

Vignette: stories of life & wine with Jane Lopes
Books for Cooks
On Monday 28th October we're having drinks and a chat with author and sommelier Jane Lopes to celebrate the release of her book Vignette: stories of life & wine in 100 bottles.
We're quite excited about this as we think Vignette is THE drinks book of the year. Its a big and early call... after all we have the Christmas rush to come...but there it is - THE drinks book of the year
Jane is an American-born sommelier. She has worked at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, Nashville’s The Catbird Seat, and Chicago’s The Violet Hour, and she is currently the wine director at Melbourne's Attica, Australia’s most celebrated restaurant.
In September 2018, Jane passed the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, becoming the only woman in Australia to do so, and one of only 34 women in the world (and 274 people in total since the 1960s). In her words, Jane has finally put her University of Chicago literature degree to good use in writing her first book.
Whether you are a hospitality professional or an amateur consumer, Vignette is the one wine book you must read this year.
Too often drinks books are, ironically, just a little bit too dry. Long on facts and advice, short on personality. Reference books, rather than riveting and engaging stories.
Vignette however, has it all!
Authoritative yet accessible drinks advice; personal and engaging stories, surprise, intrigue and a lot of life lessons all wrapped up and presented to the reader like an intriguing glass of wine; slightly complex and delicious and leaving you wanting more. We've thoroughly enjoyed reading this (and drinking along with it...).
And its not just us singing her praises...
Seeing Jane in action in the dining rooms of Eleven Madison Park and Attica, it’s no wonder why she is a world-wide force through wine. She has an ease, yet grace about her. This is her super power – her ability to invite you in, to adore an unassuming bottle, a story, a history, a vine, a craft through the simple ease of a single sip or a smile. – Christina Tosi, chef, owner Milk Bar, author
Working with Jane in the dining room at Eleven Madison Park I got to see firsthand the incredible approach she took in talking with our guests about wine, almost tricking them into learning through her thoughtful and playful storytelling. In this exceptionally creative book, she does more of the same, bringing hospitality to the world of wine education by making it personal, fun and engaging to learn. – Will Guidara, Eleven Madison Park
Jane Lopes is as brilliant an author as she is a sommelier. Vignette is a rare work of impassioned storytelling, love, vulnerability and regeneration that will inform, engage and delight any student of wine at any point in her or his journey. It is also a newly seminal educational wine book and must-read for anyone either looking to impress friends at dinner parties or pass a notoriously difficult exam. – Jordan Salcito's, founder of Drink Ramona, sommelier
Jane has written the most honest and accurate books I have read on life, love, and alcohol. Essential reading for anyone who drinks to learn. – Jason Wise, writer and director of SOMM
I’m certain by reading this book you’ll learn to love wine – if you don’t love it already – in the same way that I did: from Jane. The future of wine is women. – Ben Shewry, Attica
In her brilliant, utterly personal book, Jane Lopes offers not only the knowledge of an expert sommelier, but also makes the reader realize wine that is a beautiful window to the world, inside and outside. – Pascaline Lepeltier, Master Sommelier, Best Sommelier of France, author and winemaker
Please join us for a glass of good wine as we chat about life, love, wine and Vignette with Jane Lopes on Monday 28th October - come and be seduced - you don't want to miss this!
FAQs
Can I buy/order a signed copy of Vignette?
Copies will be available for signing and purchase on the night - $40. If you can't attend we can organise to post signed copies to you. Postage (tracked & insured): Victoria $7.95; Australia wide $9.95; overseas we'll quote.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
If you have been to one of our events before, please note we have moved to the northern side of the Queen Victoria Market. Our new address is 115-121 Victoria Street (next to A Shed)
We recommend public transport.
The 19, 20, 57 (Elizabeth St)and 55 (William & Peel St) trams go past the Queen Victoria Market and run frequently. We are in the Free Tram Zone and are a short 50m walk from the Elizabeth St Queen Victoria Market stop and the Peel St Queen Victoria Market stop. Melbourne Central and Flagstaff railway stations are two blocks away.
If driving, there is plenty of metered parking on Queen St near the corner of Victoria St. There is also limited parking on Victoria Street outside the store.
Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Yes - to another person - just have them present your ticket on the evening.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are not refundable.
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