Wine Politics: How Governments, Environmentalists, Mobsters, and Critics Influence the Wines We Drink

by Tyler Colman

After reading this intriguing book, a glass of wine will be more than hints of blackberries or truffles on the palate. Written by the author of the popular, award-winning website DrVino.com, Wine Politics exposes a little-known but extremely influential aspect of the wine business―the politics behind it. Tyler Colman systematically explains how politics affects what we can buy, how much it costs, how it tastes, what appears on labels, and more. He offers an insightful comparative view of wine-making in Napa and Bordeaux, tracing the different paths American and French wines take as they travel from vineyard to dining room table. Colman also explores globalization in the wine business and illuminates the role of behind-the-scenes players such as governments, distributors, and prominent critics who wield enormous clout. Throughout, Wine Politics reveals just how deeply politics matters― right down to the taste of the wine in your glass tonight.

Genres: Wine, Nonfiction, History

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Norman S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book changed the way I saw wine. If you're interested in how industry, politics, religion, culture and economics intersect, and you enjoy a good glass of wine, then you'll want to read this book. The references and bibliography could be an excellent jumping point for more writing in this area.

[Cat Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the most historically accurate, nor well-written book on wine I’ve ever picked up. While US-centrism can definitely be excused with regard to elaborating on how politicians and « critics » have effectively globalised and cheapened wine, dedicating more time to the history of US wine than that of Europe and the East is laughable.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining bagatelle, without a doubt. Not deep, and not particularly wide, Mr. Colman provides an overview of the economics of the wine industry, focusing on Napa Valley and Bordeaux, with references to other wine regions as appropriate. For the novice wine drinker, its a good introduction to how wine gets from vineyard to winestore. Moderate to experienced wine drinkers will find much of this familiar territory, but regardless of one's experience, a previously unencountered anecdote, piece of trivia, or slice of gossip can be found in these pages. As a wine drinker focusing on the Rhone, Spain, and South America, the history of wine in California was particularly entertaining. I recommend it.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler has a great blog, and I was thrilled to see this book on amazon.com. A great read, quick, well written, and informative. Tirelessly researched, Colman's work really gives you an interesting insight into the political underpinnings and backgrounds to the contemporary wine (and alcohol) industry. That being said, I would have liked to see a little more controversial topics dealt with and criticized, especially the ugly three-tier system, globalization, and labor disputes. (I'd say I wish Coleman wrote with more piquancy, like Marian Nestle writes about food.) Get this book, it will make you think a little more politically about your next bottle.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book briefly reviews those factors that affect the wine getting to our glass whether it be the antiquated, Prohibition-era distribution laws or the reviews of wine critics. Though interesting and useful, I wanted more meat. This book hovers between catering to those who know nothing about the economic side of wine and those that know some, but it doesn't really address either. This book attempted to be academic, but ended up really just being a review of what affects our consumption of wine. Worth reading for those who are curious, but if you really want know details, this isn't the book.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads more like a series of academic papers than a book; there's not much of a thread tying things together. Some good info here about the history of appellations in France and the US, but I left wanting something more. The subtitle is a bit misleading; those topics are touched on, but only briefly, and again without a real thread tying them together.

[Thomas Moses · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts with too much history, but the post-WW2 information is fascinating. Disappointed to find out how easily others can control the consumer, but the small independent wine makers have given us a glimmer of hope. Great contrast between US and French wine making.

[sima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed more like an encyclopedia than a book I didn't make it that far into this.

[Ivory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. A well-written introduction to the structure of the wine industry in France and the United States, and the influences (internal and external) on that industry.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious but edificating. Or edumacting. Or whatever.

[Joachim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical stuff, and good explanations, but much of it won't be surprising to anyone with anything resembling a poli sci/econ/public choice theory/law background

[Aditi Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intriguing book which provides insights into the politics that is involved within the wine industry alongside detailed account of history wine and regions.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly interesting historical look at the political forces behind wine developments in France and North America.

[Karen Verdier · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll sip your wine with more respect after reading the intrigue behind the noble grape.

[Valentin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takeaway: at least you can easily forget that we are all puppets by drinking wine.