The Lost Vintage: A Novel

Kate is facing one of the hardest tests of her life: the practical exam for the Master of Wine certification, which she’s already failed twice. If she doesn’t pass this time, she’ll be banned from taking the exam again. Her mentor advises her to travel to France to dive deeper into her studies. Kate’s family has owned vineyards in the Burgundy region for generations, and she is a welcome guest in her cousin Nico’s house. Her plan is to help with the harvest and meet with winemakers and sommeliers–but instead, she immerses herself in a family mystery she discovers while cleaning out the cluttered basement with Nico’s wife, Heather. A previously unknown half-great-aunt, Helene, may have been a collaborator during World War II. How culpable are the family members in the present for the sins of the past? A secret trove of valuable wine hidden behind an armoire only adds to the intrigue.

Speculating about the past and stumbling on the occasional clue are the main drivers of the plot, but vibrant journal entries by Helene keep the story compelling. The love story that develops is expected but not unwelcome, and Kate’s realizations about the past and her family’s responsibilities toward it are moving. This is a worthwhile addition to any summer TBR list.