1 comments about Virgile's Vineyard: A Year in the Languedoc Wine Country.

1. With Bill Bryson-like humor, Patrick Moon intertwines winemaking and history with a rollicking good tale. If you're lucky enough to visit this fabulous wine-producing area of France, Virgile's Vineyard will be even more entertaining. There is a not-so-subtle undercurrent of travel guide to this superbly fun story. Spanning one year, it takes the reader through the winter Mediterranean storms, the summer heat of the South, the drenching rains of spring and the laid-back feel of the area when out of the tourist high season. Moon explores the dubious friendship of his neighbor prone to blatant crop filching, but also a master wine taster in constant search of good free samples. There is a dialogue of local repartee, a love interest (solely, on her side, it seems) who is bent on educating Patrick about the area's past, along with some characters who duck in and out as the story unfolds. If you have any interest in wine or the Languedoc region of France, you really shouldn't miss this book.

No comments about a.53 Great Grapes.

5 comments about The Far Side of Eden: New Money, Old Land, and the Battle for Napa Valley.

1. As a former Napa vinter, I eagerly looked forward to reading Conway's excursion into my home county. While there are interesting ideas in the book, they lurk beneath the soil like potatoes, never springing forth to see the light of day. Many of my neighbors (and, I should add, close friends) are presented in this book as gross parodies; this, I suppose, might be expected from an outsider to the region, but I had a difficult time getting past these rough characterizations.



2. As a Napa resident and former winemaker, I can say that this book truly pulls back the curtains to expose the overinflated egos that are rapidly transforming our valley into just another trendy, overpriced tourist trap.

   It is a much more entertaining and accurate read than Kolpan's Sense of Place which basically parrots Coppola's publicity agent's "approved" history. This is a must have book for anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in the Napa Valley.




3. This is a book for people who hate Starbucks and complain incessantly about gentrification (while drinking expensive boutique coffee and loving the appreciation in their real estate). After reading half of it I got tired of the constant pot-shots and nasty, one-sided characterizations and had to put it down.

   I'm not clear on who the author approves of, but he's clearly against anyone who lives, builds, or conducts business in Napa Valley -- plus anyone crass enough to actually visit for a weekend and enjoy the place.

   If you are a part of the Napa community then you might enjoy the gossipy anecdotes in this book. If you are a hard-core, disgruntled environmentalist then you might find validation for your views. But if you are just interested in the region and land issues in general then you'll find a pissy, overblown screed that irritates more than it informs.




4. Reading the other reviews, I cannot help but shake my head in astonishment...."Well Written"??? Ideas move in and out of paragraphs with no real logical flow of ideas. Few dates are presented to help the reader follow the timetable (which is likely because the scenes are re-sequenced for dramatic effect). I am an avid reader of literature, but found myself constantly rereading passages to try and decipher the idea being presented or the scene being described. I finally decided that the editor either gave up or never tried. Much of the book reads more like a stream of consciousness than a documentation of events witnessed by the author.

   Furthermore, this book is an amalgam of ad hominem attacks on everyone who dares to make money in the wine industry. Those with family money are dismissed as "lucky spermers" unless like, Peter Mennen, they use their money to stop big business. Mennen is portrayed as the noble hero but seems to be more a naive idealist. Certainly, there are forces of good and bad in any capitalist industry, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Ending vineyard development would lead to one of two things - more houses in place of vineyards or higher and higher prices for vintners as the scarcity increased their profits. Certainly, there is a middle ground yet Conaway, by following the bull-headed extremists, would have us believe that there can be no compromise.

   Check this book out from the library if you must read it, but support more even-handed works with your dollars.




5. James Conway cuts to the chase in new money vs established money in a battle for land in Napa Valley. Detailed stories of conflicts between new money mentality of expand at any cost and old money in keeping things in check.
   
   Good story lines. I hope James returns with an updated book as this was written in 2002 and much has changed since.

5 comments about Red Wine for Dummies.

1. Tired of the fact that you can't get straightforward answers to the questions that beginners have? This is the book for you. The authors don't pretend to be exhaustive, but rather they provide an overview that can impart a significant amount of material quickly and understandably.



2. What a joy. This quick, fun read is well worth your time.
   Wine for Dummies is like having your own personal expert with a sense of humor.
   I live in Europe and applied this book to my "studies" of wine by buying bottles and tasting. The lessons in the back are fun and fantastic.
   Good reading and tasting!



3. Liked the presentaion of the information - like most of the Dummy series, the book is well researched and useful even as a quick reference or to read through cover to cover.



4. As I wrote in a previous review of The Sommelier's Guide to Wine, I am just beginning my introduction to the fascinating world of wine. While the former book has been invaluable, so has this - Red Wine for Dummies.
   
   As always, the language is very accessible and the subject material easy to understand, even when some of the more difficult or intimidating aspects of wine are discussed (such as when and why to decant, picking a wine, a guide to wine terms, etc.)
   
   The descriptions of the grapes themselves are marvelous. For example, here is the description for a Zinfandel (yes, Zinfandel is a red grape - White Zinfandel [all apologies to those who like it] is a wine made by ruining the grape): "The Zinfandel grape gives good color to the red wines made from it, along with bramble-berry fruit flavors and aromas and a spicy character. The intensity of the wine varies according to where grapes grew and how old the vines are; some very old (80 to 100 years) vineyards make wines that are full bodied and dense with flavor. More typically, Zinfandel makes wines that are medium bodied, with succulent fruit and medium tannin." Sure there are descriptions in fancy wine magazines that are more complete, but chances are you wouldn't have the slightest idea what they're talking about.
   
   This book also covers regions where wines are made, climates, soil, and everything that goes into producing a good red wine. It's a superb book for a beginner.



5. I'm glad to see that so many people do not mind applying the term "dummy" to themselves when it comes to trying new things. Even though the black and yellow cover clashes horribly with my copies of Emmerson and Tennyson on the bookshelf, I am not ashamed. I would hope that the self-professed "snob" who wrote one off these reviews has the sense not only to use his large vocabulary with caution, but also to spell "label" properly when communicating how snobbish s/he is.

5 comments about Beer for Dummies.

1. Beer for dummies is an excellent starting point fo people who want to learn more about beer. it is well organised with good information and a little humor. It's one flaw is that a few chapters of the book are little more than tables that don't really help the novice user and can be overwelming. It is overall one of the better books about beer.



2. Everything you ever wanted to know about beer can be found in this book, from beer ingredients to little known facts about beer to homebrewing. It's very informative.



3. I got into beer about five years ago when I discovered just how much the really good wines cost. I started by buying this book, and with over 1200 different beers sampled, and over a dozen batches brewed, I really appreciate the start it gave me. I've actually used some of the recipes (both for food and homebrewing). I've also utilized the lists of beer and brewpubs to help search out new adventures in beer. I think the thing that I appreciate the most is the breadth. Most beer books are specialized into lists and ratings of beer, or homebrewing, but this one has a comprehensive feel about. If you're just starting to get into beer, or you're thinking about it, I'd tell you to get this book before any others.



4. This entry in the "Dummies" series is a book all about beer. It provides a good reference book for those who want to lookup facts and discover trivia about beer and the art of brewing; tasting and evaluation; cooking with beer; home brewing; and other topics.
   
   The authors of this book write in a very matter of fact style. They use bulleted text, shaded boxes, and other eye- grabbing techniques throughout, making the book look like the layout of a long advertising piece. Plenty of lists and trivial facts can be found throughout the pages of the book, and the authors seem very interested in increasing your beer I.Q.
   
   Some sections of this book probably deserve a little more coverage then they receive. Prohibition, one of the ugliest events in world history, receives less than one page of discussion. I guess the authors felt this wasn't significant to the modern- day enjoyment and understanding of malt beverages so they limited its allotted space.
   
   This makes a good reference book for anyone who wants to know more about beer. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran in the world of malt beverages, this guide will prove to be fun and educational.



5. This book was very helpful and took away much of the mystery about beer and its complexities.

No comments about The Geography of Wine: How Landscapes, Cultures, Terroir, and the Weather Make a Good Drop.

5 comments about General Viticulture.

1. I agree that this text could use an update, especially on the newer varieties of grapes which have been developed in the past decade, however this text will make you a vintner if you read it in depth and acquire some "hands on" experience to go with it. The text is high quality print, and mine is covered with plastic and accompanies me often in the vineyards. It's focus is on the California industry but it is also a good guide for the northeastern USA and rest of the world.



2. I got the book "General Viticulture" originally back in 1977. I've looked at it recently at some better book stores. It is a powerhouse of information, there is no doubt, but unfortunately, it has not been updated in some time. Another drawback to the book is it's lack of grape culture outside the "California" scene. There are some new strides in viticulture going on in the midwest, and north east that are not even remotely covererd. The training systems and specifics of the NEWER American hybrids, with works from Elmer Swenson, David MacGregor, Dr. Tony Bell, Dr. Peter Hemstad of the University of Minnesota, to name a few is not even mentioned. I rated it 4 stars for it's excellent overview of just about every Vinifera, it's characteristic and management, especially related to California and similar climates around the world. It is still a great refernece book, just needs to be revised sometime.



3. I have no regrets buying General Viticulture. It is, after all, a standard reference. But in many ways it is now a lttle outdated and modern experience and advice is lacking. It should therefore be considered a important part, but only a part, of the basic library of anyone doing or contemplating viticulture.

   The academic style of writing does not lend itself to the "do-it-yourself" approach. The section on laying out a vineyard, for example, is more academic than practical, at least in my opinion. A more modern book would, of course, have better photographs and graphics, and this is what I miss most.




4. My copy arrived with the text bound upside-down in relation to the cover. However, this is by far the best study on viticulture around. Dated but still the best.



5. This is the standard textbook for viticulture in the country and was outdated when I took the class in 1987. Unfortunately Mr. Winkler and other were in their eighties and nineties at that time so the chances of an updated edition were none (Mr. Winkler died before I graduated in 1992.) Yet, even now, I still refer to it for grafting, training and pest and diseases. Hey, just because it's old doesn't mean it's dated. There are some things in grape growing that never change.

5 comments about Soils for Fine Wines.

1. As a postgraduate student in the field of viticulture and wine i found this book covered the subject matter with great detail , clarity and scientific explanations. This book is a must have for your library collection and indeed for the aspiring viticulturist - it is a gold mine of information on the subject of soils.



2. A unique book, as fine as wine itself. No other book explains the detailed and vital nature and mechanisms of soils as they apply to grape production and wine-making. It tries to unravel the enigma of the `terroir'. This will surely help the viticulturist and the winemaker to make the most of their land and we consumers will be the grateful beneficiaries. I think I could strongly recommend it to the specialist and interested reader.



3. .
   If you are a grape grower of any consequence, you know that good wine depends on good grapes, that good grapes depend on good vines and that good vines depend on roots that are DEEP and STRONG. Thus, the medium in which roots grow is of crucial importance. Viticulturists can be misled by reading that vines grow in all sorts of soils all over the world. That is certainly true but that simple dictum does not mean that any soil will do, as "any" soil will certainly not do.

   Robert White's book is VERY useful in helping understand what goes on below ground. If you just flip through it, it will strike you as too technical and thus daunting. However, if you will read each of the headings, (e.g., 5.1, 5.2) but not the sub-headings (e.g. 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) and then read his "Summary Points", you will be richly rewarded. If there points about which you want to know more or understand better, go back and delve into the sub-headings and be enlightened to your hearts content. I'm glad I own this book!




4. In "Soils for Fine Wines" Robert White sets to provide information needed for better understanding of how soils and their properties relate to management and wine-grape production. This book is a long-needed one indeed; most other viticultural books are discussing soil as an environmental factor only in passing.
   
   The book begins by explaining how the soil is formed and how it relates to the environment; how it changes with time and how it should be managed sustainably. Then it goes into a deeper analysis of the soil's makeup and structure, with a particular emphasis on understanding the vine root habitat. This is very important if a viticulturist is to understand effect of soil management practices on vine growth and production. Then the book details the supply of nutrients, explaining how these move into plant roots and what affects their availability. The reader is also given a brief introduction into precision viticulture and organic viticulture. The next section discusses soil, water and vine interrelationship, understanding of which is paramount for good irrigation management. The book contains information on various aspects of soil quality (physical, chemical and biological). The book then deals with soil as an important attribute for site selection and vineyard establishment. The final chapter discusses soil as it relates to the quality of the final product - wine. Here the author gives a well-balanced overview of the current state of knowledge of what is known as 'terroir' and he takes the reader on a journey around the wine-producing world by providing regional examples of how the soil and wine attributes seem to be related.
   
   The book is well-written and easy to follow, although some might find it a bit technical at times. However, good explanation of technical terms is provided throughout and the book also has a number of illustrations and photographs that are helpful for easier understanding of the text.
   
   I can recommend this book to students and professionals in viticulture and wine science. It is a long-awaited text dedicated specifically to vineyard soils and the way they affect grapevines and management strategies. This book will also be of great interest to anyone who wishes to better understand the link between environmental conditions and wine.



5. A great book on beginning growing. To get the full understanding about what Mr white is talking about the book Science in Agriculture I feel, should be read first. Great section,along with the pros and cons, of different types of irrigation. Seems to lean a little heavy on the soils of California. For the person not growing grapes but enjoys good wine it is an excellant sorce of how the wine gets its flavor. The principles presented will aid anyone growing almost anything.

5 comments about The American Wine Society Presents: Growing Wine Grapes.

1. You could probably learn a lot from this little book even if you weren't going to plant a few vines, but if you're even thinking of growing grapes, this is a great little primer. It isn't going to make you a viticulturist, but it will prepare you for what you're about to get into. In the process, it will probably help you avoid more than a few mistakes.

   The American Wine Society does select good authors. Each chapter is tightly written, adequately illustrated, and easily read and absorbed. Most are simply practical, as they should be. A couple border on being scholarly, which is a plus. Dr. John R. McGrew wrote six of the ten chapters. He's no T. V. Munson, but he is a professional grape breeder and a darn good winemaker, too. You can take his word to the bank.

   If you think you might like to plant a few vines out back, buy this book. Read it cover-to-cover and then read Jeff Cox's From Vines to Wines. Long before the planting, you'll be dreaming of future ! harvests and vintage wines.




2. This is the definitive book for growing, fertilization and vineyard care for American Vines. Any questions you have this little book will answer them. J Loenholdt talks in a language that all can understand........



3. If you have simply a curiosity on how to grow grapes, this book will suffice. It reads like a large brochure. However, important topics, such as choosing an appropriate vineyard site, are fully explained in only half a page. The illustrations are few and very poorly drawn, as well as some being so small one needs a magnifiying glass to read them. A few paragraphs are so poorly written (J. R. McGrew), they need to be re-read multiple times. Most importantly, this book is written strictly for the EASTERN UNITED STATES...



4. I thought this book was mediocre at best. I was surprised when got it because it is a small book. I have read others on grape growing and wine making and this didnt hit the top of the list. I was a little surprised because some of the important info of this book contradicted other books which makes me think that there are different methods to do certain things. The book has some very good ideas, but it can sometimes be hard to understand. I found many of the illustrations and tables hard to understand. Being an amateur grape grower, I guess i just had more questions than the illustrations and explanations could answer. Some chapters are very good. For example there is one that talks about specific diseases; this would be a good reference for the amateur grape grower.
   
   I would say to gain more knowledge if you are new to the subject, read this book because it will allow you to see things in a different perspective and it will reinforce certain ideas, but if you had to pick one book, dont pick this one. I really liked Jeff Cox's From Vines to Wines because it had good info on grape growing and wine making.



5. Very basic information at best. Not really much help if you are seriously thinking of growing your own grapes. Many questions, like what variety should I grow, in not addressed properly as far as a Merlot or Cabernet etc. In fact the word "Merlot" is not even in the book! How far apart should the vines be planted? Beats me! I guess I'll have to look in another book.

5 comments about From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes and Making Your Own Wine.

1. This book tells you everything about growing grapes and producing fine wine. It even deals with the choice of grape-varieties suited for your climate. It is almost perfect. I think many Europeans will read this book, and it would have been perfect if it included the Meditteranean countries in the tables of climate-zones and selection of suitable varieties. It is very difficult to find this (about Europe) on the internet. But a great and very useful book.



2. We wanted a resource for the wine process from growth to the glass.
   Everything you need is in here.



3. This is indespensible for home winemakers. Period.
   
   If you are a person engaged in wine studies, this is an essential first look into serious technical winemaking aspects. Before delving into more serious technical manuals such as "Understanding Wine Technology" and "The Science of Wines from Grape to Glass".
   
   Pros: wonderfully written in laymans terms
   Cons: drawings sometimes difficult to distinguish



4. I gave this to my father and he was so excited because it focused a lot on building a good trellis with good illustrations and also good for prunning.
   These are two things that lack in other books that i have bought him (and that I am starting to be interested in, too).
   Of course the book covers all aspects of the grape and wine making process, but the trellising and prunning in more detail was very welcome.
   Recommended on all aspects.



5. When we were planning our vineyard we needed all the help we could get. From Vines To Wines was one book kept by the bedside for constant reference during the planning and planting stage. (The other book was "Vineyard Simple." The illustrated guide to pruning is exceptionally well done. Now that we've made it through year 1, I find myself going back to the book time and again. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in planting a vineyard. Craig Justice, Webmaster of Winemaker's Journal and Founder, Blue Merle Vineyard & Winery