
This blog is my wine journal, as a wine publicist, since the day I started it on December 29, 2005. There are very rare occasions, when I segue to something that doesn’t fit the above profile. This is one of those times.
I’ve reviewed a few wine books in my wine time. For instance… I’ve finished Cork Dork, by Bianca Bosker, and still need to write my review. (Loved it!)
To read, in this order, coming up:
- Pinot, Pasta, And Parties, by Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee Sorvino
- Rosé Wine, by Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW
- W(h)ine ~ 50 Pervfect Wines to Pair with Your Child’s ROTTEN Behavior, by Jennifer Todryk
Today’s exception – my line is, “My blog is my journal as a wine publicist, to I don’t publish what I haven’t personally experienced in one form or another – is from an Email that I got from author and wine historian James Gabler. He’s suggesting three great summer reads that are all written by him, about Thomas Jefferson, America’s First Wine and Food Connoisseur. They’re also all available at amazon.com and book stores, so, they’re easy to find. I would actually find any one of these books fascinating, so I feel comfortable recommending them. And, he’s got creds.

Jim Gabler is a graduate of Washington & Lee University with degrees in economics and law. He served as a finance officer in the U.S. Army. He practiced as a civil trial lawyer for both the defense and plaintiff. He lives in Palm Beach with his wife.
Good enough for me, and probably for some of you, too
Dine with Thomas Jefferson and Fascinating Guests: an account of 25 fact-based dinners at Monticello, the White House, Paris, Philadelphia, and the French wine country. The dinners center on four of Jefferson’s passions: wine, food, conversation, and travel. The guests are a who’s who of famous people of the time. A perfect companion for those who appreciate wine, food, travel, interesting conversation, and the camaraderie of fascinating people. $25, Amazon’s Direct link.

An Evening with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson: Dinner, Wine, and Conversation. Travel back in time to 18th century Paris and spend an evening with two of the most extraordinary men in history who loved wine and food and changed the world for the better. In the comfort of Jefferson’s residence, join Franklin and Jefferson for dinner, and in response to your questions they tell in their own words the most interesting stories of their lives. “A brilliant roman à clef around the lives and travels of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin,” Robert M. Parker, Jr, Amazon’s Direct Link print $18, e-book $9.99.

Passions: The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson: “Brilliant”…”Magnificent”… “Remarkable”… “Exciting”… “Superb”… Winner of the 1995 “Veuve Clicquot Wine Book of the Year,” and a Robert M. Parker, Jr. “Wine Book of the Year” selection. “With the touch of an artist, Jim Gabler brings to life Jefferson’s passion for wine.” The definitive work on Jefferson and wine. $25, Amazon’s Direct Link

How To Be A Wine Expert, A Beginner’s Guide, 3rd edition, $15, amazon.com, makes learning about wine fun and easy with an emphasis on the three keys to wine appreciation: color, bouquet and taste. The essentials of more than 100 of the world’s best wine varietals are covered including:
Color, Bouquet, and Taste Phonetic Pronunciations
Best Wineries and Producers Best Food Pairings
Ideal Serving Temperatures Drink the Great & Good Years
Questions & Answers Value for Money Wines Under $10-$20
About James Gabler
Jim Gabler is a graduate of Washington & Lee University with degrees in economics and law. He served as a finance officer in the U.S. Army. He practiced as a civil trial lawyer for both the defense and plaintiff. He lives in Palm Beach with his wife.
Jim’s passion is wine and includes travels to vineyard regions throughout the world, collecting wines and wine books, and writing about wine. His most recent book is How To Be A Wine Expert, A Beginner’s Guide, 3rd edition. His other books are te following:
- Passions: The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson, winner of the 1995 “Veuve Clicquot Wine Book of the Year,” and a Robert M. Parker, Jr. “Wine Book of the Year” selection.
- An Evening with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson: Dinner, Wine, and Conversation, Dine with Thomas Jefferson and Fascinating Guests
- Wine into Words: A History and Bibliography of Wine Books in the English Language
- two novels
- The Secret Formula
- God’s Devil
- two stage plays
- Franklin & Jefferson: Sex, Politics, and the American Revolution
- Benjamin Franklin’s Farewell Paris Dinner.
Jim’s been a guest speaker on Thomas Jefferson and wine, at hundreds of institutions, organizations and clubs throughout the United States.
Thanks, Jim, for giving me such great content. As a publicist, I know how hard it is to get publicity; you deserve a spotlight today!
Jim,
What is the name of the river cruise company you will be tracing Jeffersons trip down the Rhone?
For anyone interested in James Gabler cruises: The cruise company is Chamber Discoveries 800-339-7781.
Mr. Gabler,
I hope this note reaches you. After almost 37 years I’m retiring from Foley & Lardner where you helped me get an interview after working with you at Smith, Somerville & Case after I helped type one of your books. I hope you are well and I wanted you to know that I had a great career at Foley and was promoted to a paralegal position. I still miss my SS&C friends, but keep in touch with many of them. How is Morgan? I have two children, Kris, who is 29, and Jordan, who is 24.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Sue (Strickland Butler)
Sue, I’ll connect you to James, via E-Mail.