Showing For the Love of Wine: My Odyssey through the World's Most Ancient Wine Culture by Alice Feiring

Old wine-making for the new world In 2011 when Alice Feiring first arrived in Georgia, she felt as if she'demerged from the magic wardrobe into a world filled with mythicalcharacters making exotic and delicious wine with the low tech of centuriespast. She was smitten, and she wasn't alone. This country onthe Black Sea has an unusual effect on people; the most passionate ripoff their clothes and drink wines out of horns while the cold-heartedwell up with tears and parse emotional toasts. Visiting winemakersfall under Georgia's spell and bring home qvevris (clay fermentationvessels) while rethinking their own techniques. But as in any good fairy tale, Feiring sensed that danger ran shotgunwith the magic. With acclaim and growing international interest comethreats in the guise of new wine consultants aimed at making winesmore commercial. So Feiring fought back in the only way she knewhow-by celebrating Georgia and the men and women who make thewines she loves most, those made naturally with organic viticulture,minimal intervention, and no additives. From Tbilisi to Batumi, Feiring meets winemakers, bishops, farmers,artists, and silk spinners. She feasts, toasts, and collects recipes. Sheencounters the thriving qvevri craftspeople of the countryside, wildgrape hunters, and even Stalin's last winemaker-while plumbingthe depths of this tiny country's love for its wines. For the Love of Wine is Feiring's emotional tale of a remarkablecountry and people who have survived religious wars and Soviet occupation,yet managed always to keep hold of its precious wine traditions.Embedded in the narrative is even hope that Georgia has thetemerity to confront its latest threat-modernization.