Appellation Napa Valley

Thanks to a far-sighted band of creative pioneers, and thanks to a very special community intelligence and spirit, the Napa Valley has transformed itself from a sleepy, inward-looking farm and ranching enclave into one of the most prestigious and exciting wine-growing regions in the world. In Appellation Napa Valley, the renowned wine lawyer and industry authority Richard Mendelson takes us inside the legal and commercial struggles that did so much to make the Napa Valley into what it is today. Along the way, he brings us incisive portraits of the men and women who joined hands in common cause and common spirit, igniting a revolution in American wine and food in the process. Enlivened by exquisite maps and drawings from vineyards and cellars, plus a foreword by the celebrated French Laundry chef Thomas Keller, Appellation Napa Valley is a unique keepsake book to be savored and cherished for many years to come.

At the age of 47, when he a successful publishing executive and living with his wife and four children in an affluent Chicago suburb, John Shafer made the surprise announcement that he had purchased a vineyard in the Napa Valley. In 1973, he moved his family to California and, with no knowledge of winemaking, began the journey that would lead him, thirty years later, to own and operate what distinguished wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. called “one of the world’s greatest wineries.” This book, narrated by Shafer’s son Doug, is a personal account of how his father turned his midlife dream into a remarkable success story. Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley’s transformation from a rural backwater in the 1970s through its emergence today as one of the top wine regions in the world, the book begins with the winery’s shaky start and takes the reader through the father and son’s ongoing battles against killer bugs, cellar disasters, local politics, changing consumer tastes, and the volatility of nature itself. Doug Shafer tells the story of his own education, as well as Shafer Vineyards’ innovative efforts to be environmentally sustainable, its role in spearheading the designation of a Stags Leap American Viticultural Area, and how the wine industry has changed in the contemporary era of custom-crushing and hobbyist winery investors.

James Conaway's remarkable bestseller delves into the heart of California's lush and verdant Napa Valley, also known as America's Eden. Long the source of succulent grapes and singular wines, this region is also the setting for the remarkable true saga of the personalities behind the winemaking empires. This is the story of Gallos and Mondavis, of fortunes made and lost, of dynasties and destinies. In this delightful, full-bodied social history, James Conaway charts the rise of a new aristocracy and, in so doing, chronicles the collective ripening of the American dream. More than a wine book, Napa is a must-read for anyone interested in our country's obsession with money, land, power, and prestige.

Everything you need to know about America's favorite wine and food destination. You'll discover the most popular tourist attractions as well as those that locals try to keep secret. With this book, you won't miss a thing. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, you'll find new and enjoyable things to see and do. Includes over 700 listings of lodging, spas, wineries, restaurants, parks and camping, hiking and biking, sightseeing, shopping, events, arts, entertainment and nightlife in all towns and areas of the Napa Valley. Readers will also find historical landmarks, a chronological history of Napa County, Napa County statistics, maps, photos, wedding planning contacts, kids' favorites, help on relocating to the valley, and even a section on Napa Valley trivia, including movies made in the valley, ship building, and the World War II era POW camp. There's also a special and very comprehensive 45-page wine supplement, with information on Napa Valley wines, vineyards, varietals, winemaking, wine tasting, understanding a wine label, a glossary of wine terms and pronunciations, and much more.

An in-depth look at the history, wineries, and wines of Napa Valley with a special emphasis on tasting notes of older vintages.

The wine industry appears to be an anomaly within the modern global economy. Thousands of small companies provide a vast variety of highly differentiated products and compete successfully with multinational corporations. Using case studies from Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Chianti Classico, this book argues that rather than being a vestige or a serendipitous phenomenon, this variety results from a sophisticated alternative organization of production. Integrating differentiation and branding into Ostrom's common pool resource theory, Jerry Patchell shows how winegrowers in a territory can use self-governance to protect and promote their common reputation while enhancing each producer's ability to differentiate their wines and build their own brand. Bordeaux, Napa, and Chianti Classico share several common challenges, but develop a set of strategies and tools appropriate to their markets and regulatory contexts.

California-based wine expert Larry Walker offers indepth reference on the wines of one of the world's most prominent wine-producing regions, the Napa Valley. He explores the history of this region and gives a full description of the grape varieties, viticulture, and winemaking techiques, and recommends vintages to look out for. He also details the top producers and their wines, and includes a topical discussion on recent wine developments in this region.