My latest book, Vines and Values: A Consumer’s Guide to Sustainable Wine, is a groundbreaking guide, the first of its kind, offering readers an accessible source to understand sustainable wine and help them make selections that align with their eco-conscious values.
Vines and Values was written for consumers who want to support winemakers that share their commitment to sustainability. My first book, The Business of Sustainable Wine (2017), explored how sustainability can enhance brand equity within the wine industry. My new book is an easy-to-use guide for consumers, especially those eager to make more informed, eco-friendly choices about what they eat and drink, and the wines they buy.
Vines & Values: A Consumer’s Guide to Sustainable Wine” would likely appeal to a variety of readers, including:
- Wine Enthusiasts: People who enjoy exploring different wines and want to make more informed, sustainable choices.
- Eco-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions and would like to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
- Food and Beverage Professionals: Sommeliers, wine buyers, and restaurant owners looking to expand their knowledge and offer sustainable options to their customers.
- Environmental Advocates: Those passionate about environmental issues and interested in how the wine industry can contribute to a healthier planet.
- Educators and Students: People involved in wine education or studying environmental science, agriculture, or sustainability.
This book explains mass produced wines and, by contrast, provides insights into the various sustainable practices in winemaking: organic, biodynamic, certified sustainable and natural wines.
Yes, there can be a quality difference between sustainable and mass-produced wine. Sustainable wine production prioritizes environmental and social responsibility, which can lead to wines with a greater expression of terroir and potentially higher quality. Mass-produced wine, while sometimes affordable and consistent, may prioritize quantity over quality, leading to wines that are more generic and less nuanced.
There are links to the details of the various regional sustainability certification programs for those who want to delve deeper. And there are profiles and stories of socially responsible wineries and vineyards, all in an effort to make this rather technical subject easier to understand.
Vines and Values is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide with a mission to demystify sustainability in the world of wine, so readers can grasp the complexities of eco-friendly wine production. It caters to wine lovers across the spectrum, from novices to connoisseurs, offering insights into the meaning and importance of sustainable practices in viticulture and winemaking,
Better educated consumers will lead to increased purchases of sustainably produced wines and ultimately the result will be more resilient farming communities, healthier field workers, balanced ecosystems, stronger commitment to social responsibility, and economic vitality for producers.
The final chapters of the book contain are extensive lists of sustainable wines — their grape category, taste and food pairing, so readers can choose the flavors they like best, all while choosing wines that reduce their environmental footprint. And many of these wines cost under $20. Sustainable wines don’t have to break the bank to taste good!