The Accidental Connoisseur

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What is taste? Is it individual or imposed from outside? Why do many feel intimidated by restaurant wine lists? In this exploration, journalist Lawrence Osborne embarks on a personal journey through the intricate world of wine to seek answers. He introduces a colorful array of eccentrics, industry leaders, and small farmers, examining how technological advances, critical opinions, consumer trends, and trade dynamics have transformed wine from what our grandparents enjoyed. Osborne's quest for authentic wine leads him from contemporary high-tech wineries to ancient practices. He shares experiences from lavish lunches with wine moguls like Robert Mondavi to the cellars of Marquis Piero Antinori in Florence, and from the prestigious tasting rooms of Chateau Lafite to the modest vineyards of northern Lazio. The narrative meanders through Renaissance palaces, extravagant wineries, and simple garages, as well as renowned cities like New York, San Francisco, Paris, Florence, and Rome—each a hub of wine culture. Throughout this journey, readers are invited to discover the rich tapestry of wine: its producers, consumers, and critics. Enchanting and down-to-earth, this is a unique take on the world of wine, blending entertainment with insight into a much-desired yet often misunderstood drink.