Working with Bacchus: Adventures of an Impassioned Scot in an Italian Vineyard

Colin Fraser, consultant in Rome, buys a derelict property in the hills outside Rome and plants a vineyard that he intends to produce fine wine from. It's Italy, it's easy you say? Except, Fraser is holding down a full-time job, knows little about viticulture, the area he bought his land in is known for terrible wine, it's too high, and the Italian regulations are too thick. That's what makes this story a wine adventure! I was inspired by Fraser's perseverance in learning through books and meeting with anyone who would talk with him. He educated himself as he proceeded to establish his vineyard and then his winery. The story is filled with wonderful cultural stories that bring texture to the Italian people. For those with a secret, or not so secret, desire to get away from it all and grow grapes and produce fine wine, this book is for you. Salute!

For those who dream of getting away from it all and starting a new life, here is an inspirational true story. If you love wine you will find it fascinating what goes into your favourite tipple. If you do not quite have the courage to start a new life then perhaps settle for reading this book.

Imagine an Italy loving Scot purchasing 18 acres in an unlikely location there and turning this into a vineyard producing fine wine. Fraser documents with great personal feeling the joys and trials he went through to accomplish this feat. His sympathy for Italy, all his Italian collaborators, and even for the Italian bureaucracy, are sensitively described. Not only a very amusing story, but also a textbook on viticulture and wine making.