Off Square Books Hosts Hailman for "The Search for Good Wine" Signing Wednesday

Mark your calendars! John Hailman, author of “The Search for Good Wine: From the Founding Fathers to the Modern Table,” will signing copies of his book Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Off Square Books.
HottyToddy.com reporter Lindsey Andrews had the opportunity to sit down with Hailman and ask him a few questions about his book, wine and life.
HottyToddy.com: What is your inspiration for writing the book?
Hailman: For thirty years, I wrote a nationally syndicated column about wine. I decided to go back and reminisce about the changes in wine and also what had remained the same.
HottyToddy.com: What sparked your interest of wine?
Hailman: A lady once refused to let me date her daughter because she said I was too “countrified” which prompted my parents to send me to Paris for 2 years, where I got totally interested in wine.
HottyToddy.com: How did you become knowledgeable in the subject?
Hailman: When I really got serious about wine I was in law school at Georgetown and worked nights and weekends at a wine shop where I studied it much more seriously than in Paris.
HottyToddy.com: In your opinion, what is your favorite wine? Where is it from?
Hailman: This is a tough question. It depends on the occasion. Red wine: Pinot Nior, and for white (wine): Riesling from the Saar Valley in Germany. Otherwise I just drink whatever my wife tells me to (as he says with a smile on his face.)
HottyToddy.com: Is there anything else you would like to mention about your life, expertise, book, etc.?
Hailman: Everybody I know always wants to know one thing about wine- “What is the best possible wine I can get for the lowest possible price?” My book tries to answer the question.
HottyToddy.com: So what is the answer?
Hailman: The book is full of answers.
If you do not have the opportunity to attend the Oxford signing, another event will be held 5 p.m. Thursday at Lemuria Books in Jackson. In reference to his book signing, Mr. Hailman had only one thing to mention, “Wine will be served.”
Lindsey Andrews is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at lnandre1@go.olemiss.edu.