A fascinating and comprehensive introduction to the geography, culture, and history of wine that identifies the significance of this simple beverage throughout human history and today.• Uses a geographic perspective to examine the wide diversity of significant characteristics of grape varieties, growing conditions, and winemaking techniques• Describes the diffusion of wine culture from the Caucasus foothills to the rest of the world• Traces the transformation of wine (and alcohol in general) from being an essential "food item" widely consumed by the masses to being considered a scourge on society to being revered as a cultured commodity• Includes unique tables that simplify comparisons of wines between regions• Covers the breadth of wine geography to not only educate readers about world geography but also to provide information that can serve as an important topic in social and business settings