Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure

I had no idea how much the French suffered during World War II. I am jewish and have been well aware since childhood of the brutality imposed on jews during the war. I was not aware of the difficulties imposed by the occupying nazi forces on the local towns and villages of France. I was amazed at the bravery and ingenuity of the French winemakers who were able to preserve much of their beloved wines during times of extreme hardship.

Don and Petie Kladstrup take the reader on a fascinating journey through the French countryside during one of the most horrifying periods of world history. Their descriptions of the unbelievable acts of bravery that took place are gripping.

You don't need to be a wine expert like me to enjoy this book. If you like true stories about courage, adventure, and self-sacrifice, then you will enjoy reading Wine & War.

Mitch Paioff, Author, Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant

Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant

One of the best 'war' books I have ever read, as it is not about agression, but of collaboration and a love of something which bonds so many together. The repercussions of the strength of these wine families and communities is felt still today.

I have actually just started to re read this boook, and am fascinated again to read about Berchesgarten in the first few pages - a place I have seen, but at the time had NO idea what lay behind those walls. I love books which give you a new perspective on a well written about series of events.

A great book that is very entertaining in a serious way. If you like the history of Europe and of WWII and especially if you are a wine drinker and appreciator this book is for you. Get it here since the price is a lot less than at book stores.

Readers should take their cue from the length and title of this book. No book of this size can definitively cover the wine industry in France nor can it address at any length the effects of war on this country. This in not the intent of the authors though, who make it clear in the introduction that this book is instead a collection of stories that give insight into the effects that wars have had on the French people, their wine industry, and the ways some of those in the industry dealt with the German occupation.

For readers who have an interest in both viticulture and winemaking, Wine & War introduces an interesting perspective. Students of winemaking understand the importance of terroir, vineyard management, and enology techniques. How often however, have those of us fortunate enough not to have lived in a war torn country, had to think about bomb craters, poisons leaching into the soil from chemical shells, and no manpower to work the fields? The beginning of the book also briefly discusses previous wars and helps remind us that the seeds of World War II were sown by the Treaty of Versailles, negatively affecting the victors as well as the vanquished.

This book is interesting in that it explores a topic not previously covered. Don't make the mistake of expecting an in depth research piece, but rather think of it as an appetizer. Something to whet your appetite for explorations into meatier works or even as a guide to future travels in the French wine country. Wine & War personalizes the ongoing struggle of the growers and winemakers to produce the best wine possible under adverse conditions and helps the reader understand what an important economic resource wine is to France. Recommended to be read by the fireplace with a nice Bordeaux in hand.

Got wine?
If you do or don't, you'll love Wine and War. This book is a treasure and very good reading.