Hungarian-Canadian author and sailor Ferenc Mate, author of The Hills of Tuscany, the critically acclaimed A Reasonable Life, and two books of photography including the highly acclaimed World’s Best Sailboats and A New England Autumn, will discuss his new book, A Vineyard in Tuscany: Shooting for the Moon, and offer a taste of his wines, on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. upstairs at the Bunch of Grapes bookstore on Main street in Vineyard Haven.

Mr. Mate recounts in wry, candid detail how he rebuilt a Tuscan ruin into a world-class winery. Living in Tuscany with his artist wife and son while savoring the landscape, food and pleasant neighbors wasn’t enough for Mr. Mate, who admits he thrives on adversity. He wanted his own castle and was able to purchase a 13th-century friary in Montalcino, with a proper oven, a forest crammed with porcini and 60 acres of land, 15 of which he fashioned over three hard years of work into a vineyard sprouting robust harvests of Sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and Syrah grapes. Within the first years, the Mate wines received international acclaim.

This highly entertaining tale of how two dreamers struggle and thrive in idyllic Tuscany will enrich the lives of travelers and wine lovers alike. The New York Times has named A Vineyard in Tuscany a finalist for their holiday selections. All are welcome at the bookstore for an opportunity to hear Mr. Mate articulate his extraordinary life experiences and enjoy a tasting of his award-winning Mate Wines. Morrell’s of New York named the Mr. Mate 2003 Syrah its 2007 Italian wine of the year.