At Poupon's Table: A Novel

by Kermit Lynch

Peter Mayle's A Good Year meets Sideways in the delightful debut novel from a James Beard Award-winning American wine merchant, the renowned Kermit Lynch.

Known as the man who introduced rosé to the US, legendary wine importer Kermit Lynch is as lauded for his writing as he is for his impeccable taste in wines of every variety and vintage. His thoughtful, witty notes on the subject led to the modern nonfiction classic Adventures on the Wine Route, which has been hailed as "one of the finest American books on wine" (The New York Times) and was recently celebrated with a twenty-fifth-anniversary edition.

In his debut novel, Lynch presents Kendrick Thomas, an easygoing American wine merchant happily residing in Provence. Ever eager to visit old friends and enjoy all the gastronomic pleasures available in France, he often finds himself on the doorstep of Henri Poupon. Built as ruggedly as a boxer, thick of finger and feature, Poupon is as physically untamed and earthy as his skill as a chef is delicate and exquisite.

In the vein of Peter Mayle, Kendrick and Poupon set off on a road eating, bickering, laughing, and of course, sampling wine both good and bad. From troublesome business associates to Poupon's shady ex-girlfriend to an appalling new cell tower tarnishing the local tranquility, At Poupon's Table is a riotous jaunt through the French countryside that always circles back to food—and of course reds, whites, and everything in between.

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[John Brewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a very busy personal life (i.e., stressful), I was looking for a light-hearted read to help me relax. This was a perfect choice. Lynch is best known as a wine enthusiast and writer, which was clearly reflected in this book. The book is advertised as fiction, and in the truest sense, this is correct. However, Lynch sticks to what he knows best and writes a food-and-wine travelogue that takes us through a series of wine-soaked meals with a variety of characters, most notably Poupon, the French vintner of average wine but great conversation. There are rumours of a plot. Poupon has attracted a beautiful woman he is romancing, who may be out to ruin him. The protagonist, an American Wine importer living the dream in Southern France, gets involved, always in a light-hearted way, with Sicilian gangsters to stop a neighbor from renting his land to a cell phone company for towers. If your foodie and or a wino, and would like a comfortable read, this is a great choice.

[Amy Gingrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the lack of any plot, but 4 stars for the writing about food and wine. Let’s just say this is not a book to read if you’re hungry or trying to do a dry January! You will be scouting your town for French food and wine- and booking your next trip to France to eat and drink your way around the country.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like long descriptions of wine and meals held together by a razor-thin plot, this is the book for you. Enjoyable but flawed. One of the most cringey date scenes ever written. If anyone ver kissed me and said "yum," I would run in the other direction.

[TONY LUPINO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel Kermit

I always have enjoyed Kermit’s writing. His monthly newsletter, Adventures on the Wine Route. This was a fun read that makes you want to head over to France, Corsica and Italy. Eat and drink well.

[H. Noel Jackson, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took two attempts t oread as I did not immediately connect with the author. Once i picked it up again I really enjoyed it as a wonderful tale of wine and food and two good friends as they travel through Provence and romances. Highly recommend for food and wine lovers.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, light, meandering read to prepare for a trip to Provence. I was a little miffed by the lack of a plot at first but once you consider that part of the charm of the story, it fits it quite well.

[Chad Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun book

[Jennifer Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Took me a bit to get into it. If you aren’t in to wine and food this is not the book for you. Thankfully I am very in to both!

[Dima O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If a good year and sideways were written by someone who probably shouldn’t write novels. Still a fun and pleasant read.

[Michael N · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried reading this book....twice. Both times I never made it past page 18. The story was beyond boring and seemed aimless.

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adventures on the Wine Route was great. This, not so much. Oh well

[Tyler Bohlen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Reads like Kermit Lynch fan fiction. If that sounds like your bag, go for it. If not, hold off

[Matt Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was appropriately light but fun and well written.