I first visited Burgundy and began drinking its wines with great pleasure in the early 1990’s. Since then Burgundy has seen enormous changes. New generations of winegrowers, organic and biodynamic vineyard methods, a warming climate, growing global demand, emerging technology and social media have reshaped the wines and perceptions of Burgundy. But for me as a die-hard lover of the wines, the people, the place, the most troubling change is the stereotyping of Burgundy wines as too complicated and expensive. “Burgundy Calling” will show a different, more nuanced reality while giving useful tips on buying delicious, quality wines at affordable prices.

The book tells stories of underappreciated vineyards, memorable restaurants, fun wine bars, and hardworking, smart winegrowers. It introduces the diverse personalities and places that make Burgundy so distinctive and worthwhile. Instead of focusing on rare, expensive wines, “Burgundy Calling” highlights the best of régionale wines that provide the broad foundation of Burgundy’s pyramid of vineyards. A dedicated, savvy grower with old vines in a régionale site can work magic even in difficult vintages.

The journey in “Burgundy Calling” begins in Paris before heading to Burgundy’s northernmost vineyards around the hills of  Joigny, Auxerre, Tonnerre, Chablis, and Vézelay. Then it’s on to visits with growers and vineyards in Dijon, the famed Côte d’Or, and the Hautes-Côtes. The journey continues in the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnaise before returning to northward for more fun in Paris.

Now for me, it’s back to work onto writing “Burgundy Calling.” Stay tuned for more news. Cheers!