Food and Wine-Themed Summer Reading List

This summer, I wasn't able to leave the continent because of our house remodel but did spend lots of time in the car with some fabulous and inspiring reads. Here is a quick look at my summer reading list:

Gallo Be Thy Name: The Inside Story of How One Family Rose to Dominate the U.S. Wine Market by Jerome Tuccille
This was the first book of my reading season and it started it off with a bang! Covering the history of the rise of the Gallo empire, it has permanently put me off any Gallo product. The ruthless business practices of Ernest and Julio were at times nauseating. The next time you find yourself complaining about a family member, just be thankful your last name is not Gallo.

The House of Mondavi by Julia Flynn Siler
Another family saga brilliantly told by Julia Flynn Siler. While the Gallo family was disturbing, the Mondavi story was more "normal." It is a fascinating story of the family, Napa, and the wine industry. I felt great sympathy for the Mondavi family since they had their family issues but had to live out their conflicts in the public. Siler seamlessly pulls all the elements together so you are able to understand the whole picture.

Champagne: How the World's Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times by Don and Petie Kladstrup
A little dense with information for a summer read, but fascinating nonetheless. If you are into Champagne, this book details the history of the region. It's filled with fun cocktail chatter to wow people at your next party, like this tidbit: "Le champagne" refers to the wine while "la champagne" refers to the region. Governing the area became very important to political figures throughout time, including various popes, presidents, and kings.

The Lost Art of Real Cooking by Ken Albala and Rosanna Nafzinger
I am reading this one now and in love with the concept and the design of the book. It's really a lesson on the lost art of cooking. With the demands on today's lifestyle, you can forget the simplicity of basic things like pickles. This book reminds you of the pleasure and satisfaction to be found in making meals, and preparing food.

Reading Between the Wines by Terry Theise
I haven't started with this one yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Terry Theise is an influential importer of Austrian and German wines. Like Kermit Lynch or Robert Kasher for wines from Germany and Austria.

Sorry there are no vampire influenced reads to report, but I feel I should focus on true food and wine than "true blood." Happy reading with your food and wine. Let me know via Twitter or the Facebook page on what you're reading this summer!