Niche Wine Blog

Book Review: Wine & Philosophy

Wine & Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking and Drinking
Edited by Fritz Allhoff, Forward by Paul Draper

To read this book is to think about wine in ways you probably never have before.  Wine & Philosophy is a symposium, a collection of essays written by notable scholars, philosophers, wine critics and other wine industry professionals that explore the deeper meaning of wine.  These essays take you on a journey, allowing you to look beyond the tangible sip and consider the significance this illustrious drink has had in the world for centuries, as well as how it affects our daily lives today, consciously and subconsciously. 

2004 Byington Cabernet Sauvignon, Chelle Mountain Vineyard

Initially, the land on which Byington Winery & Vineyard now sits was purchased by Bill and Mary Byington as a family retreat.  However in the 1970s, the Byingtons were approached by a winemaker interested in leasing a portion of their land for vineyards.  Since Bill was an avid wine collector, he willingly agreed.  Twenty years later, Bill decided to plant nine acres of Pinot Noir, the crown jewel of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Byington was established in 1987 with that years vintage release.

Rising Wine Prices

The weak U.S. dollar, increased oil prices, rising labor costs, little consumer brand loyalty, endless selection of wine producers to choose from, the hunt for price and value, high demand and low supply of certain wines all lead to one conclusion - the price of wine is expected to rise, especially for European wines, in the near future. 

An article in the NY times, written by Eric Asimov, explores this fearful topic further.  Check it out.