Climbing the Vines in Burgundy: How an American Came to Own a Legendary Vineyard in France [Paperback]

Named one of theNew York TimesBest Wine Books of 2023
Named one of theWashington Post'sBest Wine Books of 2023

In the late 1980s, while working for his family's real estate and parking business in Washington, DC, Alex received a life-changing case of wine as a gift that uncorked a new opportunity. In 1993, he and his family moved to Burgundy, France. They were welcomed as the Gambals, not as interloping Americans, into a community of distinguished winemakers.

Over the next 26 years, Gambal straddled the Atlantic while creating Domaine Alex Gambal, a boutique Burgundy winery that included some of France's greatest vineyards. He produced 35 appellations, including Grand Cru Batard Montrachet. A hard-nosed-businessman in a community steeped in tradition, Gambal defeated the odds by buying some of the most coveted French vines and creating a successful brand.

His Americans sensibility gave him a special place in the hearts and minds of Burgundys vignerons.

Climbing the Vines in Burgundyis a sensory experience that you wont soon forget. Its also a touching family memoir and an accessible, incredibly detailed look at the worlds of gastronomy and oenology. Gambals book is populated with fascinating characters, stunning locales, and delectable depictions of meals and glass after glass after glass of wine.

In 1993, Alex left his family's parking business in DC to follow his passion for wine, moving to Beaune, France with his wife and two children. During his travails, he at once discovered and dispelled the romance of Burgundy. One half artist and dreamer, the other half father and practical entrepreneur, Alex's perspective is raw and captivating.Originally from the Washington, DC area,Alex Gambalmoved to France in 1993 and over the course of the next 26 years straddled the Atlantic while creating a boutique winery that included some of Burgundys greatest vineyardlË