David White is one of the world’s leading wine writers. A contributor to Grape Collective, David is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, an award winning wine blog. His writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including The World of Fine Wine, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and Punch. He has appeared on a number of TV and radio programs, including NPR’s All Things Considered. His first book, But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine, will be published in October.
Knowledgeable wine enthusiasts have always revered Champagne. But historically, most consumers kept champagne way back on the high shelf, reserving it for send-offs and wedding toasts. Today, though, Champagne is in the midst of a renaissance. And consumers everywhere are finally paying attention.
In But First, Champagne, David White details Champagne’s history along with that of its wines, explains how and why the market is changing, and profiles the region’s leading producers. This book is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, and foodies.
“Smart, entertaining, and valuable… one of those rare wine books that should appeal to people just getting into Champagne and longtime Champagne obsessives.”
—From the foreword by Ray Isle of Food & Wine
“A gratifying read. The book is not pretentious in any sort of way.”
—Grape Collective
“[White] has done a very, very good job of laying out the current state of Champagne in the context of the world wine marketplace. There’s a lot to like in But First, Champagne, not the least of which is the fact that both newbies and jaded connoisseurs alike can find ample merit within its pages.”
—1 Wine Dude
“[A} sleek effort… It covers Champagne 101 deftly and in detail, mostly because White made the effort to capture Champagne as it exists in 2016—a region in revolution against its old ways. He does the service of acknowledging how grower Champagnes transformed the market, then goes beyond that, summarizing in simple, clear terms why Champagnes today are so different from the wines of the past and demonstrating it through a savvy, contemporary selection of featured producers.”
—PUNCH
EVENTS
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October 14, 2016 – New York, NY – Chambers Street Wines (Book Signing)
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October 15, 2016 – New York, NY – Flatiron Wines (Book Signing)
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October 15, 2016 – New York, NY – Marta (Champagne Dinner)
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October 18, 2016 – Washington, DC – Weygandt Wines (Book Signing)
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October 18, 2016 – Washington, DC – Ripple (Wine Dinner)
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October 28, 2016 – Chicago, IL – Binny’s Lincoln Park (Book Signing)
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November 1, 2016 – San Francisco, CA – Park Tavern (Champagne Dinner)
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November 2, 2016 – Napa, CA – Cadet Wine & Beer (Slinging Champagne)
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November 4, 2016 – San Francisco, CA – Flatiron Wines (Book Signing)
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November 4, 2016 – San Francisco, CA – 18 Reasons (Champagne Dinner)
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November 5, 2016 – San Francisco, CA – Arlequin Wine Merchant (Book Signing)
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November 9, 2016 – Washington, DC – DAR O’Byrne Gallery (Champagne Week Book Signing)
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November 10, 2016 – Peapack, NJ – Natirar (Wine Dinner)
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November 12, 2016 – New York, NY – Back Label (NYC Champagne Week)
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December 3, 2016 – Boston, MA – Gordon’s Wine – Downtown Crossing (Book Signing)
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December 5, 2016 – Boston, MA – Island Creek Oyster Bar (Wine Dinner)
The keynote speaker at the 2011 Nederburg Rare South African Wine Auction, David speaks regularly at wine events across the world. Contact David via email to inquire about bookings. His literary interests are represented by Javelin.
Selected Articles
Fake Wines Take a Toll on Everyday Consumers
Grape Collective, December 8, 2015
Stony Hill Proves That in California, What Is Old Is New Again
Grape Collective, September 15, 2015
The Terroirist Manifesto of Anselme Selosse
Grape Collective, August 19, 2015
Didier Gimonnet: Maintaining Tradition in Champagne
Grape Collective, August 5, 2015
Rest Easy Wine Lovers, Perception is Easily Fooled
Grape Collective, March 17, 2015
(Click here to read all David’s Grape Collective columns.)
Kermit Lynch’s Journey of Wine Discovery
Palate Press, November 13, 2013
A Consumer Revolution in Wine
Palate Press, October 30, 2013
Toss Those Tasting Notes
Palate Press, October 15, 2013
(Click here to read all David’s Palate Press columns.)
Wholesale Robbery in Liquor Sales
New York Times, April 3, 2011
In Maryland, Blocking Wine Sales Competition
Washington Post, February 6, 2011