Μichael Sinowitz is a Professor in the Department of English at DePauw University in Indiana. His previous publications include Sex, Drugs and Bodies in Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin Novels (2014) and essays on Graham Greene, Angela Carter, Thomas Berger, and Elmore Leonard.

He has researched this book over the last 7 years, and spoken with many wine world luminaries, including Rajat Parr (Sandhi, Domaine de La Cote, Phelan Farms), Celia Welch (Corra, Scarecrow, Lindstrom, Keever), Steve Matthiasson (Matthiasson, Ashes and Diamonds), Ted Lemon (Littorai), Justin Smith (Saxum), Cathy Corison (Corison), Morgan Twain-Peterson (Bedrock), John Kongsgaard (Kongsgaard), Michael Browne (formerly Kosta Browne, now Chev and Cirq), Elizabeth Vianna (Chimney Rock), Josh Widaman (formerly Lewis Cellars, now Pine Ridge), Gideon Beinstock (Clos Saron), Hank Beckmeyer (LaClarine Farm), Abe Schoener (Scholium), Tegan Passalaqua (Turley, Sandlands), Hardy Wallace (formerly Dirty and Rowdy, now Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah!), Jared Brandt (Donkey and Goat), Chris Brockaway (Broc Cellars), Duncan Meyers and Nathan Roberts (Arnot-Roberts), Matthew Rorick (Forlorn Hope), Martha Stouman (eponymous), Dan Petroski (formerly Larkmead, now Massican). In addition, his research included interviewing Joshua Greene of Wine & Spirits Magazine, as well as participating in a blind tasting panel at the magazine’s offices.

Michael Sinowitz first discovered a passion for wine while attending graduate school in Miami, studying literary theory and Modernist literature, with breaks spent hanging out at a local wine shop, hoping for free samples and wine knowledge.  That interest has bloomed into a lifelong love, developed in many ways by frequent travel to California wine country, one of his favorite places.  He lives with his wife, son, two cats, and lots of bottles of wine in Greencastle, Indiana.