Wine Conversations: Exploring Meaning, Mystery and Myth features 16 conversations with wine experts who bring insight and perspective to connoisseurs who already cherish wine and to those novices seeking to expand their wine journey.
Keith Herndon, a certified wine sommelier and certified wine educator, led the conversations over several months and compiled them into a collection he described as an intensely personal project. “I reconnected with my wine roots through this book and made new friends as well,” Herndon said.
The conversations include the proprietor of a winery where Herndon has been a member for over a decade and the owner of the shop where he hosts periodic wine tastings. Herndon also engaged with the makers of his favorite wines, the mentor who encouraged his formal training, an Atlanta sommelier recognized with the famous Michelin award, a Napa Valley grape-growing legend and several emerging superstars who have overcome many obstacles to achieve success in the challenging wine business. Readers will gain an appreciation for the special meaning wine contributes to life’s important moments while also discovering fascinating mysteries and learning that what we think we know about wine is often a myth.
Wine Conversations was produced by the team behind the award-winning podcast, Wines We Drink, a summer series Herndon created in 2021 along with co-host Charlotte Varnum. She served as the book’s editor. Wines We Drink won twice in the 2024 Taste Awards as the people’s choice for Best Food or Drink podcast and Best Lifestyle podcast.

KEITH
HERNDON
Dr. Keith Herndon is Professor of Practice in Journalism at the University of Georgia where he has developed and taught courses in food journalism. He holds the Morris Chair in News Strategy and Management and leads the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership. Herndon is a Certified Wine Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator through training with the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. He holds the American Wine Expert credential from the Napa Valley Wine Academy and is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist through the Wine Scholar Guild along with numerous other regional and industry certificates including a diploma from the Rioja Wine Academy. Herndon and Charlotte Varnum co-produce and co-host the “Wines We Drink” podcast, which will release its fifth season in summer 2025. The podcast won two audience choice categories in the 15th Annual Taste Awards: Best Lifestyle Podcast and Best Food or Drink Podcast. Herndon is also a guest sommelier at Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market and directs the wine club for residents of a local retirement community. He has served as a judge in the prestigious James Beard Awards for the past three years. Prior to teaching, Herndon’s media career spanned more than 35 years as a reporter, editor, media technologist and consultant. He earned his Ph.D. in media and information from Australia’s Curtin University and holds a master’s in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s in journalism from UGA.
It's a unique experience to know that something you've made has influenced somebody and created a cherished memory.”
Nicole Marchesi, Winemaker
Far Niente Winery
“To some extent, anybody can make wine, but there are so few who can sell wine.”
Phil Long, Founder
Longevity Wines
“The wine profession is indeed a complex profession. Wine educators can illuminate that complex world to the non-wine professionals by firstly making them aware it is complex, but explaining that it is very relatable to our lives present, past, and future.”
Clinton Lee, Founder and Executive Director
Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute