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Thought-provoking summer reads
Books that are doors to another world…
“Books and doors are the same thing. You open them and you go through to another world,” English author Jeanette Winterson is quoted as saying. This other world can simply be an escape from our daily reality but it can also be so much more enriching…
The best books can reveal new perspectives, hone our opinions and critical thinking and provide space for insight and hope. They can help us understand the increasingly complex world in which we live and perhaps even give us some pointers for the future. Winemakers, hoteliers, and other bright minds share the books that are providing them with ample food for thought…wherever you plan to be this summer.
Pedro Ribeiro recommends: ‘The Death of Expertise’ by Tom Nichols, Oxford University Press
"What is fact and what is fiction? Where does knowledge end and opinion begin? In his book, Tom Nichols describes how the rejection of expert knowledge harms our society and democracy. He argues that in an age of information overload, people have more trust in their own opinions – even if they are wrong – than in facts provided by experts. A must-read for understanding the dangers of anti-intellectualism and the importance of critical thinking in today's world."
With his partner Catarina Vieira, Pedro Ribeiro manages Rocim winery, which the power couple has developed into one of Portugal's most successful projects.
Clementine Perlitt recommends: ‘Centuries of Change’ by Ian Mortimer, Bodley Head
"A witty and inspiring journey through the European centuries and their defining upheavals. British historian Ian Mortimer excels at writing history in a bold and witty way. A book I enjoy listening to again and again. I play it while I am commuting in the car – it's a good remedy for frustration in traffic jams."
Clementine Perlitt is responsible for Marketing and Public Relations at sparkling wine producer VAUX in Eltville in Germany’s Rheingau.
Eva Moosbrugger recommends: ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin: A Novel’, by Giuliano da Empoli, translated by Willard Wood, Pushkin
"The book may be almost two years old, but it's more relevant than ever. The story about Putin's most important spin doctor is pure fiction, but it's so believable and exciting that I finished the book in one sitting. It's like something from real (Russian) life."
Eva Moosbrugger runs Schloss Gobelsburg winery in Austria’s Kamptal. She is also Secretary General of the International Wine Academy.
Eva Baratta recommends: ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ by Bernardine Evaristo, Hamish Hamilton
“Woman, Girl, Other is the masterpiece of a unique and unconventional talent. Evaristo is capable of taking you deep into the minds, hearts and fates of her female characters. A women’s celebration.”
Eva Baratta and her husband Javier Pedrazzini run Tenuta Monteti in Maremma in coastal Tuscany, which focuses on three Indicazione Geografica Tipica wines.
Paul Achs recommends: ‘Decisive Moments in History’ by Stefan Zweig, translated by Lowell A. Bangerter, Ariadne Press
“These are short stories that are easy to read even with interruptions. Some stories really get under your skin, others are more far-reaching, historically speaking. They have everything – they are moving, exciting and profound.”
Paul Achs has led his family’s historic estate in Gols, Burgenland since 1990, transforming it from a white wine producer into one of Austria’s most renowned red wineries.
Marco Simonit recommends: ‘Le voci del bosco’ by Mauro Corona (Italian language)
"Mauro Corona, an Italian writer, sculptor, and mountaineer, takes us by the hand and leads us on a walk through his woods, demonstrating that (like us) every tree has a physical structure and character. It reminds the reader that “you never have to look at the top of the mountain but at the metre of land that is in front of your nose. After that one comes another one, and another one.”
Marco Simonit is the co-founder of global pruning consultancy Simonit&Sirch, working in the vineyards of some of the world’s most renowned wineries.
Tina Netzl recommends: ‘Elefant’ by Martin Suter, translated by Jamie Bulloch, Fourth Estate
"A fairy tale for adults about a little pink elephant, who glows in the dark. He attracts both good and evil and changes the people around him in a miraculous way. Little miracles enchant life, and you're never too old for fairy tales – or are you? Even if they unfortunately don't end classically..."
Christina Netzl directs the award-winning Franz & Christine Netzl winery in Göttlesbrunn in Austria’s eastern wine region of Carnuntum. She also has her own line of natural wines.
