Divine Vintage: Following the Wine Trail from Genesis to the Modern Age
“Comes alive detailing the wine regions of Turkey, Jordan, Israel. It's a fine reminder that wine has endured in [the Middle East].”—The San Francisco Chronicle“The interplay of wine with the rise of civilization and humankind’s evolving spiritual life is fascinating.”—The Toronto Star“A wonderfully researched book.”—The San Francisco Chronicle"Titillating... Surprises for wine lovers."--The Washington Post“[The authors] meld history with exegesis to trace the origins of wine [and] skillfully enliven daily life in the distant past, whether detailing amphoras or wine gods—a worthy complement to literature on agriculture in antiquity.”—Kirkus Reviews“Fascinating…[The authors] decode hieroglyphics and biblical scholarship and explore ancient wine culture both medical and magical along with aspects directly related to trade and religion…The book’s latter half examines the current state of winemaking in those same, ancient and much-beleaguered regions today, providing tasting notes for such exotic bottlings as Turkish Fumé Blanc and Jordanian Viognier along with established producers like Lebanon’s Chateau Musar before turning to the not-entirely-ironic question: what would Jesus drink?”—Publishers Weekly"This might well be the best new wine book of the year. It is not about the 'New World' or 'Old World' but the 'Ancient World'. It delves into the area where wine culture was born and examines the recent quality revival in the historic but newly dynamic wine region of the Eastern Mediterranean. Thoroughly recommended."--Adam Montefiore, contributor toThe Jerusalem Postand Wine Development Director for Carmel Winery"If the Bible is the greatest story ever told, thenDivine Vintagemay be the greatest wine story ever told. It's absolutely brimful of incredible stories and biblical connections."—Doug Frost, master sommelier, master of wine, and author ofOn Wine"Have you ever wondered why wine is so central to our western religions and culture? Why Noah is portrayed as the ‘firstvigneron?’ Why Jesus’ first miracle was to convert water into a fine wine?  Beyond delving into the literary and archaeological record, this book entices us to re-examine our heritage with a modern liquid time-capsule in hand.  These are wines still made from ancient cultivars according to ancient methods in the countries where viniculture began."--Patrick McGovern, author ofAncient WineandUncorking the Past“Butler and Heskett have not only provided solid scholarship in this fresh approach to the Bible, but they exhibit a level of a wine knowledge far surpassing that of biblical experts.  Divine Vintage illuminates the social and spiritual roles of one of the world’s oldest beverages in a way that will captivate both scholars and laypersons.”--Peter Enns, author of The Evolution of Adam and Inspiration and Incarnation“Divine Vintageis a one-of-a-kind wine book. It offers not only a fascinating account of wine’s origins but also a truly authoritative guide to today’s wines that are made in the ancient lands where wine was born.”--Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW, co-author ofWine for Dummies “Randall Heskett and Joel Butler give a new flavor to reading the Bible, as well as intriguing commentary on the role of wine in social, economic, family, and spiritual life. Full to the brim with fascinating details that will captivate even the most educated oenophile, and all made spicy with wit and fun.  Questions like “which wines would Jesus drink?” keep this book from ever becoming dry.”--L. Ann Jervis, professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College