The only reporter present at the mythic Paris Tasting of 1976--a blind tasting where a panel of esteemed French judges chose upstart California wines over France's best--for the first time introduces the eccentric American winemakers and records the tremendous aftershocks of this historic event that changed forever the world of wine.
The Paris Tasting of 1976 will forever be remembered as the landmark event that transformed the wine industry. At this legendary contest--a blind tasting--a panel of top French wine experts shocked the industry by choosing unknown California wines over France's best.
George M. Taber, the only reporter present, recounts this seminal contest and its far-reaching effects, focusing on three gifted unknowns behind the winning wines: a college lecturer, a real estate lawyer, and a Yugoslavian immigrant. With unique access to the main players and a contagious passion for his subject, Taber renders this historic event and its tremendous aftershocks--repositioning the industry and sparking a golden age for viticulture across the globe. With an eclectic cast of characters and magnificent settings, "Judgment of Paris" is an illuminating tale and a story of the entrepreneurial spirit of the new world conquering the old.

The only reporter present at the mythic Paris Tasting of 1976--a blind tasting where a panel of esteemed French judges chose upstart California wines over France's best--for the first time introduces the eccentric American winemakers and records the tremendous aftershocks of this historic event that changed forever the world of wine.
The Paris Tasting of 1976 will forever be remembered as the landmark event that transformed the wine industry. At this legendary contest--a blind tasting--a panel of top French wine experts shocked the industry by choosing unknown California wines over France's best.
George M. Taber, the only reporter present, recounts this seminal contest and its far-reaching effects, focusing on three gifted unknowns behind the winning wines: a college lecturer, a real estate lawyer, and a Yugoslavian immigrant. With unique access to the main players and a contagious passion for his subject, Taber renders this historic event and its tremendous aftershocks--repositioning the industry and sparking a golden age for viticulture across the globe. With an eclectic cast of characters and magnificent settings, "Judgment of Paris" is an illuminating tale and a story of the entrepreneurial spirit of the new world conquering the old.

From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of "Judgment of Paris" and "To Cork or Not To Cork" comes a delightful, entertaining, and informative exploration of the thriving world of wine tourism.

George M. Taber set out on the wine lover's ultimate dream: a journey to the twelve most beautiful and fascinating wine-producing regions around the globe. "In Search of Bacchus" chronicles that experience: the gorgeous landscapes, conversations with winemakers, unforgettable meals, must-do activities, and of course, the taste of the wines. Here he offers suggestions for travelers, commentary on trends in the wine world, charming anecdotes, and recommendations of vintages available in the United States, so that oenophiles at home can live vicariously through his travels.

From the Napa Valley, where the art of wine tourism was perfected, to the deserts of Argentina, to a thousand-year-old monastery in Tuscany, to the famed chateaux of Bordeaux, Taber discusses the history, architecture, and culture of each destination in fascinating detail. He provides insight into the latest in the technology, politics, and business of wine, and uncovers a host of interesting characters who are major figures in their local wine worlds, including a Chilean arms merchant, a German-born Polish refugee living in South Africa, the dynamic woman who started the Wine Tourism Movement in Italy, and many more. Taber blends his own wine in Portugal, bungy jumps in New Zealand, and goes on a safari in South Africa, all in the attempt to quench his thirst for fine wine and adventure.

An accessible blend of wine lore and travel memoir, "In Search of Bacchus" is another engaging, immersive read from George M. Taber, sure to satisfy wine lovers everywhere.

THE ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF "JUDGMENT OF PARIS "EXPLORES THE THRIVING BUSINESS OF BARGAIN WINES AND OFFERS HIS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BEST VALUES.
Is inexpensive wine any good? Award-winning author George M. Taber shows that it is, examining the paths to success of the world's best-selling bargain brands. Taber helps readers learn to trust their taste and make informed decisions when confronting wine lists, and reveals how innovators are turning the old "vin ordinaire "into something "extraordinaire."
"A Toast to Bargain Wines "is an accessible mix of history, business, and reference, and includes a two-part guide to the world's best buys: George's ten favorite bargains of every varietal (plus two splurges in each category), then ten value brands from twelve regions around the world. Casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike will benefit from this insider's guide to finding and enjoying good wine--at a great price.