The Road to Burgundy: The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France

I bought this book, excited to read it after reading other reviews. The author was supposed to be at a local wine store to sign the book and I made sure I pre-ordered it so I would have it in time for the book signing and read it. When I got to the book signing with my book to sign, how surprised was I to hear it was cancelled because the author has canceled and was told he was not rescheduling.However, since then the author has offered to have my book signed and I appreciate that. The book is a great and wonderful adventure. Usually I download books for my Kindle, but in this case I ordered the hardcover in order to have it signed.

In many ways, this book is the vinous equivalent of Tony Hseih's "Delivering Happiness". Sure, Zappos is a completely different business than Maison Ilan, but both Mr. Hseih and Mr. Walker are remarkably similar. They both share a passion for what they do and they aren't afraid to commit to what they truly believe in, failure be damned. Most importantly, they are completely honest with themselves, and the sincerity and humility of their personalities shines in every page.Like any great wine, a great book is supposed to deliver a message. The message doesn't necessarily need to be immediately awe-inspiring, and in many cases, the most interesting messages don't try to be great; instead they are built upon a foundation of honesty and self-reflection. This book is simply the story of a man who fell in love with Burgundy and did everything he could to make it a part of his life, and it is this story of love which makes the book incredibly compelling and easy to read (just like "Delivering Happiness").In the interest of full disclosure, I met Mr. Walker at one of his book signings and we share a mutual Burgundian friend. My in-person interactions with is entirely consistent and with the experiences of other Burgundian vignerons, which is to say that Mr. Walker is honest, humble, contemplative, and by golly is he persistent! Mr. Walker and this book are the real deal. If anything, this book is a testament to the fact that truly successful people are those delve deep within their souls to find their true calling and persist no matter what roadblocks life throws their way. The people who don't understand this philosophy are those who give the (one) 2-star and (two) 1-star reviews (as of August 23, 2013).I wish Mr. Walker the best of luck, and I don't doubt that he has already found it!

Disclaimer: I know Ray, and have visited him at his winery/home in Burgundy. I thought he was a little crazy when he quit his finance job to try his hand at making wine in California, but that's not so unusual these days. I thought he was completely nuts when he announced he was not only going to make wine in Burgundy, but move his family there! And I definitely thought he was in over his head when it became known that he'd written a book about his experiences. But that's the difference between Ray, and most of the rest of us: he saw each of those things not as a barrier, but as a challenging opportunity.This is a story that in many ways tells itself, but as a first time author Ray does a remarkable job of weaving an entertaining and captivating narrative - even for someone who is already somewhat familiar with the events. The writing (after Ray gets his sea legs in the first chapter or two) draws us in with its sleek, clean lines, making for an easy and compelling read. "Page turner" is an overused cliche, but it was truly hard to put this book down. For someone interested in wine (and for me, Burgundy in particular) the insights into living and working in France were fascinating. But this is a story that should appeal to even those who know nothing of wine or Burgundy (though beware, it will likely make you want to learn more). "Road to Burgundy" is a great read for anyone who dreams of chucking it all and living their dream - be it winemaking, or anything else.

The story follows the odyssey of the author from stock broker trainee in San Francisco to wine maker in Burgundy. Ray is a young man, who follows his dream and his heart to do with his life what he truly wants to do. The result in making wine in Burgundy. It is a fascinating, but at times a frustrating read. The story line changes time and place with so little explanation - an alien abduction might be easier to follow. You will laugh, cry and at times think how naive can he be. The last three years are covered in just a few pages, it would be fun to read more about those three years.

This "memoir", this "autobiography" is without a doubt highly inspiring and truly conveys the meaning of following ones dream. Not to be unrealistic but to face challenges and pursue your dream with optimism. Ray's book takes the reader along for the journey... From not even liking wine to an obsession. From the promise of a high-pay career in the world of finances to summoning the courage to walk away from it all to chase his true passion (something many wouldn't do). From a suit & tie behind a desk in a SF building to a t-shirt in a local winery cleaning oak barrels. This book clearly outlines the commitment and dedication to learn something completely new... From learning the language, to developing an appreciation of a place and culture you have not experienced first hand but found a home in your heart. An ideal example of facing and beating the odds of what many label as "unthinkable or unlikely" to be accepted into a centuries-old, almost secret society "The Grand Cru Club" as I call it. Most remarkably for me however, it exemplifies what support but above all, LOVE can do. For every step Ray took as he immersed himself deeper and deeper into his newly found obsession of becoming a "vinificateur" IN Burgundy.... He was and continues to be blessed with the profound SUPPORT & LOVE of his beautiful wife.This book is a must-read for all wine lovers out there.Best of luck and continued success to Ray, his beautiful family and Maison-Ilan.

I read this book right before our May 2022 trip to Burgundy and again once we were home. Such an interesting story, filled with wine lore. Answered many questions I had and inspired even more. On to the tastings!

It makes me want to pursue my own vineyard! Ray is an inspiration. True grit in the pursuit of his dream to create a grand cru burgandy. It also opens up ones mind as to the differences in the classification of the burgandy wines and bordeaux wines and chateau/domaine bottling as it exists in bordeaux and appellations of origin as it is classified in burgandy.

Ray Walker is an inspiration for anyone who wants to follow their dreams, even when others think you might be crazy. Beyond that, The Road to Burgundy is a good entertaining read. It has loads of details about Ray's journey, Burgundy, wine, and also insight on the man himself. Truly motivational!

Interesting read, particularly for visitors to Burgundy. A surprisingly frank account of the author's social relationships as he sought a foot hold in Burgundy.

Great read! Hard to put down!

I really enjoyed this book. Its a Field (or is that vineyard?) of Dreams story that is quite inspirational.Lightly told, the book is packed full of anecdotes around the kindness of strangers and the value of having a true passion for wine. It is entertaining and informative if you know little of Burgundy or the challenges of wine creation. Its also a good insight into the challenges of succeeding in France.Why not five stars?Well, its obvious from the flyleaf that Ray succeeded so that took away some of the suspense. The end is a bit rushed / lacks some detail and the stories around the more significant characters are left a bit open.But if you are a dreamer, like wine and want an inspirational read - its my pleasure to recommend this book.