On the grapevine

Wine Girl: If you have ever wondered what it takes to become one of those chic, precise, knowledgeable people who glide around upmarket restaurants, advising on wine selection, you need to read Wine Girl. To become a sommelier is very difficult, requiring an immense amount of wine knowledge and sufficient psychology to determine just what a diner might like to drink and how much they would like to pay. For a girl of 21 to become a sommelier in a top restaurant takes all that and more. Victoria James became America’s youngest sommelier at a Michelinstarred restaurant. This book traces her pathway, the prejudice, the hard work, the experience in a winery and the sommelier competitions. None of it was easy. This is a book to read if you are thinking of working in hospitality, or if you have encountered a female sommelier in your local restaurant. It will give you newfound respect for the person wielding the corkscrew.

Wine Girl by Victoria

James is published by

Fleet, at £16.99

Drink pink: Bon Coeur Fine Wine has taken delivery of the delicious rosé Lou by Peyrassol 2019 from Côte de Provence. With a long summer in mind, Bon Coeur is offering it at £10.99 a bottle if you buy 36 bottles. If you prefer to buy a smaller quantity it is £11.99 by the case of 12 or £13.25 per single bottle. Order by email or phone, 01325 776446.

Green for go: In recent years

New Zealand has developed its green credentials and the wine industry in particular has committed to a goal of net carbon-zero by 2050. Everywhere you go in New Zealand they are keen to tell you about their sustainable grape growing, zero energy requirements and environmental practices. This initiative spills over into the way New Zealand wines are viewed by consumers. They really do taste fresh and clean. Where New Zealand leads, let’s hope lots more countries follow.