It's summertime, and the reading is easy. We asked several local wine mavens to recommend a book for folks to read on their summer vacation or staycation:
• Alicia Anderson, proprietor of Compleat Wine Cellars: "Wine and War," by Donald and Petie Kladstrup. "It's about how, during World War II, the French saved their wine prior to and during the German occupation. Pretty 'uplifting' reading. It makes one realize how 'wine' fortunate we are -- despite the wars overseas and our seemingly crappy U.S. economy."
• Cindy Bastyr, proprietor of Trailside Liquors in New Prague: "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty," by Julia Flynn Siler. "This book is filled with history, entrepreneurial spirit, family feuds, division and demise. I love that the book also reveals the Mondavis' Minnesota connection. A must-read for any wine lover!"
• Bill Belkin, wine and spirits manager for Byerly's: "This is actually a very timely topic for me as I just re-read my absolute favorite escapist book, 'A Good Year' by Peter Mayle. With Minnesota's humidity-laden summer thrust upon us, my thoughts easily float to Provence and the travails of Max Skinner. The wonderful byplay between this stiff London broker and the suspicious yet loyal caretaker, Rousell. Then the arrival of the Napa-educated ersatz cousin and of course the beautiful cafe owner, Fanny. All these wonderful characters are woven together in a delicious mélange that makes me want to be sitting in the vineyards of southern France, sipping a delicate red and taking it all in."
• David Bernick, owner of Riverview Wine Bar: "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course," by Kevin Zraly. "It is about the best wine learning guide out there, and it is updated every few years."
• Brian Farrell, president of Haskell's: "The Billionaire's Vinegar," by Benjamin Wallace and "Passions: The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson," by James M. Gabler. "Both have a Thomas Jefferson theme [and are] great summer sippers."
• Karl Rigelman, beverage manager at the Minikahda Club: "What to Drink With What You Eat," by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page. "It's a wonderful resource that provides all the basic information for experimenting with different food and wine possibilities."
• Lenny Russo, chef/owner of Heartland restaurant: "Wineries of Wisconsin and Minnesota" by Patricia Monaghan. "It's a nice overview of winemaking in the region. ... The best part of the book is that it's a great travelogue for people who might want to take a road trip this summer and visit some of these wineries, many of which are situated in some incredibly beautiful countryside."
Bill Ward • bill.ward@startribune.com
Read Ward on Wine at startribune.com/blogs/wine.
