Bianca Bosker, an award-winning journalist and author who has written for outlets such as the Huffington Post and The Atlantic, embarked on a journey to learn about wine – specifically, how to drink it and appreciate it. To do this, she enlisted the help of some of the most obsessive sommeliers, big bottle hunters, and rogue scientists in the country. This book tells her story: from enrolling in (and dropping out of) a prestigious enology school to working at America’s first natural winery; from spending weeks devising ways to get into exclusive tastings dominated by intimidating white men with beards to becoming one herself; from developing relationships with vintners who opened up their cellars only after hours or let her borrow troves of grapes so that she could make wine in her Brooklyn kitchen. Along the way Bosker also uncovered surprising truths about our evolving relationship with taste. She learned that what we want from wine today is very different than what we wanted even ten years ago – perhaps because our palates have changed along with everything else about us . In Cork Dork Bianca Bosker offers readers an entertaining insider’s view into worlds normally hidden behind closed doors while simultaneously exploring larger questions about where our taste comes from, how it evolves over time, and the role that experts play in shaping it.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to know more about wine, from the casual drinker to those looking to become experts. Bianca Bosker provides both an entertaining and informative look into the worlds of sommeliers, big bottle hunters, and rogue scientists all while exploring larger questions about taste.
Pros :
- The author has a great writing style that is both entertaining and informative.
- The book provides interesting insights into the world of wine appreciation and offers an insiders view into worlds normally hidden behind closed doors.
- The books explores larger questions about where our taste comes from, how it evolves over time, and the role that experts play in shaping it.
Cons :
- It may be hard to follow if you’re not interested in wine.
- The author can come across as snobby and elitist at times.
- It’s quite long, so might not be ideal for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to read.
Learn more about the author
Bianca Bosker is an award-winning journalist and author who has written for outlets such as the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, and Slate. She’s a former senior technology editor at Quartz and was formerly the executive editor of GOOD Magazine.
Reader Reviews
“Cork Dork is an amazing book. Not only does Bosker have the unique talents of being both a wordsmith and storyteller, but she has also created one of the most comprehensive wine narratives I’ve ever read. This isn’t simply a wine memoir; it’s also a look at history, science, sociology, and more – all told through the lens of someone passionate about wine.”
“If you’re even remotely interested in wine, this book is a must read. Bianca Bosker takes us on an amazing journey, delving into the obsessive minds of some of America’s top sommeliers and winemakers. Along the way she illuminates some surprising truths about our evolving relationship with taste.”
“An informative, witty account of one woman’s journey from wine neophyte to connoisseur…A great read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often mysterious world of wine.”
“A funny, thoughtful and compulsively readable account of one woman’s journey from wine neophyte to – well, something a little more complex. Bosker is an engaging guide through the thickets of geekdom and obsession with which so many of us love to surround ourselves.”
