WHAT To READ

TWO new series of handsomely illustrated and thoroughly researched pocket guides are custom-made for wine tourists. The Food Lover's Companion to France and The Food Lover's Companion to Italy, both by Marc and Kim Millon, (Little, Brown, £14.99) have a healthy level of wine content, closely linked to regional specialities. The balance shifts even further in favour of the grape in the Touring in Wine Country guides (Mitchell Beazley, £12.99). There are four to date: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace and Tuscany.