At Poupon’s Table

Peter Mayle’s A Good Year meets Sideways in the delightful debut novel from a James Beard Award-winning American wine merchant, the renowned Kermit Lynch.

Known as the man who introduced rosé to the US, legendary wine importer Kermit Lynch is as lauded for his writing as he is for his impeccable taste in wines of every variety and vintage. His thoughtful, witty notes on the subject led to the modern nonfiction classic Adventures on the Wine Route, which has been hailed as “one of the finest American books on wine” (The New York Times) and was recently celebrated with a twenty-fifth-anniversary edition.

In his debut novel, Lynch presents Kendrick Thomas, an easygoing American wine merchant happily residing in Provence. Ever eager to visit old friends and enjoy all the gastronomic pleasures available in France, he often finds himself on the doorstep of Henri Poupon. Built as ruggedly as a boxer, thick of finger and feature, Poupon is as physically untamed and earthy as his skill as a chef is delicate and exquisite.

In the vein of Peter Mayle, Kendrick and Poupon set off on a road trip: eating, bickering, laughing, and of course, sampling wine both good and bad. From troublesome business associates to Poupon’s shady ex-girlfriend to an appalling new cell tower tarnishing the local tranquility, At Poupon’s Table is a riotous jaunt through the French countryside that always circles back to food–and of course reds, whites, and everything in between.

“Kermit is a legend in the wine business, and in this book he offers us a peek into that secretive world. I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to learn the tricks of the trade. But more than that, this is an ode to a vanishing way of life, where every day is an opportunity to drink wonderful wine and eat beautiful food. The food and wine descriptions are so vivid you can savor every drop and taste every bite. I don’t think I’ll ever eat another hamburger without thinking about the one in this book.” –Ruth Reichl, New York Times-bestselling author of The Paris Novel

“The detailed depictions of wine, food, and landscapes evoke deep sensory pleasure . . . A fun, atmospheric novel.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Adventures on the Wine Route

“One of the finest American books on wine.” –Eric Asimov, The New York Times

“This book deserves to stay in print forever!” –Alice Waters

“One of the pleasantest and truest books I’ve ever read.” –MFK Fisher

“Kermit Lynch is certainly an expert, but his book . . . is also a great pleasure to read. I enjoyed it more than any other wine book I have read.” –Roald Dahl

“The best book I’ve ever read about wine. Kermit Lynch is as brilliant a writer as he is a taster, and his quest for authentic wine is more relevant than ever.” –Jay McInerney

“In Kermit Lynch’s small, true, delightful book there is more understanding about what wine really is than in everything else I have read.” –Victor Hazan