Empire of Vines

Empire of Vines explores the evolution of wine culture in America, tracing its growth from New York to the Midwest and ultimately to California. It highlights how various influential figures harnessed the myths surrounding American wine, such as the classical Bacchus and the ideals of terroir and pastoral republicanism, to support land claims and national expansion. The audiobook examines the interplay between nature and culture in 19th-century America, revealing how vineyards represented both a refined sophistication and a connection to authenticity.