Wine and Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking and Drinking

The Greek word sympotein means literally “to drink together.” In the era of Socrates and Plato, the symposium was a central part of Greek culture: a gathering where men consumed wine freely and debated the issues of the day. Philosophers, wine critics, and winemakers share their passion for wine through well–crafted essays that explore wine’s deeper meaning, nature, and significance. Wine & Philosophy offers a playfully fresh, insightful – and, at times, controversial – perspective on the philosophical dimensions of wine and wine appreciation. Joining Beer & Philosophy and Food & Philosophy in the “Epicurean Trilogy,” the essays herein celebrate the ongoing relationship between wine and philosophical reflection, discussion, and debate.

Foreword. Acknowledgments. Notes on Contributors. Introduction: Planting the Vines: Fritz Allhoff. The Art & Culture of Wine. 1. Wine in Ancient Greece: Some Platonist Ponderings: Harold Tarrant. 2. On and Off The Wagon: Wine and the American Character: Jonathan Alsop. 3. Muse in a Stem Glass: Art, Wine, and Philosophy: Kirsten Shilakes. 4. In Vino Sanitas: Fred Paola. Tasting & Talking about Wine. 5. Mmmm… not Aha!: Imaginative versus Analytical Experiences of Wines: John Dilworth. 6. Talk about Wine?: Kent Bach. 7. Winespeak or Critical Communication?: Why People Talk About Wine: Adrienne and Keith Lehrer. Wine & Its Critics. 8. What the Wine Critic Tells Us: Jack Bender. 9. Experiencing Wine: Why Critics Mess Up (Some of the Time): Jamie Goode. The Beauty of Wine. 10. You′ll Never Drink Alone: Wine Tasting and Aesthetic Practice: Ole Martin Skilleas and Douglas Burnham. 11. Who Cares if You Like It, This is a Good Wine Regardless: George Gale. 12. Listening to the Wine Consumer: The Art of Drinking: Steve Charters. The Metaphysics of Wine. 13. Is There Coffee or Blackberry in My Wine?: Kevin Sweeney. 14. The Soul of Wine: Digging for Meaning: Randall Grahm. 15. The Notion of Terroir: Matt Kramer. The Politics & Economics of Wine. 16. Wine Tasting Epiphany: An Analysis of the 1976 California vs. France Tasting: Orley Ashenfelter, Richard Quandt and George Taber. 17. The Old World and the New: Worlds Apart?: Warren Winiarski. 18. Taste How Expensive This Is: A Problem of Wine and Rationality: Justin Weinberg. 19. Shipping across State Lines: Wine and the Law: Drew Massey. Index

Fritz Allhoff , PhD, is an assistant professor of philosophy at Western Michigan University. He is the co–editor of Food & Philosophy (with Dave Monroe, Blackwell, 2008). He enjoys, especially, Napa and Russian River wines as well as wine travel around the world.

"The complexity and subtlety of the distinctions made by master tasters is quite astonishing, and is all the more interesting when comparing notes with others." (Network Review, 1 June 2011) "It turns out that not only have reputable psychologists at well–respected institutions done experimental studies on this effect, but it also serves as a kind of foul point for various philosophical questions. The works set out to address the intersection between philosophy and areas of everyday general concern: food, wine, and beer. In addition to straightforward philosophical discussions, the volumes include historical discussions, legal questions, some personal reflections.” ( Gastronomica , Fall 2008) "It has some of the best, thoughtful essays about wine and health, winemaking, wine appreciation, wine jargon and wine writers...a very smart book about wine." ( InsideBayArea.com ) “A truly well rounded view…and a critical reflection on what and how we eat can contribute to a robust enjoyment of gastronomic pleasures.” ( Gourmet Retailer ) “A rare treat. These grape–stained craftsmen dive into their subjects with Socratic gusto. Nuggets of wit … throughout.” ( Wine Enthusiast )