“A guy walks into a bar…” I assume that’s how a good book on the humor in wine begins. Experientially, that is. Verbally, an excellent book on this topic begins: “Que Syrah Syrah”. That book is Vintage Humor for Wine Lovers, written and compiled by Malcolm Kushner. And not only is Mr Kushner an author, he is also a great promoter of his work and so you may have seen this book reviewed elsewhere.
In fewer than 150 pithy pages, Kushner takes us in short sips through puns, proverbs, and just plain funny stuff. Organized into 13 chapters by topic, the book exemplifies Kushner’s core philosophy: wine should start and end with a smile.
I‘ve pulled out some of my favorites but you should gift this book to yourself for those days that you – or your friends—need an extra pour of smiles.
“A regurgitated beverage doesn’t go with anything.”
“ Q: What’s the difference between God and a wine critic? A: God doesn’t think He’s a wine critic.”
Pickup Lines & Responses: “Would you like another glass of wine?” “Do you really think our relationship will last that long?”
A FAIR DEAL: A prominent female executive returns home after a conference in Paris. As she steps off the Concorde at Kennedy Airport, her waiting assistant notices that she is carrying a case of Chateau Petrus 1990. “Nice wine,” says the assistant. “Thanks! I got it for my husband!” responds the executive. The assistant pauses for a second, then nodding her head enthusiastically, says: “Good trade!”
And to end it all, as a paean to our times, there’s the cartoon on page 96 with the punch line: “What’s the right wine to go with severance pay?”
Smile! We’ll all get through these times faster if we can find some humor in the day-to-day!
Showing posts with label BOOK REVIEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BOOK REVIEWS. Show all posts
Barrel Tastings in Sonoma, Book in Hand!
What could be better than to have the author of the new book, Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma, talk about under-the-radar small family-run wineries Just In Time for this second weekend of barrel tastings in Sonoma! Tilar Mazzeo's book is the one you want to have in hand for this weekend.
"Passionate amateurs are very much welcomed by winemakers at this special group of wineries," Tilar said during her talk at The Mechanics Institute in San Francisco March 10. "These wineries are run by the same people who grow the grapes and make the wines, and they offer a friendly, intimate atmosphere. This is where to go to get a unique product. Discerning oenophiles know this."
Thumbing through the book, plotting a course, it seems like I can make my way to at least four wineries on Saturday. I'll probably make a stop at Amista Vineyards, in Healdburg on Saturday, March 14th, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm; Tilar will be there with some books to sign. My friends all want one now!
In creating this book, Tilar relied on the generosity and sharing nature of these small artisanal winemakers. "Essentially, I asked each of them for their Top 6 Picks. Many people simply got on the phone and helped me set up the next round of appointments. For three solid months, I visited 4, 5, or 6 wineries a day, always for an hour at least ... and many for some long afternoons."
The openness of the back lane winery owners and winemakers will be well rewarded. This book is going to be an essential guide, and will provide that off-the-Highway-101 wine country experience that many wine lovers will cherish for years. If you want to study up in advance before the barrel tastings this weekend, you can get the book in a rush from Amazon, Tower Books, Barnes & Noble.com, Powells and others.
"Passionate amateurs are very much welcomed by winemakers at this special group of wineries," Tilar said during her talk at The Mechanics Institute in San Francisco March 10. "These wineries are run by the same people who grow the grapes and make the wines, and they offer a friendly, intimate atmosphere. This is where to go to get a unique product. Discerning oenophiles know this."
Thumbing through the book, plotting a course, it seems like I can make my way to at least four wineries on Saturday. I'll probably make a stop at Amista Vineyards, in Healdburg on Saturday, March 14th, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm; Tilar will be there with some books to sign. My friends all want one now!In creating this book, Tilar relied on the generosity and sharing nature of these small artisanal winemakers. "Essentially, I asked each of them for their Top 6 Picks. Many people simply got on the phone and helped me set up the next round of appointments. For three solid months, I visited 4, 5, or 6 wineries a day, always for an hour at least ... and many for some long afternoons."
The openness of the back lane winery owners and winemakers will be well rewarded. This book is going to be an essential guide, and will provide that off-the-Highway-101 wine country experience that many wine lovers will cherish for years. If you want to study up in advance before the barrel tastings this weekend, you can get the book in a rush from Amazon, Tower Books, Barnes & Noble.com, Powells and others.
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