Drinking the World

A book for those who travel with their tastebuds. In this unique and evocative blend of food, drink and travel writing, Victoria Brzezinski and Bert Blaize give winemakers the floor to take us on a journey around the landscapes, cultures, cuisines and, of course, wines, that they know and love better than anyone. Where there’s good wine, there’s almost always a rich history, beautiful landscape, great food and intriguing characters who can give you the insider tips. From the daughters reclaiming lands from former Soviet states to rockstars-turned-winemakers, the people behind the glass make for fascinating reading. This is the book for anyone who travels with their tastebuds, covering winemaking regions in 20 countries across the world, from 200-year-old vines growing up peppercorn trees in Bolivia, to the fertile glacial soils of New York state. Each of the winemakers share their insider tips for the best spots to eat and drink. Join Victoria Brzezinski and Bert Blaize as they journey from America to Armenia, Portugal to Poland, discovering great glasses of wine and the fascinating stories behind them. Chapters feature: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA, Wales and a Nomadic winemaker.

Victoria Brzezinski is a multi-award winning feature writer, columnist and restaurant critic. Named 2022’s lifestyle and interiors journalist of the year, she has written for The Times and The Sunday Times since 2018 on myriad topics from design to food and farming. She cut her teeth in hospitality working front of house with five years spent at some of London’s top restaurants – wine tastings were always the best part of the job. Bert Blaize is an award-winning sommelier and wine consultant. He learned his craft at La Belle Epoque in Manchester; Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, and the Clove Club in Shoreditch, going on to open the Mandrake Hotel as Head of Wine. In 2017, Bert was named the UK’s Top Young Sommelier by Flint Wines and was nominated by GQ, Drinks Business and Imbibe as sommelier of the year. He co-authored Which Wine When in 2020. Bert lives in Norfolk, where he runs North Norfolk Cellars.