Read

Winemaker Daniel Grace is bringing his new literary thriller, and his wines, to Elaine’s — Join us for an uncomfortable conversation about history, religion, addiction, crime & punishment. And of course, for some of his delicious Sangiovese wines from Tuscany!

When: Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 6-9pm

Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Get your free ticket: ElainesLiterarySalonDanielGrace.eventbrite.com

Meet the Author: Daniel Grace is a London-born, California-bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who produces critically acclaimed Tuscan wines at his family winery, Il Molino di Grace, in Panzano-in-Chianti, Italy. He is a storyteller by trade and a mythologist at heart. Daniel splits his time between San Francisco and Tuscany with his wife, three daughters and English Setter. In the Wake of Golgotha is his debut novel. For more, visit danielmarkgrace.com

In the Wake of Golgotha

About In the Wake of Golgotha: There is no crime to fit this sentence; there is no sentence to fit this crime. Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate’s words are echoed by the zealot Judas Iscariot only hours before history takes a bloody turn on a cross atop Golgotha on Calvary Hill. Two thousand years later, these words are found scrawled in blood in New York next to three crucified men hanging on a basement wall.

Judas, now Jude Issachar, an enigmatic social worker and part-time professor, and Pontius, now Peter Pheiffer, an unsettled defense attorney at a ravenous global law firm, have lived many lifetimes since their original encounter. However, Jude is aware of his past and is cursed by the fateful lure of the noose and the tree. Peter is damned by a recurring ignorance, a cruel cyclical awakening that creeps up on him as he is compelled to defend a sociopath who crucified three men.

Condemned for their role in humankind’s darkest betrayal, they must reckon with their pasts-and their futures-after a fateful, bloody collision of violence and addiction two millennia after their sentence began brings these lost souls together once more. Click here to buy the book!

Il Molino di Grace

Join us for the wine tasting! From his Il Molino di Grace collection, Daniel is bringing the Chianti Classico, which will be for sale, along with his bestselling Super Tuscan ‘Gratius.’

About Daniel’s winery: Il Molino di Grace — A treasured Tradition, a lasting legacy:

A treasured Tradition, a lasting legacy: Il Molino di Grace is steeped in the historic Chianti Classico tradition, producing old-world Classico and Super-Tuscan wines for the modern age. Il Molino di Grace captures the most authentic expression of this rocky terroir and succulent Sangiovese fruit rooted in these majestic Chianti hills.

The vineyards that now produce Il Molino di Grace’s wine have been doing so for over three and half centuries. Harvested first by monks from the local monastery, these Chianti Classico vineyards have mesmerized winemakers and wine enthusiasts every harvest since. Learn more: ilmolinodigrace.it

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.