Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology

by Randall Grahm, Hugh Johnson (Foreword)

This eclectic collection at last brings to a wide audience the irreverent, zany voice of Randall Grahm, visionary California winemaker and founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard. An iconoclastic send-up of the wine industry and a celebration of unsung grape varieties, the book features, among other things, Grahm's hilarious literary parodies--Joyce, Kafka, Pynchon, Salinger, and others--together with song lyrics, other snarky satires, poems, lectures, and more. Subtle undertones of gravitas with faint suggestions of earnestness lie beneath the humor, however, as Grahm passionately addresses the state of wine today: Where in wine does “greatness” truly repose? How might true originality in New World wines be found? Do New World winemakers have the integrity and courage to unreservedly embrace terroir? This trove includes a very personal take on Dante's Inferno (Grahm's own vision of Wine Hell) and a collection of tunes from the rock opera “Born to Rhône.” Other pieces offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Rhône Ranger wine movement and of Bonny Doon itself, told through the story of its adventurous wine labels. Been Doon So Long is a highly entertaining journey to find the “truth of all things that may be found in the unlikely medium of a wineglass.”

Genres: Wine, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ward Kadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my Vinopanion - Winelog.net article "A Grahm of the Bonny Doon":

"His writing is so renowned that he recently released an anthology of his many wine parodies, essays as a self-commanded “terroirist” and a major proponent of Rhône varietals of wine over the last 30+ years. Been Doon So Long is a fascinating read and one that, while challenging for the intellect and vintellect, is a hugely entertaining and hilarious tumble through the ups and downs of now 31+ years of winemaking in California (I received a signed sample copy). Grahm does not humor dullards nor the stupid people of the world, yet he is also very humble and at times consumed with self-doubt, all of which is reflected in his writings over the years to his wine fans and club members. Having the fortunate chance to chat with Grahm after his induction into the Vintners Hall of Fame for 2010, I’ve happily learned that he is much the same in person as he his in his writings. All of his various forms of writings are included in this compendium including poems, essays, stories, speeches and much of the most provocative artwork that has been featured in his newsletters and on his highly unique wine labels. I highly recommend opening a bottle of one my fav’s, the Bonny Doon flagship Le Cigare Volant after purchasing the signed tome and kicking back with some very engaging wine writing."

[Malinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great coffee table book, and an even better book if you get insider jokes about wine and enjoy singing wine-themed songs.

[Marjie]

He spoke once at a CCA graduation when I worked there and I thought he was brilliant and hilarious. I'll have to check this one out!

[Brodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although his writing parodies were well executed, who the heck would want to read that? Instead, I liked the background he provides and really enjoyed the label art concepts and collection.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iconic account of the "Rhone" ranger through his articles written in various magazines and his reflections as he compiled them for this book. Throughly enjoyed reading these articles and Randall's opinions which I mostly share -- his sharp and biting wit and prickly humor make for an engaging viewpoint on the current state of wine and the wine industry. Much to the dismay of many of the "big" wine producers who would probably be happy if Randall just disappeared into the grapescape.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Wine Geeks and lovers of Bonny Doon. Open mind a must. Familiarity with obscure (and not-so-obscure) literary works very helpful. That said, I'm a long time fan of Randall Grahm and a wine instructor... I loved it!