Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass

by Natalie MacLean

In this bodice-ripping wine book that got widespread and excellent reviews in hardcover, multiple James Beard and IACP award-winning writer Natalie MacLean's journey through the international world of wine is the perfect companion for neophytes and wine aficionados alike.
Includes a new chapter with answers to questions about the trickiest foods to pair with chocolate, cheese, vegetarian dishes, take out, and some spicy cuisines that are not traditionally thought of as wine friendly.

Genres: Nonfiction, Wine, Memoir, Food, Book Club, Food and Wine, Food and Drink

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Natalie's first two books Red, White and Drunk All Over and Unquenchable were each selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year. Her memoir, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising From the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much will be published in May 2023. In the meantime, you can get a copy of her:

Ultimate Guide to Food & Wine Pairing (free)

Email her at natdecants@nataliemaclean.com or find her at:

Amazon
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
BookBub
Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast

Natalie was named the World's Best Drinks Writer and has won four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. She is the only person to have won both the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award from the James Beard Foundation and the M.F.K. Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing from Les Dames d'Escoffier International.

She is the wine expert on CTV's The Social, Canada's largest daytime television show; CTV News; and Global Television's Morning Show.

To fund her late-night vinous habits, Natalie MacLean holds down day jobs as an author, online wine course instructor and wine reviewer. An accredited sommelier, she is a member of the National Capital Sommelier Guild, the Wine Writers Circle and several French wine societies with complicated and impressive names.

Natalie studied the Romantic Poets at Oxford University with Jonathan Wordsworth. She graduated with honours from the Master's of Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario.

Funny, brainy and unapologetically tipsy, her goal in life is to invite both the novices and the knowledgeable to the table to share a glass of wine (or three).

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and intriguing memoir.

Wow, has Natalie MacLean been through the wringer! I really appreciated that she took the time to let the events of 2012-2013 settle and form scars before writing this book (taking the Glennon Doyle advice that she mentioned here to write from the scars not the open wounds.) Her writing style is very approachable and her story reads like a novel--I'm sure she wishes some of it was actually a novel and not her real life.

This is a book looking back at one of the worst years of wine writer and reviewer MacLean's life. She begins the year with a split and eventual divorce from her husband of 20 years and ends the year with accusations of plagiarism, copyright infringement, and basically being torn to shreds online by misogynistic, hateful male wine writers and reviewers. The extent to which these people went to defame and malign her character were absolutely jaw dropping.

Throughout all of this, she continued to write about and review wines. Her love for wine became both a balm and a bane in her life. As she moved through the rough times, her dependence on alcohol to numb and calm her anxiety crept closer and closer to untenable. She chronicles her talks with her therapist, as well as help by her boyfriend, to show how she needed to adjust her mindset and her habits in order to live a healthier life both mentally and physically.

Sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, this book is ultimately relatable, especially for women who have had to forge a path in worlds typically dominated by men. MacLean calls out the blatant sexism and excusing of poor behavior, when all she wants to do is claim her own space at the table, which she deserves and has earned.

If you like a memoir that focuses on overcoming obstacles and heartbreak and finding peace in the chaos, then Natalie MacLean's latest book will resonate with you as much as it did with me. Plus, there's a lot of fun insider wine information, which is always fun if you're as intrigued about the wine business as I am.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie MacLean]

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your interest in my memoir. In 2012, I lost everything: my career, my marriage, and my health. I considered taking my own life. An online group of rival writers tore apart my professional reputation. Then they dismantled my body part by part in public, revealing the corrosive chauvinism in the underbelly of the wine world.

My story draws back the curtain on the slick marketing encouraging women to drink too much, from wine-mom memes to little-black-dress labels. It also dives into the real-life impact of online mobbing and the particular vitriol women face when they blaze their own trail.

I didn’t want to share this story. I couldn’t even look at notes I’d locked away for years. It was too exposing, too shameful. I’d be vandalizing my own privacy.

Ten years later, I was inspired by memoirist Glennon Doyle’s advice, “Write from a scar, not an open wound.” But why even write about it after the healing is done? Poet Sean Thomas Dougherty had the answer. “Why bother? Because right now, there is someone out there with a wound in the exact shape of your words.”

After talking with many women in my field who had similar stories but no outlet to share them, I decided to write this memoir. A book can travel so much farther than I can with a message about resilience.

Rest assured; this isn’t another misery memoir. Come with me to my boozy girlfriend get-togethers, some dating adventures with Zero-Effort Men, and several spicy meals with the man who eventually becomes my Cinderfella.

By the end of the book, I hope you’ll feel as though we’ve been chatting over a glass of wine (or two) at the kitchen table. As I share my experiences, perhaps you remember your own and reflect on them in a new light.

We both feel a fire growing inside that can help us weather life’s worst vintages — and come out with stronger, deeper roots.

Cheers,
Natalie

P.S. Here's the elevator pitch in the deep, husky movie announcer voice: “A powerful memoir about how one woman resurrects her life and career in the glamorous but sexist wine industry. This true coming-of-middle-age story is about transforming your life and finding love along the way.”

P.P.S. If you'd like to be a beta reader and get a sneak peak at the manuscript before publication, please email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com.

[Jenifer Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, a stranger “friends” you on Goodreads and asks if you’d be a beta reader for a memoir they’ve written. It doesn’t always go well. But this time, I was the lucky one.

I loved this book.
It was so very exquisitely well-written.

I learned so much - about wine, winemakers, the industry, psychology, witch hunts, history, misogyny, social media. The strength of women. Addiction, moderation, sobriety, handling feelings, being truly YOU. This woman has (in true psychologist lingo) DONE THE WORK.

As a psychologist and as a woman, I am inspired by the journey Natalie Maclean has taken, including writing such an important memoir.

This book explores vulnerability and shame, alcoholism and friendship. Love and yearning. Growth and change. What an amazing memoir.

And, I loved the quotes from so many of my favorite books. This writer is also clearly a reader.

[Meisha (ALittleReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I want to mention that this was sent to me at the beginning of the year as a beta read. And I feel so honored that the author reached out to me and gave me early access to read this before it was published. I unfortunately had to put it down when life hit and audiobooks were easier for me to access at the time. (Otherwise I would have finished this in one go.)
As for my thoughts, (which I have many) this is extremely powerful and impactful. I can see this being a real eye opener for people for topics of cyber bullying, alcoholism and misogyny. Misogyny specifically in the wine community but also just in general. I can also see this going in another direction and really helping a lot of people, especially women out there, who may feel alone in their journey right now.
I can't begin to imagine how hard this was to write and relive. And I admire the author so much for putting her life story out there for other people to learn from. I really feel this has the ability to help so many people in so many different ways.
The writting and time line of this was very well thought out, put together and well worded. It's also very easily accessible. There is quite a bit of dialog in here so it feels like you're reading an actual story and not a transcript. Also, if you don't know anything about wine (like I dont) this is accessible in that way too. Wine has a part in it but it is about so much more than that. And you don't need to understand wine in order to understand this book or its message. Which I really appreciated!
I have so many words to describe this memoir... Insightful, impactful, educational, inspiring, helpful, moving, eye opening, brave, heart breaking.... I could go on and on with a list of descriptive words. But instead of writting a paragraph of words, I'll leave you with this...
Life throws a lot of obstacles at you and it can feel like there's no way out sometimes. This memoir is proof that you can over come any obstacle that you choose to put your mind to.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much was an honest, compelling, and beautifully written memoir by Natalie MacLean, a best-selling writer of two previous books on wine, as well as being an accomplished wine journalist with her uncanny ability to pair food and wine. Ms. MacLean has also been the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards four times as well as the M.F.K. Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing .

The format of this book was very appealing in that Ms. MacLean shares the pivotal twelve months in her life during 2012. It is during this year when she had to come to terms with the dissolution of her twenty-year marriage and her fierce desire that her 14-year old son weather the upheaval unscathed. Complicating this was the subtle sexism and misogyny in the wine industry evidenced by accusations of copyright violations in her reviews of wines. But this memoir has a solid literary background lifting it from the usual memoir. I loved Natalie MacLean's reference to New Journalism writers such as Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, and Joan Didion noting that they inserted themselves into the narrative. She often compared herself to feeling like Nathaniel Hawthorne's fictional Hester Prynne with a scarlet letter emblazoned on her journalistic reputation.

Natalie MacLean discusses her earliest inspirations were from the romantic poet John Keats, wanting to capture the feeling of wine in her words. And as she began her writing career, the farm-to-table movement connecting food producers with consumers was gaining momentum. MacLean noted that restaurant menus were beginning to include where ingredients were sourced. However, she believed that what makes wine magical is moving it away from money and scores to people and places believing that wine a a subjective and senory experience. As the author says, "Wine and food are part of hospitality; they're about welcoming people to your table and forgetting your cares for a while."

As those of you who know me, know how much I love to read about food and wine. This beautiful book was an eye-opener for me on many different levels. And as an aside, this bookcover is now on my virtual favorite book cover shelf. I loved her nod to the witches she loved in literature -- Circe, Hecate, Morgana le Fay, wanting to counter the old narrative about wicked witches. And a special thank you to Natalie MacLean for reaching out to me about being a beta-reader of her beautiful memoir.

[Lizzie Breckenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this memoir, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The best part of this book is how authentic and vulnerable Natalie is in describing the aftermath of her unexpected divorce and the challenges and scrutiny she has received as a wine critic & writer. Thank you for sharing your story!

[ReadThruTheNight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to be a beta reader for Natalie MacLean’s memoir, “Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation and Drinking Too Much.” Written with sharp wit and humor, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author narrates her struggle through an unexpected divorce and the scrutiny she faced as a wine critic at the hands of the misogynist wine industry. Told with authenticity and vulnerability, you feel as if you’re chatting with an old friend over a glass of wine. Make no mistake, this memoir isn’t written with a ‘woe is me mentality’. It’s written by an incredibly empowered woman to help other women, who have been silenced by chauvinistic behavior, to find their voice. Thank you Natalie for sharing your story. It’s such an important one and a must read for all.

[Natalie MacLean]

Thanks for your reviews everyone! I learn from the good and from the less-than-enthusiastic. I've posted some background info and questions for book clubs if anyone is interested ... though I'm sure any gathering my book might prompt would involve more wine, less analysis:

book clubs and tasting groups

I also post my favorite wines, a monthly newsletter and a food and wine matching tool on my site:

food and wine matcher

Cheers,
Natalie

www.nataliemaclean.com

PS The rating above is not mine but my mother's :)

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I enjoyed the writing. Secondly, lots to think with regards to drinking. Such an easy read with the names and background to some good There are a million plus women out there that can resonate with her story. I think women would be further ahead and happier if we had all spoke up sooner instead of being afraid of being labelled bitches!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie MacLean shares a thoughtful, generous and brave memoir with nods to literature and the nuances of the wine industry in writing Wine Witch on Fire. Her sometimes subtilely gathered yet clearly written prose expands an inclusive delivery of hope and friendship for the reader.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be invited to read an advanced copy of Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking too Much, by Natalie Maclean.

It usually takes me more than a few days to read a book. I’m not one of those people who reads a new book every week. I just don’t have time.

WELL………48 hours later, and I finally came up for air, because I could NOT put this book down!!
Natalie’s story sucks you in from the start. It’s nuanced, and layered. It’s brutally honest, and authentic.

At some points it reads like a memoir. At some lovely points it reads like a novel (in the best of ways), but usually the two meld together to form a really cohesive and fascinating story. I was shocked……and also NOT shocked……to learn about the blatant sexism that exists even in the wine industry.

I loved the bits of romance in the book as well, and it was a nice reminder that not all men are bad lol.

Although, that is certainly NOT what Natalie was - in any way - trying to convey. In fact, Every man she writes about, from her harshest critics to her ex-husband are treated fairly, and honestly, and she never shies away from sharing her own mistakes and flaws along the way.

Natalie beautifully manages to describe peoples flaws and misgivings, without labeling them as bad people.

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur or aficionado to love this book. You don’t even have to love non-fiction or memoirs to love this book.
Lastly, you certainly don’t have to be a woman to love this book. This story has something for everyone, and it’s overarching themes are so much bigger than what the synopses convey. Take a chance, and step outside of your comfort zone…….just like Natalie did.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very informative and MacLean's love for wine shines through, but the prose was unbearable. The word choice, comparisons, and language had me cringing nearly the whole time. Some highlights:
"the hills roll like playful green dolphins"
describing a geographical boundary: "like the curve between a woman's shoulders and hips"
describing a wine: "light and ephemeral as Ariel but with Caliban's sexual energy"

It's just not my style; this kind of writing may appeal to others.

[Temple of · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring, honest, transparent and hilarious. Relatable for anyone who has gone through divorce or lost someone they loved...or lost everything! Spectacular imagery that takes you on a journey.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this book, because I read the following text on page 22:

"I dissolve with pleasure into the wine, like a sugar cube with warm water poured over it. The only way to convey the intensity of flavor in my mouth woud be to make the words on this page burst into flames."

Now I don't know a lot about writing but this short pair of sentences somehow manage to mix melodrama, a bad cliche, and a really weird metaphor into an unpalatable lump of awkward description. Does this make other people want to drink wine? Actually it does make me want a nice glass of Cabernet, but probably not for the reasons the author wanted. I'm sure this book has some interesting stuff (the part with the poop in the cow horn was OK) but I can't get past the writing style.

One thing I appreciated in the first twenty pages was the author's admission of wine's alcoholic content. She points out, and rightly, that the vast majority of "wine literature" sort of skips over that part, and acts as though it's just fancy grape juice with an innocent warm aftertaste. She says point-blank that she loves the buzz and that the alcoholic aftereffects are one part of the pleasurable experience of drinking wine for her. It's the same for me, of course, and I expect for most wine drinkers--finally, someone with some credibility admits what we're all thinking.

[Kim (gtkim) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get an advance copy of this book from the author and was able to chat with her about it.

This book is a quick read, that will capture your interest from the beginning. The chapters are short so I often found myself thinking I would read just one more chapter to see what happened next.

Natalie clearly endured a lot while working in the male dominated wine world, and I applaud her for sharing it. While her book will definitely appeal to wine lovers, I think anyone with an online presence could learn from her experiences. I think a lot of people who put things online don’t think about any types of consequences so this is an important lesson for all.

The wine recommendations at the end were a fun added bonus.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compelling read and illustrates some deep fissures that resonate in society.
MacLean doesn’t hold anything back so it’s stark, revealing, and deeply personal.
I related a lot to her book on the level of her personal story with her divorce. I was never much of a wine drinker but it was interesting to read the history of the different labels.
Some chapters were so funny! I laughed my way through them.

Social media has been a boon for many, but in so many other situations it’s the bane of modern society.

It’s a Powerful memoir.
Thanks to the author for the advance read.

[Jennifer Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked Sarah Polley's memoir "Run Towards the Danger" then you will like this memoir. They have the common theme of a women's struggle in a man's world. Internal strength, struggle and survival captured my interest.

Natalie gives us her story of survival with both humour and strength as well as the best wine to wash it down with!

[Ruth Hernder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I love to read & drink local wine.

[Jacquie Delman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think anyone can relate to this book. You will root for Natalie as she is blindsided in her divorce and works on rebuilding her life afterwards. Also, her work-related problems are highly relatable especially with the advent of the internet and social media. Everyone is afraid of saying the wrong thing or making a mistake and everything we say or do has an imprint left behind.

As humans, we still need to grow and learn from our mistakes, and we see through Natalie's eyes how she managed to overcome her own obstacles just like we might have to overcome our own someday. Additionally, the issues of male and female mistreatment in the workplace occurs in every industry and everyone has experienced this or knows someone close to them who has gone through their own struggles. I think the character building was excellent.

I knew that generally wine writers are not highly paid. I did not know the inner workings of how tastings occur, how wines are selected, how different wine critics are from each other, etc. I am much more familiar with the issues in restaurants with male/female dynamics and did not know much about the wine industry inner dynamics (although I was not surprised unfortunately to learn what is happening).

I liked the tension of many chapters leaving a cliff hanger so we are left wanting to know what happens next. It helps the story move quickly and is why I needed only a few days to read it!

If you like food memoirs such as Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential or Ruth Reichl's books, you'll like this one.

*I received a copy of this book and had the opportunity to speak with the author*

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the name, this story has a lot of humor and a happy ending. It is the story of one woman and how she resurrected her life and career in the glamorous but sexist wine industry. After her husband of twenty years asked for a divorce, followed by a slew of career traumas. The author shares her personal journey and how she bravely moved on and started writing about wine. The author also shares the sad reality of women in the wine industry.

Wine Witch on Fire is a true coming-of-middle-age story about transforming your life and finding love along the way. The author did a great job describing how things started to crumble in her marriage before the divorce regarding feeling lonely in a relationship. While this isn't a self-help book, the author shares many tips about moderating wine consumption as a professional. The book is thoughtful, vulnerable, funny, and very relatable.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Joy Ribar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much by Natalie MacLean is witty, sometimes sarcastically charming memoir from a savvy professional and intensely personal viewpoint. The narrator is a divided self, seeking to unite those pieces into one healthy being, and she invites the reader to accompany her on the journey.
The reader will be immersed in a personal transaction with the narrator. Readers won't be able to help themselves: they will fall into an examination of their own trials and experiences and will find themselves in a stewpot of emotions running from anger to sorrow to joy. What the narrator lives through is universal in the book of humanity. In many ways, we are all cooked in the same stew of challenges, tragedies and successes. The ingredients may vary, but when the cooking begins, our human experiences are the key ingredient in the recipe. As we boil in our own stews, we learn to cope, transform and become a new creation. Ms. MacLean shares her recipe for transformation and we are better for it.

[Rhonda Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading a complementary copy of this book in which MacLean details a turbulent and unpleasant year of her life. The story begins at the end of 2012, which brought accusations of plagiarism. She then goes back to fill in what happened during the rest of 2012, starting with her husband leaving her. This structure worked well for the story, which was divided into wine-related sections with witch-themed chapter titles.

For me, the most impressive aspect of the book was how MacLean wrote about unpleasant and stressful situations with humor and grace. She even pointed out her own mistakes and how hindsight has helped her, which could benefit readers who are experiencing similar trials.

Overall, this was an interesting read and I have already recommended it to several people.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book and get a chance to chat with the author about it. I think the longtime fans of her website and wine reviews will love this memoir! Natalie is a wine lover, single mother, and divorcee and she takes you along for an emotional ride covering all those topics throughout her story. I think this is a timeless story about empowering women to overcome whatever obstacles are thrown their way. I also enjoyed the wine recommendations sprinkled throughout the chapters and how that tied in to what she was writing about. Her voice is on fire!!!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this pre-release which was a really cool opportunity for me. First time I’ve been part of someone’s book writing journey and it’s a lot of work! I give authors so much credit.

This book is good for women in the midst of a challenge - career, personal; emotional - will enjoy this book. Also those folks who enjoy wine or want to learn more - any gender. For Someone who is an avid reader that likes diving into new topics and genres this was a very interesting book and provide insight to a world I personally know little about. Men should read this - for the sake of the women they know - men need to know how we feel.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing memoir of a phenomenal woman who rose from horrible hardships. Her honesty and vulnerability leaps off the pages into your heart.

[Chris Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, interesting and fun book

[Paul Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Maclean is a noted wine expert, who writes about countless brands of wines on a regular basis. She is one of the most looked-up to wine writers out there, and in the book WINE WITCH ON FIRE, she explores the positives and negatives of her life during a two year span from 2012 and 2013.
It was essentially two years from hell, a time when things were going off the rails on so many fronts. Life can derail when you least expect it. The first issue revolved around her husband of twenty years, who suddenly decided her wanted out of the marriage, and out of Natalie’s life. It came from so far out left field, there was no warning, although after the fact, Natalie studied the clues leading up to that, and the fact there must have been someone else in his life.
When they talk about bad occurrences in one’s life, sometimes driving a person to drink, unfortunately Natalie did find comfort and solace in the very bottles that she was critiquing. When she did write about the wines, swallowing was not part of the routine, as when one is professionally wines, one generally expectorates them. Now she drank to cope.
But as with negatives in life, there are positives as well, and that positive was in the form of Daniel, a man she met and found great joy with. It seemed to make her forget the things that were undermining her happiness. But that changed when one night she went to her computer, and was shocked to see that she was being charged with copyright violations in her wine reviews. She had done everything to the letter of the law she thought, but somehow others were not of the same opinion. She had to seek out legal advice, which resulted in headaches and worries about her future in the business. It wasn't an easy process, taking time for things to be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
She was worried that Daniel would bail on her once he found out about this scandal, but he stood firm, supportive, and caring, every step of the way. Natalie also talks about sexism in the wine industry and one person in particular charged with indiscretions toward females. She boycotted his brand, and even took cases of his company’s wines back to the LCBO for refund.
Natalie writes with great passion about that dark period in her life over a decade ago, and how she emerged from the storm, holding her head high, and her life at a point where she felt joy instead of uncertainty. Raise a glass to this lady and great writer, for opening up her heart and soul to readers, in a most enlightening manner.

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone born and raised in Niagara and now living in the Okanagan, about two years ago I decided that saying “I don’t like wine” when I’d barely given it a chance, was ridiculous. So for the past couple years I have been trying wines and trying to learn more about the industry and my likes and dislikes. This book was gifted to me by two of my “wine friends” (and educators) and I devoured it because it’s not only about food and wine (two of my favourite things) but also about heartbreak and overcoming and strength and determination and womanhood and kickass witchery. I feel further educated in wine and the industry as a whole; I also look forward into reading MacLean’s other books and tuning into her podcast. She is sharp, witty, and edgy, which is awesome.

[Chris Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fun interesting book.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and wow! what a captivating, charming and deeply moving memoir. This is a book about faith, hope and love and how the author got beyond the pain, dug deep into her soul, faced her fears and emerged "from the ashes of divorce, defamation and drinking" (as the book's subtitle states) into a stronger, better version of herself - who wouldn't be inspired by that! With forthright honesty and candor, MacLean shares her life's journey over a one-year period as she struggled to take back her personal life only to be faced with a social media campaign that was devastating to her professional life and could implode on her newly emerging new life. The book contains a lot of interesting information about wine, the wine industry and wine reviews that for anyone not familiar with these topics will welcome knowing about. It is particularly the aspects of the misogyny that are rife in the wine industry (and as we know just about everywhere) that resonates through the book and is particularly meaningful for women. I was struck how readily our society accepts putting women down, so having a book that sheds light on this topic - let's face it, this might be around forever - is of great importance. I especially enjoyed the author's insights into what was happening during this year of her life, especially her perseverance in spite of all the obstacles. The love story with Daniel was moving (and you can't but be happy for her - he's the good guy in the story. The "witch" theme that underpins the book is delightful and adds a "spark" to the book along with the literary references (as an English major I loved this!) I especially loved the author's humor which came at perfect times in the book. The book is easy to read, well written, natural and perfect for a memoir. I highly recommend this book. ADDENDUM: Also liked the cover and the title written in red (my favorite color); using it to fulfill a 2023 book challenge prompt for a book with a colorful cover.