Discovering the Magic of Fermentation in England, Italy, and France

by Katie Quinn
William Morrow Cookbooks, April 2021

‘Open-hearted and buoyant, the book weaves together her hands-on experiences in Europe and introduces us to a rich cast of people who make, sell and care about these traditions.’

Jenny Linford, author of The Missing Ingredient

Delicious staples of a great meal, bread, cheese, and wine develop their complex flavors through a process known as fermentation. Katie Quinn spent months as an apprentice with some of Europe’s most acclaimed experts to study the art and science of fermentation. Visiting grain fields, vineyards, and dairies, Katie brings the stories and science of these foods to the table, explains the process of each craft, and introduces the people behind them.

What will keep readers glued to the book like a suspense novel is Katie’s personal journey as an expat discovering herself abroad; Katie’s vulnerability will turn readers into fans, and they’ll finish the book feeling like they’re her best friends, trusted with her innermost revelations.

In England, Katie becomes a cheesemonger at Neal’s Yard Dairy, London’s preeminent cheese shop – the beginning of a journey that takes her from a goat farm in rural Somerset to a nationwide search for innovating dairy gurus. In Italy, Katie offers an inside look at Italian winemaking with the Comellis at their family-owned vineyard in Northeast Italy and witnesses the diversity of vintners as she makes her way around Italy.

In France, Katie meets the reigning queen of bread, Apollonia Poilâne of Paris’ famed Poilâne Bakery, apprentices at boulangeries in Paris learning the ins and outs of sourdough, and travels the country to uncover the present and future of French bread.

Part artisanal survey, part travelogue, and part cookbook, featuring watercolour illustrations and gorgeous photographs, Cheese, Wine, and Bread is an outstanding gastronomic tour for foodies, cooks, artisans, and armchair travellers alike.