Book Talk: Wine Pairing for the People

From renowned certified sommelier and Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 tastemaker Cha McCoy (with Layla Schlack) comes WINE PAIRING FOR THE PEOPLE: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond (Harvest; on-sale November 4, 2025), a first-of-its-kind guide to inclusive wine pairing that challenges conventional wisdom by pairing wines with the rich, diverse cuisines of the world.

Meet Cha McCoy, purchase the book, and get it signed at this special Boston event! 

 The wine world often emphasizes that “what grows together, goes together,” prioritizing European cuisines and neglecting pairing options for vibrant, flavorful dishes from regions where wine grapes aren’t prevalent.

Diving in by continent and then by region or country, from Africa to the Caribbean, Latin America to the United States of America, and Asia, McCoy takes readers around the world, sharing her journey of learning and connecting with culinary traditions and regional cuisines.

Part practical guide and part travelogue, WINE PAIRING FOR THE PEOPLE will appeal to people who love to cook and eat out, armchair travelers, and hobby and professional sommeliers and chefs alike.

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Host or Publisher Museum of African American History