The Vinous 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

 BY ANTONIO GALLONI | DECEMBER 8, 2018

Looking for that perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? We’ve got you covered with a selection of gifts ranging from new books, to glasses, maps and much more.

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Godforsaken Grapes: A Slightly Tipsy Journey through the World of Strange, Obscure, and Underappreciated Wine by Jason Wilson

Readers of Vinous will no doubt be familiar with Jason Wilson's excellent writing as demonstrated in his recent coverage of spirits. If you enjoyed reading about Armagnac and Calvados, and especially if you were somewhat unfamiliar with them before, then you'll also enjoy Jason's latest book, Godforsaken Grapes. Jason takes the reader on a journey through Europe and beyond, at each stop quenching a thirst for information, and indeed wine, with offerings made from the more unusual grape varietals. Written as a personal memoir, though ending up as a guide for the curious, Godforsaken Grapes will be sure to amuse the adventurous wine lover in your life, and perhaps also inspire them to raise a glass of Mondeuse Noire. ($26).

Red & White by Oz Clarke

The latest book from Oz Clarke, the popular British wine communicator and longtime host of the BBC's Food and Drink show, is part memoir, part guide, always interesting and ever amusing. I could go on but instead I'll simply quote in full Neal Martin's words from the book's back cover: “Food and Drink was compulsive viewing because it opened a nation’s palates to the joys of wine, opened their eyes to a rapidly expanding world of winemaking. Oz Clarke democratized wine. Once the preserve of middle-aged men in pinstriped suits pretentiously swirling their claret, Oz demonstrated that wine can be enjoyed by everyone. Even posh wine. Oz was like “us” and, if he liked wine, “we” could like wine as well. Oz’s sheer love of, and infectious enthusiasm for, wine have made him an educator and communicator without equal over many years. His knowledge, razor-sharp palate and humour are driven by a resolve to help as many people as possible to drink better wine.”  ($30).