Steven Spurrier: A Life in Wine

Steven Spurrier, a 13-year-old boy, was handed a glass of Cockburn 1908 vintage port by his grandfather, and he knew he would make wine his career. He traveled Europe, worked the vintage in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, and set up shop in Paris to sell wine to the French. In 1976, he masterminds the 'Judgement of Paris,' the France v California blind tasting that changed the wine world forever. This memoir looks back on his life, charting the incidents, adventures, ideas, and discoveries that formed his wine journey.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: ACADEMIE DU VIN LIBRARY LIMITED

The moment Steven Spurrier, at the age of 13, received a glass of Cockburn 1908 vintage port from his grandfather, he knew that his life would be dedicated to the world of wine. Fueled by his passion, he embarked on a European journey in his red sports car, equipped with a compact wine fridge in the boot. He worked the vintage in renowned wine regions such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge. His first remarkable move was to establish a wine shop in the heart of Paris, a daring venture for an Englishman in the city of wine. Despite the doubts, his plan succeeded, and he began selling wine to the French.

Steven's wine adventures continued to unfold. In 1976, he orchestrated the legendary "Judgement of Paris," a blind tasting that pitted French wines against California wines. This historic event revolutionized the wine world, challenging preconceived notions and elevating the status of California wines.

This memoir takes readers on a journey through Steven's life, recounting the incidents, adventures, ideas, and discoveries that shaped his wine journey. It features tributes from renowned wine experts such as Hugh Johnson, Miguel Torres, Oz Clarke, Jancis Robinson MW, and Warren Winiarski, who have witnessed Steven's impact on the wine industry.

Through his unwavering dedication and passion, Steven Spurrier has become a legend in the world of wine. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of wine enthusiasts, and his story serves as a testament to the power of passion and determination in pursuing one's dreams.

Weight: 916g
Dimension: 178 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913141073