Becky Sue Epstein

Wines with rich histories and complex flavors fill my latest book, STRONG, SWEET & DRY: A Guide To Vermouth, Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala...and the incredible Vin Doux Naturel wines of Roussillon, France. Mixologists are re-discovering these classic fortified wines and using them in cocktails around the world. When I looked into the histories of the wines, I was astounded to discover kingdoms and battles, personalities ranging from a medieval doctor to modern British merchants -- and even politics and geography played parts in bringing these great wines to the world stage. Dip into this book and learn the best ways to drink the wines, where they come from and how they are made More amazing sipping-and-traveling went into BRANDY: A GLOBAL HISTORY. From Cognac and Armagnac in France to Jerez, Spain to Armenia and Georgia -- really! Then home for more research and writing, and sipping of course. The book is published in the fall, a great time to get started on your own brandy research... CHAMPAGNE: A GLOBAL HISTORY. Wow, was that research tough. I had to sample all the sparkling wines in the world. (I wish!) Prosecco, Cava, Cap Classique too. Being a bit geeky, I loved the historical research, too. The hardest part about writing the book was packing it all in to this tiny tome -- with pictures! SUBSTITUTING INGREDIENTS: major updates continue. In a way, I'm not surprised that this classic reference continues to be popular because I use it myself all the time! One of the reasons I wrote it is because I couldn't remember all this stuff when I'm cooking and baking, and I wanted to have it all in one place. Discoveries amongst the avid community of lighthouse supporters continues. Now, we're in process of updating THE AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSE COOKBOOK. Lighthouse fans continue to amaze me with their devotion to preservation, lore, and all things lighthouse. Is it possible that, after decades of writing about wines & spirits, I'm figuring out the world of cozy mysteries? Stay tuned... twitter @BeckySueEpstein website BeckySueEpstein.com