Travel Inspired Wine Reads

Grab a glass of something good, it's time to get lost in a wine book.

Summer is the ideal time to schedule some vineyard visits while you’re already on vacation. The weather is clear, the sun is out, and the grapes will be almost ready for harvest, giving you time to soak in all the culture and beauty of wine country worldwide.

I’ve curated some wine book recommendations for world travelers and wanderlust staycationers alike. Whether you’re someone that enjoys finding a new pit stop on a long road trip or someone who just wants something fun to read while sipping spritzes on the front porch, Brunello Bombshell has you covered! Check out my favorite reads below.

Just a quick reminder that every time you buy a book through one of my Bookshop.org affiliate links, you’re supporting your favorite neighborhood sommelier AND your favorite independent bookstores! Thank you for reading and drinking with me, and for enabling my book addiction.

The Road Tripper

Books for the American road warrior.

Drive Through Napa and Drive Through Paso Robles by Paul Hodgins

These are two thorough, practical guides that need to be in your glove compartment for your next California wine trip. I particularly love the large, graphic format; there are maps galore, lists of wineries separated by AVAs, and even space to write tasting notes on your visit - perfect for reading some background information on some California wine history while en route to the wineries that made California wine legendary. Extra bonus points go to the Paso Robles edition, which has a short and sweet foreword by Prentice Penny (writer and director of the Netflix movie Uncorked).

Oregon Wine Country: A Great Destination by Sherry L. Moore and Jeff Welsch

This provides a solid agenda for those new to Oregon wine travels. If there’s a new edition on the horizon, I would hope to see some expanded material on Southern Oregon wineries. With so much new wine tourism coming through Applegate Valley and the Ashland areas in the last five years, the places that are mentioned in the book act as a solid starting point (and when you’re ready to delve deeper into Southern Oregon, you know who to call).

The New Architecture of Wine: 25 Spectacular California Wineries by Heather Sandy Hebert

If you’re traveling with people who want to visit wineries mostly for the vibes, this beautiful book is your best friend. There’s enough detailed information about the wineries to satiate the nerdiest of wine nerds, and the photos will whet the appetite of any Architectural Digest fan. From the rustic contemporary wood at Ram’s Gate in Carneros to the natural beauty of Quintessa Pavilions in Saint Helena, this is a book that celebrates the sensual ritual of wine tasting, and reminds wine connoisseurs and wine novices alike about the communal nature of a great glass of wine in a beautiful location.

Quintessa Pavilions in Saint Helena, California (Photo Credit: Walker Warner Architecture)

International Drinkers of Mystery

Books for the person with a passport full of stamps.

Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer’s Tour of France by Kermit Lynch

Kermit Lynch is one of the wine world’s most influential figures, and reading Adventures on the Wine Route feels like riding shotgun alongside your super cultured friend. Natural wine lovers will appreciate Lynch’s philosophy of caring for the winemaker who cares for the land, and label hunters will enjoy a deep dive into some of the best châteaux in the world. A classic wine book, and one that I often recommend for those studying wine and those looking for some great French and Italian bottles.