At Poupon's Table

A Novel

By: Kermit Lynch

Narrated by: Adam Barr

Peter Mayle's A Good Year meets Sideways in the delightful debut novel from a James Beard Award-winning American wine merchant, the renowned Kermit Lynch.

Known as the man who introduced rosé to the US, legendary wine importer Kermit Lynch is as lauded for his writing as he is for his impeccable taste in wines of every variety and vintage. His thoughtful, witty notes on the subject led to the modern nonfiction classic Adventures on the Wine Route, which has been hailed as "one of the finest American books on wine" (The New York Times) and was recently celebrated with a twenty-fifth-anniversary edition.

In his debut novel, Lynch presents Kendrick Thomas, an easygoing American wine merchant happily residing in Provence. Ever eager to visit old friends and enjoy all the gastronomic pleasures available in France, he often finds himself on the doorstep of Henri Poupon. Built as ruggedly as a boxer, thick of finger and feature, Poupon is as physically untamed and earthy as his skill as a chef is delicate and exquisite.

In the vein of Peter Mayle, Kendrick and Poupon set off on a road trip: eating, bickering, laughing, and of course, sampling wine both good and bad. From troublesome business associates to Poupon's shady ex-girlfriend to an appalling new cell tower tarnishing the local tranquility, At Poupon's Table is a riotous jaunt through the French countryside that always circles back to food—and of course reds, whites, and everything in between.

©2025 Kermit Lynch (P)2025 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

"Kermit is a legend in the wine business, and in this book he offers us a peek into that secretive world. I can't think of a more enjoyable way to learn the tricks of the trade. But more than that, this is an ode to a vanishing way of life, where every day is an opportunity to drink wonderful wine and eat beautiful food. The food and wine descriptions are so vivid you can savor every drop and taste every bite. I don't think I'll ever eat another hamburger without thinking about the one in this book." —Ruth Reichl, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Novel

"A lilting paean to the slow daily delights of eating and drinking well . . . It's a book of terroir, exuding the particulars of its vividly rendered place. The text is peppered with food descriptions so detailed that they are almost recipes and wine pairings so carefully chosen that it's hard not to salivate." —San Francisco Chronicle

“[Lynch] has a way with words and any wine-loving foodie will adore [At Poupon’s Table].” —The Times Magazine

Wonderful taste of French food and wine

A delicious journey through the magnificent wines and foods of France! Kermit is a good storyteller and the narrators French-English pronunciations felt so real and as if the listener was present!

So much fun

There is real information here but mostly it’s fun. And makes fun of all of us in a delightful way! Good story with some interesting twists too.