Wine and Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking and Drinking (Paperback)

by Fritz Allhoff (Editor), Paul Draper (Foreword)
Key Phrases: wine consumer, wine perception, enthusiast culture, New York, Commerce Clause, New World (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“It turns out that not only have reputable psychologists at well-respected institutions done experimental studies on this effect, but it also serves as a kind of foul point for various philosophical questions. The works set out to address the intersection between philosophy and areas of everyday general concern: food, wine, and beer. In addition to straightforward philosophical discussions, the volumes include historical discussions, legal questions, some personal reflections.” (Gastronomica, Fall 2008)

"It has some of the best, thoughtful essays about wine and health, winemaking, wine appreciation, wine jargon and wine writers...a very smart book about wine." (InsideBayArea.com)

“A truly well rounded view…and a critical reflection on what and how we eat can contribute to a robust enjoyment of gastronomic pleasures.” (Gourmet Retailer)

“A rare treat. These grape-stained craftsmen dive into their subjects with Socratic gusto. Nuggets of wit … throughout.” (Wine Enthusiast)

Review
“A fascinating symposium that proves one thing: wine is worth thinking about.”
–Hugh Johnson, author of the World Atlas of Wine

“Most wine books are narrow in scope. Not Wine & Philosophy: these far-ranging essays are fascinating and diverse, placing the wine in your glass in a context spanning civilizations and centuries.”
–Stephen Tanzer, editor/publisher, International Wine Cellar

“Wine & Philosophy is remarkably accessible; the writers and winemakers contributing to this work are amazingly accomplished and all have an abiding interest in philosophy, literature, and wine. This combination of scholarship and passion makes for a fascinating, illuminating, and highly entertaining work.”
–Larry Stone, Master Sommelier

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (October 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405154314
• ISBN-13: 978-1405154314
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,578 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sure to make your wine tasting experiences memorable..., July 11, 2008

By	C. Robert Broerse "Buchlieber" (North Vancouver, B.C.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, this volume is easier to access than 'Questions of Taste' edited by Barry C. Smith. The essays in this volume range in difficulty - although the majority are relatively straight-forward without resorting to philosophical arguments and meanderings. In 'Questions of Taste', the focus was primarily on aesthetics, our use of wine vocabulary, and subjectivity vs. objectivity and meant for a philosophically-minded audience. In 'Wine & Philosophy' there is a wider range of topics. Some of the essays include:

'Wine in Ancient Greece: Some Platonist Ponderings' - Harold Tarrant - a look at the early history of wine in Greek society, focusing on its importance to the writings to Greek poets and philosophers.

'On and Off the Wagon: Wine and the American Character' - Jonathon Alsop - a brief history of wine in American life, examining the impact of Prohibition and the film 'Sideways'.

'In Vino Sanitas' - Frederick Adolf Paola - an accessible essay about the health benefits of wine

And my two personal favourite essays:
'The Soul of Wine: Digging for Meaning' - Randall Grahm and 'Experiencing Wine: Why Critics Mess Up (Some of the Time)' Jamie Goode - both entertaining and informative, the former focusing on what cannot be criticized in wine analysis and what many of us surely feel when drinking a great bottle of wine 'soul' - the latter essay taking a look at the far-from-perfect world of wine criticism.

This volume offers a great deal more to a wider range of readers. The only essay I found the least interesting (perhaps because I am a Canadian) is 'Shipping Across State Lines: Wine and the Law' - Drew Massey. It's not something I am too concerned about but American readers will certainly find it fascinating as to the difficulties of shipping wine across some state lines.

For those readers who want a pleasant, philosophical and at times, challenging read (three essays, I will admit are a bit heavier in philosophical ideas but well worth the effort), I highly recommend this book. There is enough here to interest readers with varying levels of wine knowledge and appreciation which makes it highly approachable and highly enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the highest pleasures, May 23, 2009

By	Hannah E. Johnson (ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am not sure of the right word to describe this book but it is somewhere around impressive and marvelous. The essays chosen for this book and the way they were organized provided a way not just to access avenues for thinking about wine, but a way into thinking about and doing philosophy. The essays are remarkably simple to understand and yet are powerful in what they have to teach and in the manner they challenge the course by which you think about wine, language, perception, beauty, art, metaphysical properties and what is moral. Some of the essays are also highly entertaining arising out of the comical fashion in which they are penned. It is a book for everyone, not just philosophers and surely not just for wine consumers.

20 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 30, 2007

By	bibliophile - See all my reviews

This book provides an excellent overview of the enjoyment and the evaluation of wine, as well as discussion of the philosophical issues surrounding these areas. It combines experts from philosophy, wine tasting and the wine industry. Not only are the essays informative and thought-provoking, but moreover they are enjoyable to read! A great volume!