The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel + Champagne!

When I got the opportunity to read The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel, I knew it was a book for which I could make time. Her subject matter—French vineyards and winemakers during World War II—is one that I share in my own body of work, having written a novel about the same time period based in the south of France.

Harmel has chosen Champagne 1940 as her setting, and she balances methods and tradition with the constantly changing face of family life and relationships. She moves the story into a modern dimension through the voice of a new generation poised to discover the past from 2019 New York. Her writing hits a satisfying point between researched accuracy and the touch of the human experience.

According to Harmel’s website: “Her latest novel, The Winemaker’s Wife, a World War II tale of love, family, and betrayal set in the rolling vineyards of Champagne, France, is out now from Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster. Her previous novels, The Room on Rue Amelie, The Sweetness of Forgetting, The Life Intended, and When We Meet Again–all international bestsellers–are also available wherever books are sold.”

Reading Resources

Working with the Classics: Advice from Women in Champagne 

A Closer Look at Grower Champagne with Champagne André Jacquart

‘The Lay Of The Land’: Champagne Palmer’s Sustainable New Facility

How To Translate Champagne Label Details

Wine Stories: Bernard de Nonancourt of Champagne Laurent-Perrier

Champagne and Burgundy Vineyards Granted UNESCO Heritage Status

How to Serve Champagne

Photo: Courtesy Besserat de Bellefon

Champagne Bottles to Try

Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Bleu Brut (~$56)

Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Triple B Brut Nature 2015 (~$43)

Champagne Bruno Paillard Rosé Première Cuvée ($60)

Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier ($55)

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Harmony Demi-Sec (~$50)

Leclerc Briant Champagne Brut Réserve ($74)

 

The book and wine were provided as media samples, but all opinions are my own and no compensation was made for this commentary.