A review by mindbloweress
I Drink Therefore I Am: A Philosopher's Guide to Wine by Roger Scruton

4.0

I surely disagree at many points with the author. I picked up this book for one reason - I was already acquainted with the philosopher and I have managed to grow a major dislike, even antipathy towards him, and I wanted to find out whether I was just biased or there was something to it. Yet after finishing the book I found myself liking the experience. I still think he is biased in many ways, especially when it comes to his attempts to link everything to christianity and its goodness and virtues. I had the impression he did not give Nietzsche a chance or that he simply does not want to understand him - and meanwhile he acknowledges the follies of Plato and tells us to appreciate him just for being and opening conversation, even without providing sound or realistic arguments. I do appreciate Plato but I find the constant allusions and references to him to be unoriginal. Also, I honestly did not enjoy the first part of the book, it felt sometimes like an unsolicited rant, other times, since I am not an expert in wine, I was lost in all those names, places, kinds of wine and such. Having said all that, the second part of the book about the actual philosophy of wine drinking I found very interesting. I was surprised, that he included so many not - Western thinkers. So, the conclusion? I think it is an ideal read for someone who is well orientated in wine and philosophy. I am so just in the latter, if it is the same for you, I would recommend just reading the second part of the book.