Manifesto for an Inclusive Wine | Sandrine Goeyvaerts

"If you expect this book to be a light, entertaining read, look elsewhere (no, come back, we'll still have some laughs). Beware, it might sting: the world of wine is largely sexist, classist, racist, homophobic towards the LGBT community, and ableist. The good news is that we can try to understand what fuels these inequalities in order to address them. With insights from linguists, sociologists, anthropologists, as well as testimonials from wine professionals, enthusiasts, and amateurs, I have delved into its language, unraveled the complex and often twisted vocabulary of wine, dissected everything that hinders progress: misogyny, invisibility, harassment, glass ceiling, lack of legitimacy... The obstacles are numerous. In this manifesto, I therefore propose alternative ways of expressing oneself with a glass in hand, more respectful of the diversity of the wine world. Because language is a tool for empowerment and we have everything to gain by restoring meaning to the words sharing and conviviality."

Sandrine Goeyvaerts is a wine merchant in the region of Liège, a sommelier, journalist, and author. "Manifeste pour un vin inclusif" is her fifth book.