Wine & Philosophyoffers a collection of essays which explore a range of philosophical topics related to food; it joins Food & Philosophyand Beer & Philosophyin in the "Epicurean Trilogy." Essays are organized thematically and written by philosophers, wine writers, and winemakers.

• Chapters include, “The Art & Culture of Wine”; “Tasting & Talking about Wine”; “Wine & Its Critics”; “The Beauty of Wine”; “The Metaphysics of Wine”; and “The Politics & Economics of Wine”

• Essays are accessible to a general audience while at the same time covering some serious philosophical ground

• Incorporates traditional areas of philosophical study, including philosophy of language, philosophy of perception, aesthetics, metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy

• A great complimentary text to any guided-tour visit to the Napa Valley or other wineries

Some came down the road of philosophy and others down the road of wine, but they all came for the mixing of the two. Among the topics are wine and the American character, imaginative versus analytical experiences of wine, wine tasting and aesthetic practice, the Old World and the New, and shipping across state lines. Afterward, the participants seem to have forgotten where they were. The volume joins others on beer and philosophy and food and philosophy. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

“A fascinating symposium that proves one thing: wine is worth thinking about.”

Hugh Johnson, author of the World Atlas of Wine<!--end-->

“Most wine books are narrow in scope. Not Wine & Philosophy: these far-ranging essays are fascinating and diverse, placing the wine in your glass in a context spanning civilizations and centuries.”

Stephen Tanzer, editor/publisher, International Wine Cellar

“Wine & Philosophyis remarkably accessible; the writers and winemakers contributing to this work are amazingly accomplished and all have an abiding interest in philosophy, literature, and wine. This combination of scholarship and passion makes for a fascinating, illuminating, and highly entertaining work.”

Larry Stone, Master Sommelier

"It has some of the best, thoughtful essays about wine and health, winemaking, wine appreciation, wine jargon and wine writers...a very smart book about wine."

InsideBayArea.com

“A truly well rounded view…and a critical reflection on what and how we eat can contribute to a robust enjoyment of gastronomic pleasures.”

Gourmet Retailer

“A rare treat. These grape-stained craftsmen dive into their subjects with Socratic gusto. Nuggets of wit … throughout.” Wine Enthusiast

The Greek word sympoteinmeans literally “to drink together.” In the era of Socrates and Plato, the symposium was a central part of Greek culture: a gathering where men consumed wine freely and debated the issues of the day.

Philosophers, wine critics, and winemakers share their passion for wine through well-crafted essays that explore wine’s deeper meaning, nature, and significance. Wine & Philosophy offers a playfully fresh, insightful – and, at times, controversial – perspective on the philosophical dimensions of wine and wine appreciation.

Joining Beer & Philosophyand Food & Philosophyin the “Epicurean Trilogy,” the essays herein celebrate the ongoing relationship between wine and philosophical reflection, discussion, and debate.

Fritz Allhoff, PhD, is an assistant professor of philosophy at Western Michigan University. He is the co-editor of Food & Philosophy(with Dave Monroe, Blackwell, 2008). He enjoys, especially, Napa and Russian River wines as well as wine travel around the world.