Book Review: Wine & War

Don & Petie Kladstrup 

 

Have you ever wondered what happens to wine production, stocks of back vintages and wine collections in war times? Have you ever thought about how cross border import/export business relationships survive can ever resume? This is a peek into how some of the families of wine fared during WWII throughout France following the intrigues, the horrors, the incredible spirit.

It was one of those books that was hard to put down. I loved the pace as it flowed through the stages of the war and then followed the home comings, the rebuilding and the sometimes slow return to production. It was fascinating to read how Hilter accumulated such a massive cellar under Eagle’s Nest and ploys the French used to hold on to at least some of their treasured wine while offloading some of their worst.

The authors, Don & Petie Kladstrup, have woven the recollections of these families together in such a way that you are captured from the first. It is a must read.  Like a good family saga, a historical drama, a cultural exchange with a smattering of wine education all rolled into one.

Available in hard cover, paperback & e-book. Check with your favourite bookseller.