Wine & beverages - California
Wine Diva books

Books – Wine & beverages – California

Books 1 to 20 of 24 – California

Field Days  by Jonah Raskin
‘Sooner or later, nearly everyone who cares about wine and food comes to Sonoma’ – so begins this lively excursion to a spectacular region that has become known internationally as a locavore’s paradise. Part memoir, part vivid reportage, Field Days chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Jonah Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm – working the fields, selling produce at farmers’ markets, and following it to restaurants. He also goes behind the scenes at Whole Foods. In this luminous account of his experiences, Raskin introduces a dynamic cast of characters – farmers, chefs, winemakers, farm workers, and environmentalists. They include such luminaries as War

,  344 pp,  $55.95. Buy now

California Wine for Dummies  by Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan
This is a tasteful guide for California wine novices and connoisseurs alike. California accounts for over 90 percent of the total U.S. wine production – about two of every three bottles sold. California Wine For Dummies presents the latest information on California wines and the regions where they are produced, such as Sonoma, Napa, and Monterey. The book gives readers the knowledge they need to appreciate California wines, select a good bottle at a store or restaurant, find bargains, and pair wines with food.It also explains why some regions are renowned for wines made from specific grape varietals, and offers tips on how to get the most out of winery visits. Ed McCarthy, CWE (Baldwin, NY), is a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast and T

Paperback,  288 pp,  $22.95. Buy now

New Classic Winemakers of California  by S. Heimoff
Wine critic and writer Steve Heimoff traversed the state of California to record lively and informative conversations with more than two dozen winemakers and grape growers who represent today’s leaders and visionaries. While Benson’s book captured a wine industry on the brink of exponential growth and recognition, Heimoff surveys a multibillion-dollar business with a global reputation and new issues to face. His interviews provide an oral history of contemporary California winemaking. Through this intimate and engaging book, wine lovers can sit in on the back and forth as Heimoff and his vintner subjects talk informally about their favorite subject: wine.

,  238 pp,  $69.95. Buy now

A Moveable Thirst  by Rick Kushman and Hank Beal
This book is a rollicking wine country travelogue paired with the only comprehensive guide to Napa’s public tasting rooms. Hank Beal is a wine pro, the executive wine buyer at an upscale supermarket chain. Rick Kushman is an ordinary joe, a guy who enjoys wine but doesn’t know a lot about it. Together, Hank and Rick set out to visit all 141 public tasting rooms in Napa during the course of a year. The result is A Moveable Thirst, an engaging, often hilarious book that’s one part Sideways, one part Frommer’s.

Paperback,  326 pp,  $26.95. Buy now

Matt Kramer’s New California Wine  by Matt Kramer
“Wine Spectator” columnist and critic Kramer traces the dramatic progress of the California winemaking industry and provides the first comprehensive look at how new approaches have contributed to California’s current high status in the world order of wine

Hardback,  384 pp,  $39.95. Buy now

The Pleasures of Wine  by Gerald Asher
As wine editor of Gourmet magazine for more than 30 years, Gerald Asher’s unsurpassed knowledge of wine, wineries, and vineyards has earned him a legion of loyal readers. This elegant and enchanting volume collects his writing about wine and all of its pleasures, from vine to table. With an emphasis on the wines of France and California, and also including Spain, Italy, Germany, and Australia, Asher’s witty and personal essays tell the stories of the world’s outstanding vintages and the people and places that produce them. A joy to read, The Pleasures of Wine informs and inspires, offering both an introduction to wine for novices and fresh insights for the connoisseur.

Hardback,  320 pp,  $34.95. Buy now

Zinfandel: A Reference Guide to California Zinfandel  by Cathleen Francisco
A background to the variety and its cultivation is provided. Then an alphabetical listing by producer with detailed information on the vineyards, the winemaking philosophy and the precise production details on each vintage, such as brix at harvest, residual sugar, the bottling date, cases produced, etc. The winemaker’s notes on each wine provide a vicarious sensual experience for the reader and the generous glossary provides considerable technical information.

Paperback,  274 pp,  $54.95. Buy now

Napa Valley  by Gerald Hoberman and Marc Hoberman
Includes aerial views, insights and portraits of its people, capturing the essence of the Napa Valley. This book of photographs has accompanying text by Napa residents Jan Austerman and Rebecca Yerger

,  208 pp,  $54.95. Buy now

Napa Stories  by Michael Chiarello
Winemakers from the Napa Valley speak out on their world-famous region, discussing the geologic, meteorological, historical, and economic factors that have contributed to Napa’s reputation.

Hardback,  312 pp,  $90.00. Buy now

Napa Stories Wine Journal  by Michael Chiarello
— Companion journal to the book Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections & Recipes from the Napa Valley (see pages 2-3) — Illustrated tabs divide sections into Tasting and Cellar Notes for red, white, and rose wines — Includes glossary of key wine terms and resource lists of best wine shops and Web sites — Built-in pocket provides safe keeping for favorite wine bottle labels and business cards

Spiral / Comb Bound Book,  144 pp,  $35.00. Buy now

Ghost Wineries of the Napa Valley  by Irene Whitford Haynes
A fascinating photographic tour of historic Napa wineries, more than a dozen which have come back to life. Extensively researched by a resident grape grower/historian. The historical details and photographs of more than 65 wineries bring vision of the vibrant California wine industry of more than 100 years ago. The roots of many of today’s great vintners are exposed in these photos and historical vignettes.

Paperback,  78 pp,  $12.95. Buy now

Wine Spectator’s California Wine  by James Laube
The Wine Spectator’s California Wine 2nd edition is a definitive guide featuring descriptions and ratings for 5,000 individual California wines. From widely available bargains to collectible rarities. Includes new tasting notes and in-depth profiles for more than 700 California wineries, along with starred ratings and details on history, vineyards, and specialties. Written by noted California wine expert and Wine Spectator senior editor James Laube.

Hardback,  758 pp,  $79.95. Buy now

Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became Great Business   by Robert Mondavi
In 1965, after a notorious family feud, Robert Mondavi — then fifty-two years old — was thrown out of his family’s winery. Far from defeated, Mondavi was dedicated to a vision of creating a superior wine. Today, the Robert Mondavi Winery is one of the most respected in the world, and Mondavi is the man who is most responsible for the worldwide recognition of American wine making, as well as changing America’s palate. In Harvests of Jay, Mondavi shares how, through his passion for excellence, and the story of his pain and sacrifice. With invaluable insider tips on his approach to both wine making and to running a business, Mondavi’s is an inspirational story.

Paperback,  364 pp,  $20.95. Buy now

California Wine Country  by Diane Dorrans Saeks
California Wine Country offers an intimate tour of the ease and elegance that prospers amidst the vineyards and lush hillsides of the California wine-growing regions. Best-selling style writer Diane Dorrans Saeks walks the personal, memorable, and inspiring homes and hideaways of more than twenty-five Wine Country homeowners — including an apple orchardist, a painter, a chef, an architect, and a gardener — as they enjoy the seasonal splendor of outdoor dining, vine-covered vistas, sun-dappled interiors, and the spectacular surroundings of a region where lifestyle marries landscape. With more than two hundred beautiful color photographs, California Wine Country brilliantly captures the spirit and flavour of the Wine Country way of life.

Hardback,  204 pp,  $55.00. Buy now

Favourite Recipes of Californian Winemakers  by Lee Hecker
This is the original winemakers cookbook by 200 dedicated California winemakers, their partners and colleagues. This is the classic that is often imitated, but these are the 500 authentic recipes, based on the simples truth that good food is even better with wine.

Paperback,  128 pp,  $13.95. Buy now

Californian Wine Drinks: Cocktails, Coolers, Punches and Hot Drinks Made with Wine  by William Kaufman
Over 200 different drink recipes using various wines along with mixing tips and wine entertaining suggestions. Today’s accent on lighter drinks make this a most useful handbook. You will also save money by using wine rather than the higher taxed liquors. Suitable for professional bartenders or home use.

Paperback,  128 pp,  $12.95. Buy now

The California Wine Tour: Napa Valley  by Jeffrey Caldewey and Mildred Howie
Now in their 24th year of publication these are the famous VINTAGE IMAGE guidebooks with selections and recommendations based solely on merit, from local researchers who really know the wine country. Each provides maps, winery index and noteworthy reviews of restaurants, delicatessens and picnic provenders. The lodging chapeters reviews the best hotels, inns, resorts and even campgrounds. The winery addresses, phone numbers, facilities, winemakers, vineyards and tasting room hours are provided.

Paperback,  128 pp,  $21.95. Buy now

California Wine Lovers’ Cookbook  by Malcolm Hebert
100 winning recipes from the National Cooking with Wine Contest. An in-depth chapter on California wine, a wine and food chart and cooking with wine tips are included

Hardback,   $21.95. Buy now

Judgment of Paris: California Vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine   by George M. Taber
Told for the first time by the only reporter present, this is the full story of the mythic Paris Tasting of 1976–a blind tasting where a panel of esteemed French judges shocked the industry by choosing unknown California wines over France’s best.

Hardback,  327 pp,  $36.95. Buy now

Insiders’ Guide to California’s Wine Country   by Jean Doppenberg
Written by local authors with years of experience writing about their communities, the Insiders’ Guides provide newcomers, visitors, and business travellers with a native’s perspective of the area. Each guide details hotels, restaurants, annual events, attractions, nightlife, parks and recreation, real estate, and much more. Covering more than sixty cities and areas nationwide, the Insiders’ Guides offer the best local insights on travel and relocation

Paperback,  367 pp,  $27.95. Buy now

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