The Vine Is The Artist But Also An Animal

Part sociology, part wine history, this new essay from writer and anthropologist Joel Hart examines the evolving relationship between artistry, craftsmanship and winemaking. Grounded in technicality, materiality, and ingenuity, winemaking is a process involving thousands of creative decisions. The best winemakers even seek to elicit emotional responses. Is wine, then, a form of art? While it is tempting to cast winemaking – and the key practices of English wine production – as artistry, The Vine Is The Artist But Also An Animal argues that its practice and conditions still stand apart and bear more similarity to master craftsmanship.

• Publication Date: June 2026
• ISBN: 978-1-0682641-1-5
• 36 Pages
• Paperback
• Edition of 600
• Enclosed in envelope

About the Author: Joel Hart is a London-based writer, anthropologist, and culture journalist focusing mainly on restaurants, wine, and artisanal drinks. His writing can be found in the Financial Times, New York Times, Bloomberg, The Telegraph, The Observer, The Times, Vogue, Vittles, Club Oenologique, Pellicle, Decanter, National Geographic, and other publications. Born in Manchester, he is now based in London, but can often be found roaming around the world in search of good things to scoff and tipple.

Shipping on June 2, 2026.