Wine People

Foodie and novelist Wildgen (Bread and Butter) provides a delectable glimpse into the business of wine import and distribution in her latest. Wren and Thessaly work at Lionel Garrett Wine Imports, two women at a high-end wine company staffed almost entirely by men. Thessaly grew up on a Sonoma vineyard, but she doubts her knowledge of wine and hopes to get more insight into the business. Wren is just trying to rise above her humble beginnings. Despite their differences, both women hold their own as they travel through Europe, tasting the finest wines and socializing with clients while they ply their wares. The wine industry is cutthroat, requiring them to navigate with outward confidence, even when they’re plagued by self-doubt and worry. When company head Lionel hints that he plans on stepping down, all of the employees vie to be his successor, no matter the cost. Actor, director, and narrator Christine Lakin provides a clean, even delivery, pleasantly differentiating among the characters. She captures the novel’s uplifting tone and will have listeners rooting for both women to land on their feet and accomplish their life’s dreams.