"The Influence of Wine on Society" explores the rich and multifaceted history of wine and its profound impact on diverse spheres of human life. From its role in ancient rituals and modern celebrations to its influence on economics and culture, this book details how wine has been a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and community throughout the centuries. With an in-depth look at its role in health, politics, and technology, this work invites the reader on an exciting journey through the history and culture of wine, revealing how a simple beverage can have such a broad and lasting impact on society.

"Kudos to Tyler Colman for this illuminating look at wine's fascinating backstory. This excellent overview of how important politics is to the taste of the wine in your glass is a new kind of wine book, essential for every wine lover's bookshelf."—Elin McCoy, author of The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr. and the Reign of American Taste "In shrewdly examining how politics influences the production, distribution, and consumption of wine on both sides of the Atlantic, Tyler Colman has written a much-needed and long-overdue book. Wine Politics won't necessarily make you a better taster, but it will unquestionably make you a more enlightened drinker."—Mike Steinberger, wine columnist for Slate magazine

This is the second edition of the definitive analysis of the international wine trade. This new edition focuses on individual trade flows across the major importing and exporting countries, examines the increasing role of food retailers in wine selling and looks for the future trends which will shape the industry in the new millennium.The book begins by examining technical factors in the wine trade giving rise to differences in pricing and considers how wines' characteristics help to position the final products. It shows how trends in consumption are changing in different ways in the traditional and Anglo-Saxon markets and explains the effects of developments in international trade such as the role of trade barriers.The heart of the book profiles the ten major wine importing countries and considers: - Trends in the consumption of alcoholic drinks - Wine market and import patterns - The configuration of import and distribution channels - Each country's trade policy with detailed comparisons between themThe book then goes on to consider the wine trade from the exporters point of view and describes: - The challenge posed by New World producers to those based in Western Europe - The influence of the previously planned economies of the former Soviet bloc - The role of the EU and the likely effect of further European integration - The influence of tariff schedules and the GATT negotiationsThis edition will be essential reading for all wine trade professionals including: wine producers, importers and exporters, negocients, co-operatives and regional economic development agencies, and wine merchants and retailers.