Becky Sue Epstein’s Champagne: A Global History is a spirited and timely revision of her original work, offering a panoramic view of Champagne’s evolution—from sacred ritual to global icon. With the second edition, Epstein delves deeper into the rise of sparkling wine across continents, while reaffirming Champagne’s singular prestige as the drink of celebration, seduction, and ceremony.

The narrative opens with a reverent nod to Champagne’s monastic origins, then swiftly moves through centuries of innovation, myth-making, and marketing mastery. Epstein’s treatment of figures like Dom Pérignon, Madame Clicquot, and Louise Pommery is brisk yet evocative, capturing the alchemy of vision and terroir that shaped Champagne’s identity. These vignettes are not mere historical footnotes—they are the scaffolding of a cultural phenomenon.

What distinguishes this edition is its global curiosity and discussion of industry developments. Epstein explores the emergence of méthode traditionnelle wines from England, Italy, Spain, and beyond, acknowledging their craftsmanship while drawing a firm line around Champagne’s protected designation. Her discussion of climate change and shifting viticultural zones is particularly relevant, offering insight into how legacy and innovation now co-exist in the region.

For those of us who curate Champagne experiences, the book’s sensory passages are its most rewarding. Epstein writes with tactile precision about mousse, glassware, and the chromatic subtleties of rosé Champagne. Her commentary on bottle pressure and disgorgement is accessible yet technically sound, making it a useful reference for sommeliers, hosts, and storytellers alike.

The final chapters delve into Champagne’s role in contemporary culture, from celebrity collaborations to the rise of Champagne bars and experiential tastings. Epstein’s inclusion of cocktail recipes and pairing suggestions—though brief—adds a practical layer for hospitality professionals seeking to elevate their offerings. Her nod to sabrage and the Coravin Sparkling system reflects a modern sensibility, attuned to both tradition and innovation.

Visually, the book is enriched by archival illustrations and vintage advertisements that evoke Champagne’s layered identity: aristocratic yet democratic, timeless yet trend-aware. For readers seeking a deeper emotional resonance or terroir-driven storytelling, this book serves best as a primer—a well-researched foundation upon which more immersive narratives can be built.

In summary, Champagne: A Global History is a thoughtful companion for anyone working within the Champagne or sparkling wine space. It invites reflection, sparks conversation, and affirms what many of us already know: Champagne is not merely a drink—it is a language, a legacy, and a lens through which we celebrate life’s most luminous moments.