Jancis Robison: wine writing inspiration

“Wine is geography in a bottle..”

- Jancis Robinson

Robinson at home in 2010 (Pic: jancisrobinson.com)

When starting the blog I was looking for some writing inspiration. First name that comes to mind is Jancis Robinson. She is like going back to the routes, going back to school or to the compass you look for guidance; it is thinking about her maps, broad descriptions of geographies and long lists of facts. She has a way of describing wines that has left a mark in my perception, she describes wines as “geography in a bottle”. With this, she has been able to put in words the way I have always felt about wine and that is simply fantastic!

Jancis Robinson is the name in wine writing and critic in the world and her books and blog are a great inspiration and knowledge source for all of us, wine lovers!

She is a British writer and journalist, who has been writing about wine since mid ‘ 70s. Her first wine job was in the British magazine Wine & Spirit and hasn’t stopped since. She is a Master of Wine, has written books, had TV series of wines, travelled the world, won plenty awards and recognition and among other long list of merits, she is the advisor to wine cellar of the Queen Elisabeth. You may likely come across her writing in the Financial Times as she still has a weekly column or you may have studied some of her books if you are into wine studies.

Coming back to her idea of enjoying bottled geographies, I cannot help but referring you to her master work, “ The World Atlas of Wine”. Last year, together with her long-time co-writer Hugh Johnson, they published the 8th edition of it (1st edition appeared in 1971). I have recently bought a copy myself which I am still digesting. So far, I am fully drawn into the references of wine evolution in the different parts of the planet. It is a pleasure to discover how nature influences the different decisions and choices which end up forming our taste & love for wine. Take a look: watch video

Also last year, our loved store in Amsterdam was recommended in Jancis Robison’s Blog. Can you just imagine my surprise, my happiness of that heartwarming moment?

Let me share with you here the link to Jancis Robinson’s website. And if you fancy reading the article of “Amsterdam for wine lovers” here is it!

Thanks Sami-Jo Adelman for your contribution.

Cheers!