There are nearly 1,400 known varieties of wine grapes in the world—from altesse to zierfandler—but 80 percent of the wine we drink is made from only 20 grapes. In Godforsaken Grapes, Jason Wilson looks at how that came to be and embarks on a journey to discover what we miss. Stemming from his own growing obsession, Wilson moves far beyond the “noble grapes,” hunting down obscure and underappreciated wines from Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, France, Italy, the United States, and beyond. In the process, he looks at why these wines fell out of favor (or never gained it in the first place), what it means to be obscure, and how geopolitics, economics, and fashion have changed what we drink. A combination of travel memoir and epicurean adventure, Godforsaken Grapes is an entertaining love letter to wine.

"Meticulously researched history…look[s] at how wine and Western civilization grew up together." —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post Because science and technology have opened new avenues for vintners, our taste in wine has grown ever more diverse. Wine is now the subject of careful chemistry and global demand. Paul Lukacs recounts the journey of wine through history—how wine acquired its social cachet, how vintners discovered the twin importance of place and grape, and how a basic need evolved into a realm of choice.

"The enjoyable nectar of grapes and the business of bringing it to consumers have already had a long history, but never before has the wine industry seen so much change. The Business of Wine is aimed at anyone with an interest in broadening his or her view of wine to encompass some of the fascinating complexities of the business side of this international industry." "It is also the intention that it provides substantive reading for the professional, the academic, or the student seeking to gain deeper insight into the structure and economics of the industry as well as into the various trends and pressures which are currently affecting it."--BOOK JACKET.

Pinot noir, the famously elegant, sexy, and capricious red grape of Burgundy, is finally producing impressive wines in North America. Credit talented winemakers, enthusiastic restaurateurs, and consumers in search of alternatives to cabernet and zinfandel. Considered perhaps the ultimate food wine, pinot noir has an allure based on its special combination of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel; on its legendary capacity to reflect the terroir where it is grown; and on its reputation for being hard to grow and make. This is the definitive work on pinot noir in North America. A comprehensive reference for winemakers and aficionados as well as a sourcebook for casual enthusiasts, it includes extensive historical and viticultural background on pinot noir in the New World and profiles of six dozen prominent producers in California, Oregon, British Columbia, and New York. John Winthrop Haeger, known for his perceptive wine writing for more than fifteen years, gives contextual and comparative information about pinot noir in Burgundy and then tells the story of wine producers' early failures, frustrations, and breakthroughs in North America. He discusses plant genetics and clones, identifies the essential conditions for really good pinot, tells where the best wines are grown and made, and analyzes the factors that determine wine styles and signatures. In the second part of the book, he presents detailed producer profiles with accessibly written tasting notes on recent and mature vintages. A final section covers glassware, vintages, wine and food pairings, and other matters of interest to consumers. Maps prepared especially for this book cover all the major pinot-producing regions in North America.

The Rough Guide to Switzerland is the ultimate travel companion to this clean and idyllic country with detailed coverage of all the top attractions. From the medieval streets of Bern to the stunning views of Lake Geneva and the iconic Matterhorn to the best spots to enjoy sensational alpine scenery, discover Switzerland's highlights inspired by dozens of colour photos. You'll find practical advice on getting around by train, bus, boat and car whilst relying on up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels, bars, clubs, shops, restaurants and resorts for all budgets. The Rough Guide to Switzerland includes expert guidance on a host of outdoor activities, from summer hikes to skiing and snowboarding, colour sections on 'cheese and chocolate' and 'mountain excursions', and a crucial language section with basic words, phrases and handy tips for pronunciation. Explore every corner of Switzerland with clear maps and expert backgound on everything from the country's folklore, music, alpine flora and fauna to the roots of Switzerland's neutrality. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Switzerland

A guide to Switzerland, providing background on the history, people, and culture of the country; featuring maps and information about places of interest; and including practical travel tips on topics such as climate, dining, transportation, accommodations, and attractions.

Biodynamic techniques recognise that plant life is intimately bound up with the life of the soil; that the soil itself is alive and that the degree of vitality influences the health of the crops. You will soon be able to grow quality produce which possesses vitality and has the highest flavour, through the nurture of the soil.Whether you are an experienced gardener or not, whether or not you have used permaculture or grown organic produce before, this book offers valuable, easily accessible tips

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1965.