In 2025, celebrated contributors to the World of Fine Wine highlighted several exceptional wine literature releases, forming a comprehensive overview of the year’s standout books.
One prominent title was The Wines of California by Elaine Chukan Brown, part of the Académie du Vin Classic Wine Library series. This book presents a detailed narrative of California’s wine history, intertwining its sociopolitical dynamics and revealing lesser-known historical facts, such as the role of Indigenous peoples and the surprising use of California’s wines during Prohibition.
Another significant entry, One Thousand Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine by Pascaline Lepeltier, is described as both challenging and enlightening. It delves into the multifaceted aspects of winemaking, blending technical insights with deeper philosophical musings.
Natasha Hughes MW’s The Wines of Beaujolais comes at a pivotal moment for the region, advocating for its recognition beyond the "cheap and cheerful" image that has dominated for years.
Alex Maltman’s Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate critically examines the often misunderstood relationship between wine and its geological foundations, while Sunny Hodge’s The Cynic’s Guide to Wine serves as a corrective to the misconceptions surrounding wine appreciation.
David Schildknecht highlights Wines of the Loire Valley by Beverley Blanning MW as an engaging introduction to the Loire’s offerings, addressing both its historical significance and contemporary relevance. Meanwhile, Susan Keevil’s On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri captures the essence of Tuscany’s vinous renaissance, linking wine culture to the region’s rich artistic heritage.
These selections exemplify the diversity and depth of thought present in today’s wine literature, encouraging readers to explore beyond mere tasting notes and engage with the broader narratives surrounding wine.