Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. For more than twenty years, author, photographer and wine expert Michael C. Higgins has been the publisher of Flying Adventures, a lifestyle travel magazine for food and wine lovers who own and travel on private airplanes. As a private pilot, travel enthusiast and food and wine lover himself, Higgins continues to live the story he’s been sharing for decades.
Between the magazine and this book series, Higgins has participated in some of the most extraordinary experiences. He has virtually done it all: from pruning vines, picking grapes, working alongside winemakers, to participating in blind tastings, food and wine pairings, judging Cru Bourgeois wines, and sharing many meals with world-renowned winemakers over countless hours, discussing everything wine. His time in wine regions adds up to thousands of days and counting. And as an accomplished photographer, he has captured even more spectacular images of the wine world.
Higgins has participated in many unique wine experiences, indulged in the most exclusive culinary affairs, been pampered in highly luxurious destinations and jumped into the wildest of adventures. His goal is to inspire his readers to join him in exploring the wine regions of the world and experiencing the unimaginable. Higgins has a BA in Commercial Art, an MBA and a PhD in Business Administration. He is a California native and lives in Pasadena, California.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Exploring Wine Regions: Argentina”?
A2. Since this is my first book, I was faced with all the challenges of beginning a new business. I know a lot about print publishing from the publishing of my magazine Flying Adventures over 20 years. So, producing the Argentina book I completely understand creating a beautiful physical publication. However, the distribution is different. Fortunately, I was able to create a relationship with the largest book distributor in the world, Baker and Taylor Publisher Services, so this created a large distribution in small and large bookstores across the country.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. My books are unique. There is nothing else like them. Spending four years to create the content to produce a book makes them quite special and unique. And being a photographer, this is my favorite part of the book. Creating spectacular beautiful photographs unlike anything else you would ever see.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. The California Wine Regions are some of the best in the world. And with my current book being on the Central Coast of California, this is a very special place for me. The wines are extraordinary. The food is amazing. The tourism is awesome. And the landscapes are ever so beautiful. All types of wines are made here, so I can indulge in whatever I desire at the moment.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: California Central Coast’?
A5. After completing my first book on Argentina, my distributor and I looked at what would be the most important wine regions to produce books. The two that we decided on were Bordeaux France and California USA. Bordeaux became my second book and California became my third book. The reason for the Central Coast is simple. Napa Valley and Sonoma are very well-known and so the Central Coast gets lost in the shadow of their success. The Central Coast Wine Regions are amazing and they produce some of the best wines in California. So I wanted to show my readers what an amazing place this is to visit.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: Bordeaux France’?
A6. The Argentina trip took four years. Bordeaux France took another four years. The California Central Coast took three years. And fortunately, my next book on México is only one more year.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. My books can be found in physical bookstores, as well as ordering them online at all the major venues you can think of. The big ones like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as the small local bookstores, which are very important to support. We also produce a Travel Edition e-book, which is available through Apple and Amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Exploring Wine Regions: México’?
A8. The overall look, design and graphics of all the covers remain the same, including México. What is different on the México cover is the photograph, which is a beautiful hacienda in Valle de Guadalupe. It just felt very stylish México. The other difference on the México cover is the subhead: Exploring México’s Quality Wines And Phenomenal Cuisine. People think of Mexico for tequila as this is where the trademark tequila region exists in the world. People don’t normally think of México for wine. However, México produces high-quality wines and I have found those quality wineries and pointed them out in the books. The other great part of México is the food. And I’m not speaking of necessarily Mexican food. You can eat some of the best cuisine you’ll ever taste in the world.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. This is a very interesting question. I am often asked why write about different wineries because they are all the same. A winery makes wine and the process is the same from one winery to the next. To me, each winery is unique. I tell people to read my books and then I get the responses of wow, it’s amazing how different each winery can be. When visiting wineries, I only do one winery per day. This way I can focus on what makes that winery unique. I spend time with the winemaker, the vintner/owner, and the agronomist if they have one, and I explore their vineyards, winery, cellar, tasting room, and restaurant, and get involved with all of their activities, which collectively makes each winery it’s own unique special place. This is how things stay fresh for me. On every trip, I always learn something new.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. That I have a great voice. That I should keep this style of writing. I received this feedback from some of the judges who have judged my books and honored them with awards.
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