Thirty-four were in attendance last Thursday for our Read Between the Wines event at Sacred Grounds, sponsored by Happy Trails Liquor. Everyone loved trying new wines (or sparkling waters) and talking about what else than books!
Here are the pairings that were presented:
Book & Wine Pairings
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Paired with: Cali Gold Champagne
Set in the 1960s, this sharp, witty novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist turned unlikely television cooking star, who challenges societal expectations—one explosive experiment at a time.
Why champagne? Like Elizabeth, champagne is bold, effervescent, and just a touch rebellious. It’s the perfect celebratory pairing for a woman who stirs the pot (in the lab and on screen) with elegance and flair.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Paired with: Flip Flop Moscato
This tender tale centers on a grieving widow and a surprisingly wise Pacific octopus who helps her uncover long-buried family secrets.
Why moscato? Crisp yet sweet, moscato evokes the coastal waters of the novel’s setting and reflects its themes of renewal, mystery, and unexpected connection.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Paired with: Ménage à Trois Pinot Noir
Between life and death, Nora discovers a magical library filled with books that reveal the infinite possibilities of what her life could have been.
Why pinot noir? Elegant and moody, pinot noir mirrors the novel’s introspective tone and emotional depth. It invites reflection—just like the alternate lives Nora explores.
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Paired with: Sweet Bitch Rosé
Told in an oral history format, this addictive novel captures the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, full of passion, heartbreak, and music.
Why rosé? Fun, flirtatious, and a little wild—rosé is Daisy in a glass. With its rock-and-roll spirit and summery vibe, it’s the perfect sip for a glamorous and raw backstage story.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Paired with: Stella Rosa Pineapple Chili Wine
A contemporary rom-com featuring a fake-dating setup between a PhD candidate and a brooding professor. It's equal parts academic and adorable.
Why pineapple chili wine? Sweet with a touch of heat, this quirky tropical wine is as refreshing and surprising as the book’s heroine—perfect for a romance that’s intellectually charged and irresistibly fun.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Paired with: Sutter Home Zinfandel
A modern Appalachian retelling of David Copperfield, this powerful novel follows a boy’s journey through poverty, addiction, and resilience in rural southern Virginia.
Why zinfandel? Rugged, earthy, and bold, zinfandel reflects the grit and complexity of the story. With dark fruit and spice notes, it’s a wine as layered and lasting as the novel itself.
Stay tuned in the comments for our excellent pairing lists.
Should we do more events like this in the future? Leave your feedback here!