Book Review: In Search of Bacchus, by George Tabor (NW)

Disclosure: This book was sent complimentary to The Wine Cask Blog from Scribner in exchange for a review.

Wine sits at the intersection of geography, history, culture, and cuisine. George Tabor understands this. In his exploration of a dozen wine regions throughout the world, not only does he explore the wines but he explores the very essense of what makes these places special.

His writing takes on a whimsical feel as he blends in his own travel memoir to each section of the book. This helps connect the reader to these magical places as he sets out to understand how these places approach wine tourism. In fact, the subtitle of the book is Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism which feels effortless even though the actual undertakings were likely exhausting and riddled with complicated logistics. Interestingly, this is the elusive quality a book like this must have. Does your mind wander with him into these places? Just remember that not all who wander are lost.

A wine lover or a travel lover will want to lose themselves in this book, and it would make a great gift. For those who have some prior knowledge of these places, the book will particularly come alive. However, it will not provide a comprehensive view of them as each wine region is covered in just 20 pages or so. Let this wet your appetite- and your palate- and make sure to raise a glass!