Book Review: Wine Girl by Victoria James

Book: 93/150

Rating: 4/5

Summary: At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country’s youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading about James’ journey to becoming a sommelier. The first third of the book is about her early life and upbringing; at first I wasn’t really interested in the personal stuff and wanted the book to solely focus on her career. But I ended up enjoying reading about her early life, especially her first job in a restaurant; what she learned and was able to carry with her throughout her career and the relationships she built.

As with any male dominated industry, there is some brutal sexism and assault that James’ unfortunately had experiences with. It was great to see that she is working to create opportunities for women and people of colour to work their way up in the restaurant industry.

The book isn’t exceptionally written, but having worked at a winery and an avid consumer of wine I really enjoyed learning more about wine and her journey in the restaurant industry – that’s why it gets 4 stars from me. Now, excuse me while I head to the LCBO and some local wineries to pick up some more vino!