History of California Wines

[Big Bunny]

I am a fan of Early Radio.

At one time, the sponsor for "Suspense" was Roma wines. Whenever I listen to these old ads, I am reminded of a time, 50 or so years ago, when the only California wines we heard of were Roma and Italian Swiss Colony.

Obviously, there has been a lot going on - before and since the fifties. Is there a good book, or books, on the regions/people/estates that traces:

1) the science

2) the wines

3) the totally changed image of California wine?

I know this is a big vague question.

Thanks,

BB

[Carolyn Tillie]

Not a vague question at all! Here are a few recommendations:

Tale of Two Valleys: Wine, Wealth, and the Battle for the Good Life in Napa and Sonoma

Napa - The Story of an American Eden by James Conaway

Haven't read, but know of:

Fruit of the Vine: Two Hundred Years of Winemaking in Cal

Wine Country: A History of Napa Valley: The Early Years 1838-1920

Bottled Poetry: Napa Winemaking from Prohibition to the Modern Era

edited to fix links.

Edited June 1, 2004 by Carolyn Tillie (log)

[Bombdog]

Or if you REALLY want to go WAY back

A History of Wine in America, from the beginnings to prohibition

[Big Bunny]

Thank you, both.

These all look interesting.

BB

[Coop]

I loved Napa by James Conway. I especially love the parts about John Daniel and the early history of Inglenook. Beware though insiders hated this book when it came out. Like Kitchen Confidential.

[LindaJ]

I've read Napa a few times and have heard the same about insiders disliking it. However, I think it's an interesting somewhat gossipy viewpoint on the region and a damn good bedtime read.