The True Purpose of Vines

“Wines are better than men. They smell better, taste better, and one can always separate the good from the bad with a well-trained nose.”

Pour yourself a glass of tawny port, grab a Pastel de Nata and allow Mrs. Julia Costa-Ferreira and Mr. Griffin Maxwell to sweep you away to the vineyards of Oporto, Portugal! This is a spectacular historical romance set in the Douro Valley, Portugal in 1870. Griffin has travelled from his home in England to his property, Quinta da Boa Vistas, in Oportuo. His neighbour, Julia, is a winemaker who owns Quinta do Vesuvio. Although the attraction is mutual, fate has other plans. Can these two stay in love once they uncover the secrets they’re hiding from each other? Their relationship is put to the test when Phylloxera strikes the vineyards.

Based on real people, places and events, this novel parallels the friendly relations between Portugal and England since the crusades and explores the reason why spirits were added to Portuguese wine. In addition to the developing romance and love triangle, readers are educated about the growing and production of wine and port.

Although I felt like a stranger and newcomer to a party where everyone knew everyone else for the first 25% of the book, I soon settled in and enjoyed the remainder of the book. The characters were authentic, the romance good (tastefully open door) and the tension/banter between Griffin and Julia was excellent. It brought back memories of our trips to Portugal and Madeira and our visit to the Blandy’s distillery. I don’t think I’ll be able to sip a glass of Taylor Fladgate again without thinking of Griffin! Actually, I probably won’t be able to enjoy goat cheese and figs anymore without thinking of these two, either!

I enjoyed this first book of the Winemaker Series and look forward to another novel by this author as I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Griffin and Julia.

I was gifted this advance copy by Giovanna Siniscalchi, BookBuzz, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This was the first book I have ever read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing! This book is the first in a series, but it works well as a stand alone book. The story follows Julia Costa in Portugal in 1870. This is a time when women are not highly respected as business owners. Julia is left little choice after her husband's death and debt left to her. Julia is a powerful woman and force to be reckoned with even while she grapples with her own feelings. Well worth your time to read.

I really enjoyed this book. A historical romance where cultures collide. I learned a lot about wine making and it was clear the research done for the book was top notch.

This was an authentic book filled with history and romance, a great balance!

It was wonderful to read a historical romance, set in Portugal in the late 1800s. It follows Julia Costa who is the best winemaker in Oporto, and her battles when her vineyard is first threated by an English company determined to take over her business and then devastation by an insect plague.
Griffin Maxwell arrives on her doorstep believing Julia to be a reluctant debtor. Despite their cultural differences, Griffin is overwhelmed by the attraction he feels for Julia and when he realises that she risks losing everything when a mysterious plague decimates Europe’s vineyards, he does all that he can to help. The chemistry between Griffin and Julia was quite powerful, made even more so by their opposing views. I found both characters fascinating, with Julia’s strength of character and Griffin’s gentleness beneath his firm façade. I found myself seamlessly immersed in the culture of Portugal and wishing that I could be transported there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An absolute pleasure to read! Not only was the romance between the 2 main characters engaging to watch unfold and blossom, it was even better reading all the beautiful descriptions of the different types of port wine and of the environment of Portugal. Such detail enabled me to imagine it in my mind. But the best part of all: how each chapter started with a quote about wine. I looked forward as I read to each new one that appeared. As the author's debut work, this was a home run!! I eagerly look forward to more of her work.
Thanks to NetGalley and Giovanna Siniscalchi for this ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

A meeting of two cultures...
Nothing prepared Griffin for the headstrong winemaker. Alluring, she tempts him into enjoying Portugal's vibrant tastes and is a threat to his carefully constructed plans. The arrogant Englishman arrived at Julia's lands, believing himself entitled to everything, including her heart. But how can she resist an attraction headier than a vintage? Instantly hooked… I literally couldn't put it down… I can't recommend this book enough!!!!

The true purpose of vines historical romantic woman centric novel to steal your heart.
Every chapter starts with a beautiful, meaningful, and a sweet vine/wine quote.
This novel is based on the plague attacked Portugal vineyards in the period of 1860s.
The characters are real. Julia Costa-Antonia Ferreira, Count Almoster- Duke of Saldana's son, Griffin Maxwell- John Fladgate. Quinta do Vesuvio is a real place still exists. All wine informations are accurate.
Julia , a widow was managing the vineyards of her father in law left behind. She loves her wine making business and has a great ability to find out the quality of wine by its smell and taste.
Griffin Maxwell, a English man who has a business collaboration with Croft visits Portugal to take over her property due to the agreement made by her late husband.
He meets Julia, fell in love with her. He finds out her business secret. when the Portugal vineyards affected by phylloxera, Julia seeks Griffin's help. Meanwhile, her childhood friend, the Count - Almoster offers marriage proposal to Julia. What happens to Julia's vineyards and her property Quinta do Vesuvio? Griffin helped her or betrayed her? English and Portuguese mix?
Whom did she choose?
The author explores the rich Portugal culture and their food. She made me travel through the Douro region. Cross cultural relationships are portrayed so well.
Siniscalchi is one of the few authors who does not allow the the readers to keep the book away till completion.
I love to read historical fiction books.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story.