The holiday season brings with it a flurry of new releases covering the world of wine, spirits and cocktails. Aimed at unlocking understanding and appreciation of whichever potent potable is the focus, there are books designed to delight connoisseurs as well as curious minds looking for gateway guides. Here are three new editions that captured my attention.
Rooted in Change by Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather.Supplied
Rooted in Change: The Stories behind Sustainable Wine, Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather (Académie du Vin Library)
Given how a changing climate is one of the biggest challenges facing wine producers everywhere, it’s surprising this is the first detailed and well-researched book looking at sustainability measures attempted by winemakers across the globe. The chronicle outlines the many weather-related concerns facing the industry before documenting various local initiatives embraced in by popular winemaking regions, looking at issues surrounding viticulture and winemaking as well as packaging and the supply chain. A journalistic approach makes this material engaging and allows the reader to form their own impressions of the forces shaping the future of winemaking.
Thirsty by Tom Gilbey.Supplied
Thirsty: 100 Great Wines and Stories by the Wine Guy, Tom Gilbey (Vintage Publishing)
Tom Glibey, a British wine merchant, raced to social media fame in April 2024 by recording a video while he tasted 25 glasses of wine while running the London Marathon, stopping at every mile to sample a different glass of wine and guessed the grape variety, country of origin and vintage of each. Finishing the historic marathon is feat enough for many, but wine lovers admired his endurance and accuracy, correctly identifying seven wines and coming close on 14 others. Gilbey, who is the great-great-great-grandson of the founders of Gilbey gin, brings the same frolicking approach to Thirsty, sharing stories and straight-talk about wine with the same enthusiasm as his Instagram and Tiktok posts.
Three Cheers by Kaitlyn Stewart.Supplied
Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways: Classics, Riffs, and Zero-Proof Sips, Kaitlyn Stewart (Penguin Canada)
Vancouver-based bartender Kaitlyn Stewart is another bona fide expert who has amassed extensive followings on social media. The first Canadian to win World Class Bartender of the Year honours, Stewart is known online as @likeablecocktails, where she posts videos featuring insider tips and techniques to make classic and other innovative cocktails. She spent two years developing and documenting the 55 cocktails featured in Three Cheers, offering the classic version, a modern riff and, what truly sets this book apart, a spirit-free rendition of each that is created with the same respect as the boozy examples.