The Story of People & Places Behind the Bottle

Often, when visiting a restaurant or wine shop, we select a wine, enjoy it, and move on. However, each bottle has a rich history of wine waiting to be discovered. With the internet at our fingertips, we can easily learn more wine stories about the wine we’re drinking. Start by examining the label’s details: the region, the family who made it, and suggested food pairings. The wine labels offer clues to the wine’s origin and story. We can also read up on wine tech sheets or wine spec sheets. Read more to explore the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and history behind your favorite wines with Anne Kjellgren, your Wine PhD.

The Back of the Bottle: More Than Just Legal Text

Have you ever noticed that while we often choose wine based on its appealing front label, the real story might be hidden on the “back” of the bottle?
Traditionally, the back label contains the legally required information—a small white label in 10-point font listing details like the wine’s region of origin, alcohol percentage (usually around 14%), and a note on sulfites. Yet, the side adorned with the artwork and the producer’s name—which we often call the “front”—is actually just as crucial. It’s this artwork that forms our first impression and creates that initial connection.

With today’s technology, you can take a moment to look up your wine online. Just type in the producer’s name, a variety like “Louis Jadot Pinot Noir,” and even add “tech sheet PDF” to find detailed production notes. This trivia isn’t just fun—it opens the door to understanding the wine’s journey from vine to bottle.

A Journey Through Time: Wine’s Rich Heritage in France

To truly appreciate a wine’s story, we must look back to its roots. Wine history is inseparable from the heritage of France—the country that began documenting vinification practices around 500 AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, when supply chain challenges meant that red wine was scarce, the Romans discovered that adding wine to water helped purify it. This simple yet ingenious solution not only aided travel but also laid the foundation for wine’s role in daily life.

As Rome crumbled, France entered the Dark Ages, creating a power vacuum in wine production. The church stepped in to fill this gap by using wine for sacraments and everyday sustenance. They established monasteries approximately every 10 miles (the distance between villages) to ensure communities had access to this vital resource. Monks, who were among the few literate individuals of the time, began documenting and experimenting with different grape varieties, vegetables, and herbs. Their meticulous records and passion for innovation are the bedrock upon which centuries of winemaking excellence have been built.

Appreciating Craftsmanship and Tradition

Whether you’re enjoying an Old World wine with deep-rooted traditions or a New World wine full of fresh innovation, there’s a story behind every bottle. Consider the legacy of vineyards that have been family-run for generations—sometimes spanning 16 generations on the same plot of land. Each bottle encapsulates the labor, experimentation, and passion of countless individuals who came before.

Take a moment next time you enjoy a glass. Reflect on the winemaker, the vineyard, and even the weather of that particular season—yes, wines often do better when they’re a bit stressed! Even whimsical tales add to the magic; for example, I recently consulted for a wine club where a vineyard, affectionately known as “Game Trail,” was named after the owner’s adventurous hunting trips in the Californian mountains. These stories enrich our experience and deepen our connection to the wine.

This Week: Discovering Right Bank Bordeaux Stories

Pomerol vineyard and village

As we explore Right Bank Bordeaux this week—wines from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion—take a moment to research the stories behind these bottles. Many Right Bank estates are small, family-owned properties that have been passed down through generations, sometimes for centuries.

Château Pétrus – legendary Right Bank Bordeaux winery

For example, Château Pétrus in Pomerol is only about 28 acres (tiny by Bordeaux standards!) and produces one of the world’s most sought-after wines. The Moueix family has stewarded this vineyard for decades, meticulously hand-harvesting Merlot grapes from iron-rich clay soils that create wines of extraordinary concentration and elegance. Every decision—from vineyard management to harvest timing to barrel selection—reflects generations of accumulated wisdom.

When you enjoy a Right Bank wine this week—whether it’s a $30 Lalande-de-Pomerol or a splurge-worthy Saint-Émilion Grand Cru—look up the château online. Read about:

• The family who makes it
• The terroir and specific vineyard location
• The winemaking philosophy (traditional vs. modern)
• The history of the estate

This practice transforms your glass of wine from a beverage into a connection with place, people, and tradition. You’re not just drinking—you’re participating in a story that spans generations.

Deepen Your Wine Knowledge with Structured Education

If you’re loving this journey into wine’s stories, people, and places, you’ll love Wine PhD: Essentials—my comprehensive wine fundamentals course launching this week (doors open Monday, January 19!).

In Wine PhD, we dive deep into:

• Understanding terroir and how place shapes wine
• Reading wine labels like a professional
• Climate and regional differences (Old World vs. New World philosophies)
• The history and culture behind major wine regions
• How to research and appreciate wine beyond just tasting

Wine PhD isn’t just about facts—it’s about building a complete framework for understanding, appreciating, and confidently engaging with wine anywhere in the world.

Doors open Monday, January 19 at 10:00 AM. Cart closes Friday, January 23 at 11:59 PM.

Limited enrollment

Join the Conversation: Share Your Mindful Wine Moments

This series is all about embracing mindfulness and intentionality in our wine experiences. I invite you to join the conversation—share your mindful wine moments and takeaways in our free community, “Expand Your Palate: One Sip at a Time”, or on social media using #MindfulWithWine.

This week, as you explore Right Bank Bordeaux, share:

• The story behind a wine you discovered
• An interesting fact from a tech sheet or château website
• A connection you made between the wine and its terroir
• Your favorite wine label or bottle design
• How learning the story changed your tasting experience

Every shared moment helps us all appreciate the artistry, history, and human connection behind each bottle. Wine is never just wine—it’s culture, craft, and community.