For the Love of Wine

 In 2011 when Alice Feiring first arrived in Georgia, she felt as if she'd emerged from the magic wardrobe into a world filled with mythical characters making exotic and delicious wine with the low tech of centuries past. She was smitten, and she wasn't alone. This country on the Black Sea has an unusual effect on people; the most passionate rip off their clothes and drink wines out of horns while the cold-hearted well up with tears and parse emotional toasts. Visiting winemakers fall under Georgia's spell and bring home qvevris (clay fermentation vessels) while rethinking their own techniques. But as in any good fairy tale, Feiring sensed that danger ran shotgun with the magic. With acclaim and growing international interest come threats in the guise of new wine consultants aimed at making wines more commercial. So Feiring fought back in the only way she knew how-by celebrating Georgia and the men and women who make the wines she loves most, those made naturally with organic viticulture, minimal intervention, and no additives. From Tbilisi to Batumi, Feiring meets winemakers, bishops, farmers, artists, and silk spinners. She feasts, toasts, and collects recipes. She encounters the thriving qvevri craftspeople of the countryside, wild grape hunters, and even Stalin's last winemaker-while plumbing the depths of this tiny country's love for its wines. For the Love of Wine is Feiring's emotional tale of a remarkable country and people who have survived religious wars and Soviet occupation, yet managed always to keep hold of its precious wine traditions. Embedded in the narrative is even hope that Georgia has the temerity to confront its latest threat-modernization.

Review: "For The Love Of Wine is a book not only for wine enthusiasts, but for all who like spontaneous writing that explores a culture and its people."--Winesworld Magazine--Winesworld Magazine (04/25/2016)

"For the Love of Wine is a fascinating study. . . . Every wine-lover and professional wine historian will love reading this book."--Washington Book Review--Washington Book Review

"By the time you've picked up this book, Georgian wine will be internationally known--thanks in no small part to Alice Feiring, who has put her passion and pen behind it. What do God, Stalin, and truth have to do with great wine? Follow her on her journeys into a rich and fascinating culture and find out." --Christine Muhlke, executive editor of Bon Appetit

-- (09/14/2015)

"Feiring's lively account is a good place to begin for wine lovers seeking a head start on exploring a vastly underappreciated wine-producing country."--Kirkus--Kirkus (01/10/2016)

"Just like Georgia itself, For the Love of Wine is full of wonderful, plentiful food and drink. The result is a classic, captivating book that casual drinkers, serious wine geeks and cooks can all enjoy and learn from."--Kevin Begos, CTPost-- (04/04/2016)

"Wine traveler and wine enthusiast alike will find this an informative and easy read."--Wine Tourist Magazine--Wine Tourist Magazine