the dynamic woman who started the Wine Tourism Movement in Italy, and many more. Taber blends his own wine in Portugal, bungy jumps in New Zealand, and goes on a safari in South Africa, all in the attempt to quench his thirst for fine wine and adventure.
An accessible blend of wine lore and travel memoir, In Search of Bacchus is another engaging, immersive read from George M. Taber, sure to satisfy wine lovers everywhere.
- GenresWineTravelNonfiction
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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July 29, 2011"wandering" is the operative word. There are moments that this book is interesting. But mostly it is just idiosyncratically droning on about places. Parts of it I know, having grown up with oenophile parents in the Bay area in the 1960's and going to the concerts at Mondavi and having an early education int he Napa Valley--and that part of it isn't the least bit inclusive of the wineries there. SO it makes me question the information in the other chapters where I know less. But the real problem with the book is that is meanders all over the place in a way that could really have used a good editor.
January 29, 2023
An excellent example of a kind of nonfiction that I really enjoy - tightly focused, relentlessly informative, and dedicated to the transmission of experience above all else. I’m not a huge wine drinker, but I like a glass now and then, and as is so common I feel like there’s always more to learn. This book is a grab bag of useful wine knowledge, dropping in bits of trivia organically. The book’s status as a travelogue helps keep everything fresh; the constant travel creates a sense of propulsion to make all of the information go down smoother. A fun and illuminating book with a charming narrative voice.
February 20, 2017
This book is filled with interesting facts and stories about wine regions all over the world. However, since the publication date is 8 years ago, the tourism information included can be expected to be way out of date. But, as a glimpse into what those regions might be like, the book gives the reader a bit of a virtual tour. Worth a read for those interested in knowing more about the history of the different wine regions and its people.
October 10, 2019
What should have been a fascinating book was instead a dry recitation of places the author had traveled with a bit of history thrown in. Published in 2009 so information is dated. Not recommended.
November 23, 2020
I consider this an encyclopedia of wine regions around the world. There is much information here. I wonder how a newer version would differ.
June 2, 2012
I bought this at the dollar store & now know why it was there. And maybe I shouldn't mark this as read since I got 3/4 of the way through and gave up. I'd start reading and enjoy what I was learning about vineyards & history and then the author would meander off about stuff only really snobby wine enthusiasts would know about. I finally gave up when it seemed that I had already read the same story line about a vineyard trying to make itself more marketable. I'd only recommend this book to those who have a working knowledge of wines & want to know more about where go to get the best experience when traveling the world to taste wine.
October 26, 2009
this author has won all kinds of awards for writing about wine, but i don't really see how. pretty flat stories, though some good info about the individual wines themselves. lawrence osborne's "the accidental connoisseur" is 10 times better. bummer, i had high hopes with this taber book, but his visits to different areas of the globe was just too hurried and superficial.
September 10, 2015
I gave this 4 stars more for my reaction and interest in the subject than the actual book. Although I would probably do 3 stars for the book itself. Combining travel, wine and history made a great read for me. Considering buying a copy to keep for future travel reference!
March 7, 2010
I'm not going to finish this because I am tired of reading about luxury resorts and golf courses. I enjoy the [mostly:] casual atmosphere of our local wine area. Glad we have it.
November 6, 2011
Enjoyable trip through the world's wine regions but a bit dry and slow going. Taber doesn't have the flair for words that Lawrence Osborne showed in "The Accidental Connoisseur".
July 19, 2015
Some good info. Helpful if you looking to planning to do some wine touring.
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