Pinot Rocks: A Winding Journey through Intense Elegance

by Michael Browne

Intense, but elegant. Spirited, yet refined. The complexities that describe Michael Browne’s wines describe his life experiences, too. With a tumultuous childhood and an adolescence filled with feelings of isolation, Michael joined the circus when he was twelve. By eighteen, he was a featured performer, fire-eater, unicyclist, high-wire walker, and trapeze artist. But it was during his work in the restaurant industry years later when Michael realized the simple beauty—and potential—of family and friends enjoying the perfect bottle of wine together. Michael co-founded his first California winery, Kosta Browne, in 1997 with a few hundred dollars and the goal of helping people create meaningful moments with one another. In Pinot Rocks, Michael shares his journey and offers insight and inspiration for those who believe in the American dream and choose to never stop pursuing it. No matter the goals you set for yourself, this book will motivate you to follow your passions and turn your dreams into reality.

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Browne back in 2005. We have been enjoying Kosta Brown for over 10 years and are also members of Cirq and Chev.

I enjoyed everything about this book from Michaels early years and how he came to be interested in the wine business. To his challenges and successes with Dan and team to the technical side of the business.

He pulled it together in a way that I felt he was telling me the story himself, like we were sitting at his vineyard, just talking and enjoying a glass of his amazing wine!!

Congrats on the book!!

[Debbie Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful journey through the trials of personal obstacles and entrepreneurship. Michael's candid wisdom and transparency of mistakes on his path to becoming an industry leader reminds us all that success is filled with an abundance of mistakes that take us to the top of our industries. If you're an entrepreneur you'll likely see yourself in much of this book, and if you're a wine geek, there's plenty for you to geek out on too!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I'm lucky to have met Michael on several occasions, from his time with Deerfield. For someone who has produced the #1 wine in the world, he is extraordinarily humble and down to earth. This is his story.

[Cecilia M. Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wine lovers should read this!

I especially enjoyed the first part of the book about his life before wine and how he came to know that wine making was his calling.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very honest and authentic book.

[Patrick Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinot Does Rock

It’s not Shakespeare but it’s a fun and informative trip through michael’s background and philosophy on winemaking for sure. Definitely recommend for the wine geek.