Thirsty: 100 Great Wines and Stories

by Tom Gilbey

***AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW*** This book features 100 Wine Wanker approved bottles for you to buy at your local supermarket or posh wine shop. These are wines for friendships and long lunches, for spring afternoons and autumn evenings. Whether yours is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Kylie’s Rosé or – God forbid – orange wine, I’ll help you find the good shit, always.

Thirsty, is the story of my life in wine, a celebration of the bleeding beautiful people who make it and a history of the Gilbey family’s love affair with winemaking and – let’s be honest – drinking since the 1800s.

Learn all
- how to read a label (even if you can’t speak the language)
- how to chat wine without sounding naff
- how to choose wine in a restaurant
- why your wine might smell like your granny’s cardigan

You’ll travel with me to Chateaux in France’s Beaujolais, vineyards in England’s Thames Valley, wineries in Australia’s Hunter Valley and the unsung aisles of Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Majestic and – rest in peace – Oddbins.

Let me tell you how this gloriously gluggable elixir, is at its heart, made to bring pleasure.

Genres: Wine, Cooking

272 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Max Deacon-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As thoroughly entertaining as you'd hope from Tom Gilbey with some great tales. I loved it, although it does make me want to find my own terroir and move to France...

[Michael Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. You can hear Tom's voice as your read it, as, just with his opinion on wine, it throws all pretention out the window. It's fun, interesting and easy to read. It's the Pinot Noir of books. I was particularly glad that it wasn't just his life story but also has genuine information about wine, such that even the most casual of wine fan can take away some real wine know-how.

[Andrew Munro]

Not what I was initially expecting, this book is mostly some (quite entertaining) stories about the author's life in the wine trade, along with some extra information about how and where wine is made, and tips for not looking like complete berk when tasting it or ordering in a restaurant.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter about making a run from London to Spain and back to fulfil an order, as well as stories about visiting Oxford colleges and the Chinese delegation at the swanky and secret dining room at Hyde Park Corner.

[Kerry Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an entertaining and educational book. I loved following Tom's journey through life and wine. I've taken notes and hope to be able to try some of his recommendations. Really good fun and I'd recommend this book to anyone!

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, from which I learned some new things and had some of my own knowledge confirmed.
I will dip into it again and again as I go looking for inspiration for what to buy in our local independent wine shops.

[Josh Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining book into the life of Tom and some of his many stories revolving around wine, as you’d expect from Tom it’s entertaining whilst blending in insight and knowledge about all things wine!

[Nicholas Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating, education gentertaining

Enjoyed this audiobook and hard copy companion. Toms YouTube videos led me here. I must learn more. Thanks Tom. More books please

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

He says the point of the book is share something he loves with others in a way that makes them want to love it too. Mission accomplished!

[Charlotte Crowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, learnt a lot, and expanded my “to be tried” list. Now, where’s the nearest bottle!

[Colin Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely don’t love wine as much as this guy

[Jamie Sleep · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great fun. Super informative whilst being grounded enough to engage. I like how it was more about him and his wine journey than about wine itself. A great read