Beautiful Wineries Of The Wine Country
The wineries of Northern California are as varied as the wines that emanate from the region’s bountiful soil. In BEAUTIFUL WINERIES OF THE WINE COUNTRY, author Jennifer Barry and acclaimed photographer Charles O’Rear present a magnificent visual tour of more than 50 distinctive wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Featuring a variety of building styles—Victorian and historic farm, European influenced, and California contemporary—this small-scale, full-color coffee-table book is a thoughtful gift for architecture enthusiasts and the perfect keepsake for wine lovers and visitors. From sweeping landscapes to the tiniest architectural details, BEAUTIFUL WINERIES OF THE WINE COUNTRY captures the beauty and spirit of this multicultural locale.

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San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

A Champagne crusade San Francisco Chronicle (blog) You might find a disgorgement date that will, in a few numbers, provide a clue to that wine's entire history. More likely, you won't. Then take a moment to ask yourself why this wine in particular should be exempt from telling us the story of its … and more »

Sweet Madeira – Manchester Evening News

Sweet Madeira Manchester Evening News The famous fortified wine with which it shares its name is, in tourism terms, fortified still further with great seafood, great weather and a rich cultural history. It is upon this backdrop that Jet2holidays is hoping to capitalise with its upcoming …

Grape vs. Grain: A Historical, Technological, and Social Comparison of Wine and Beer
Why is wine considered more sophisticated even though the production of beer is much more technologically complex? Why is wine touted for its health benefits when beer has more nutritive value? Why does wine conjure up images of staid dinner parties while beer denotes screaming young partiers? Charles Bamforth explores several paradoxes involving these beverages, paying special attention to the culture surrounding each. He argues that beer can be just as grown-up and worldly as wine and be part of a healthy, mature lifestyle. Both beer and wine have histories spanning thousands of years. This is the first book to compare them from the perspectives of history, technology, nature of the market for each, quality attributes, types and styles, and the effect that they have on human health and nutrition.

Customer Review: Everyone Has An Opinion
I am always amazed that people often go for the throat of another human being, rather that stating the positive aspects of what we see and leave the criticism to the individual reader. I have seen Charles Bamforth speak on a few occasions and he is delightfully playful. He jokes about nearly everything, both the beer and the wine industry. In regards to the book, I just get that he wants people to understand that it takes skill to brew beer as well.

I actually prefer the taste of wine over beer, and not being an expert about either, had no idea how each is made in great detail. From all the advertisements I have ever been exposed to however, beer certainly has always been made to look like the lesser form of the two beverages. Now that I have been exposed to more information from Dr. Bamforth, I know that’s not true. They both take a lot of skill and expertise to produce a good product.

I mean, when it all boils down to it, just like anything, no one is better or worse than the other and I think Dr. Bamforth would heartily agree it is all about individual preference. I think beer has just gotten a bad rap and the book was intended to give readers a little clearer perspective as to what it is really all about.

Customer Review: Well worth the read
I think some of you may be missing the point a bit. The author, I believe, is trying to make the arguement throughout the book that the wine industry has, undeservedly, stolen the moral high ground when it comes to comparing beer and wine. The arguements Bamforth puts forward are really asking why has the wine industry been able to do this, while the beer industry has not (either intentionally or not)? He points out that there really is no proof that wine is any healthier than any other type of alcohol, that the retail mark up of wine is disproportionate to what is costs to produce and he questions the hole notion of “vintage” as an excuse for lack of consistencty. Bamforth just dares to say the beer deserves its place at the table just like wine. A great read.

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If You Must Smoke, Drink Red Wine
Every day there’s more news about the health benefits of red wine, but this one is really hard to believe: Moderate consumption of red wine is related to a 60 percent reduced risk of lung cancer in men who have ever smoked! Yes, a study conducted by Kaiser

The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam
Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi’s comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi’s work covers not only Khayyam’s well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.

Customer Review: enlightened reading
The seems to be a lot of redundancy in the first part of the book but the overall information, history and review of the philosophy is well presented.
A very interesting book and enjoyable to read.

Customer Review: The Ultimate Treatise on Khayyam
I am a filmmaker who spent 7 years making a feature film about the legendary mathematician, astronomer, poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam. I cannot think of another book published in this world that gives a more complete and thorough understanding of Khayyam. Dr. Aminrazavi’s book is a scholarly masterpiece that illuminates the reader’s mind with well researched, solid facts debunking the myths surrounding Khayyam. Each chapter clearly lays out the author’s own struggle with what is fact and what is fiction. The book also explores Khayyam’s vast influence on literature in the West. If there is anyone out there who wants an encyclopedic look into the mind of the 11th Century genius with the soul of a poet, look no further…purchase Wine of Wisdom today!

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Globe and Mail

What wines won't trigger migraines? Globe and Mail If you want a general guide, I believe it's safe to say that red wine tends to contain more amines than white. Several reasons may account for this, notably the fact that white wine, lacking the higher protective tannin content of most reds, … and more »

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter – Georgiandaily

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter Georgiandaily The wine ferments in the open. Once fermentation stops, the clay pot is plugged and covered with dirt. It stays there, skins and all (even for white wines), until the winemaker deems it ready to bottle. The two wines came from the same exact grapes, … and more »

Hospitality Manager’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits (2nd Edition)
This introduction to the history, science and varieties of alcoholic beverages is essential for today’s hospitality manager. Written as a practical guide, this book helps managers understand wines, beers and spirits—from the history of alcohol to the marketing and selling of it. The user-friendly approach teaches wine by the grape, beers by the type of yeast used in fermentation, and spirits by breaking them into two categories (aged or non-aged and fruit or grain-based). This edition includes a new forward by Ken Rubin, a logical reorganization of early chapters, and material devoted to the management and marketing of beverage operations.

Customer Review: Great History and Easy to Understand
This book by Albert W.A. Schmid is full of interesting, historical details regarding the history of wines, beers and spirits. His Louisville roots are evident when one reads his sections on Kentucky Bourbon. Bourbon drinkers will drool! Wines are segmented “by the grape” which makes understanding the large variety of wineries and varietals very easy and simple. This book gives an excellent overview of wines, beers and spirits — from the way they are produced to the myriad of ways they can be paired with your favorite foods!

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The Wicked Wine of Democracy: A Memoir of a Political Junkie 1948-1995
“Smilin’ Joe” Miller learned early that political campaigns hadn’t changed since the days of Babylon, when politicians – or, more correctly, kings and emperors – stamped their visages on coins and invented lies about themselves. By capitalizing on this simple secret, he found that politics could be simplified to glorifying his candidate and denigrating the opposition. It just required keeping up with the latest technological developments and using them to advantage. There was nothing ennobling about this, but it paid well, or, as Bob Dole liked to say, there was no heavy lifting and it was all indoor work.

The Wicked Wine of Democracy is a frank account by a political operative and practicing lobbyist who in the early 1950s went from being a journalist in Seattle to working on the campaigns of such important political figures as Warren G. Magnuson, Henry “Scoop” Jackson, Frank Church, William Proxmire, and, finally, John F. Kennedy. He was so successful in managing the media for campaigns across the country that in 1957 the Washington Post labeled him “the Democrat’s answer to Madison Avenue.” After Kennedy’s victory, Miller opened a lobbying office on Capitol Hill and took on clients as diverse as the United Steelworkers of America (USA), the Western Forest Industries Association (WFIA), and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA). In this always revealing and often humorous memoir, Miller reports on the highlights and backroom conversations from political campaigns, labor negotiations, and lobbying deals to give an honest picture of how politics worked over his forty-year career in the nation’s Capitol.

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Burgundy and Its Wines

Customer Review: Pretty but not very useful
This book is sort of all fluff; the pictures are pretty, but it’s not really very informative. I’d skip it and buy a Michelin guide unless you want a picture book for your coffee table.

Customer Review: Burgundy & its Wines
The book has wonderful photography, with a nice history of the region. A few major vineyards are listed, but don’t expect it to be a list of key Burgundian hot spots! More the asthetic and artistic history of the area and how wine got started and grew.

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Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide 6th Edition : The Complete, Easy-to-Use Reference on Recent Vintages, Prices, and Ratings for More Than 8,000 Wines from All the Major Wine Regions
Thoroughly revised and updated, this sixth edition of the Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide has been eagerly awaited by seasoned collectors and occasional drinkers alike. No one wants to waste his or her precious dollars on an unenjoyable bottle, and with Parker’s advice in hand, no one ever will. Employing his famous 100-point rating system, Parker rates more than 8,000 wines from all the major wine-producing regions in the world — including newly expanded sections on the popular wines of California and Italy. Each wine producer is evaluated separately, and Parker’s independence allows him to be completely honest in his opinions. In addition, the book includes other essential information, such as how to buy and store wine, how to spot a badly stored and abused bottle, and how to find the best wine values for under $10.

Customer Review: THE Bible for wine people.
If you are a beginner or a total expert, this book is your constant source of review–it never gets outdated because one always needs to refer to it. Even to those who are not Robert Parker fans, have this book in their wine collection. A MUST!

Customer Review: Five books in one
Parker’s guide currently available came out some time already and does not cover the latest vintages, but the book is still an incredible source of information about wine-making, geographical regions etc. It’s as if we were buying a few good books in one. You have over 1,600 pages in the book! As such, it offers very good value, especially at the discounted price at which it’s available now. It is especially useful for people interested in European wines, as it does not cover New World brands in such detail as it does, for example, French or German wines. I strongly recommend the book not just to wine buyers but also to people who want to know more about wines. No other book offers so much at this price. Personally, I treat the reviews as guidelines only though; You may not necessarily like the wines Parker likes, or you may not necessarily be able to afford them. The book does not cover the cheapest lot

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Kevin Zraly’s American Wine Guide: 2009 (Kevin Zraly’s American Wine Guide)

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Wine
Wine is much more than a self-titled book about a drink; it is an all encompassing tome which details every conceivable aspect of what it takes to become a connoisseur. This newly updated edition of an international sensation is jam-packed with information, yet easily organized to find exactly what you are looking for. Abundantly illustrated, this massive volume covers the history of wine, wine production, wine cellars, the enjoyment of wine, and also serves as a reliable buying guide. With gorgeous full-color photographs, readers can experience a satisfying journey through the wine growing countries and regions of the world. Newcomers to the passion of wine will find this book an invaluable resource and wine aficionados will be able to discover new wines and regions. Features:

More than 1,200 full-color illustrations and photographs.
150 detailed maps of the world’s wine growing countries and regions, including Canada, Japan, and China.
Extensive new information about new European countries.
Updated with new producers, tables, maps, and photographs.
Information on up-and-coming wine growing countries around the world.

Customer Review: Perfect for Students in the Profession
Contains a lot of great information. The first few chapters are about the History and Production of wine and include a great amount of detail. The pictures really help to show certain aspects, such as the photo progression of ripeness and grape bunches WITH the leaves, and pruning.

The chapters are written and edited by various experts in that region, so accuracy is quite high. The edition I just read is the 5th (2004) edition, so there should be a new edition within the next two years or so.

I bought this NEW for $6!!! What a deal!!!

Customer Review: Like A Large Glass Of Wine, To Be Enjoyed a Sip At A Time
I honestly believe that Domine has done an excellent job in compiling and authoring WINE. The book contains a plethora of information and is effectively enhanced with color photographs that allows the reader to better follow along with the details of wine and its production (in Europe.) To be repetitious, its as if the author never left the Old World to discover the abundance of quality wine, production methods and information awaiting his readers on “this side of the pond.”

This should not be the first book purchased by a person new to wine, although it could be. A person’s interest in any subject may begin with the purchase of a first book of the beginning level in order to learn more. Increased proficiency in the subject matter leads to more advanced books. In the case of Domine’s WINE, the information a person new to wine needs to know is adequately covered in the first 150 pages. The book should then be put away. As an interest in wine and wine tasting continues, the book should be a steady resource of reference. Unlike a Ludlum novel which is meant to be read cover-to-cover, WINE is a reference book for all levels of Oenophiles. I can hardly imagine that any person purchases this book, reads it once, then disposes of it.

The holidays are coming. I know what you should be asking for. (Joseph Broski, Dionysian Society International – NJ)

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Telegraph.co.uk

Red wine antioxidant could give metabolism a boost USA Today Changes included a lower metabolic rate, reduced fat in the liver, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar. The men also had changes in the way their muscles burned fat, the researchers found. In obesity, it's not clear whether burning fewer … Red wine may boost metabolismWXXA Substance in red wine shows promise in first human studyWashington Post (blog) Red wine holds key to better health for obese patientsTelegraph.co.uk The Press Association -Daily Mail -News Tonight all 70 news articles »

Missouri wines now have an iPhone app – digitalBURG.com

Missouri wines now have an iPhone app digitalBURG.com The application also features a wine log where users can keep wine notes in one convenient location and access them at any time. The wine log allows users to store details of the wines they taste, rate individual wines and even save photos of their … and more »

Bread and Wine (Signet Classics)
One of the 20th century’s essential novels depicting Fascism’s rise in Italy.

Set and written in Fascist Italy, this book exposes that regime’s use of brute force for the body and lies for the mind. Through the story of the once-exiled Pietro Spina, Italy comes alive with priests and peasants, students and revolutionaries, all on the brink of war.

Customer Review: All Gods Muist Fail
This is the definitive account of one God that failed. It describes a man’s loss of faith during the 1930s in the international Communist movement. Wanted as a terrorist, he slips back into southern Italy where he hides as a Catholic priest recovering from tuberculosis. Fascism is rampant and war with Ethiopia has given national purpose to Italians suffering from economic stagnation. His priestly duties involve offering forgiveness to Catholics saddled with a primitive and uncompromising faith. His contacts in the Comintern underground demand his obedience to party dogma from Moscow that he now sees as meaningless. While Silone offers no grand solution to the dilemna that loss of faith presents, the book presents an uncompromising and wonderfully written portrait of the strength and weakness of humanity in the Godless world of the 20th Century.

Customer Review: Excellent book
I had to read this book for an Italian history class and it was excellent. The book deals with different concepts, but is primarily related to the role of religion in fascist Italy. We follow the path of Pietro Spina and his persona as a priest, and we see how those regard him act and feel.

I highly recommend this book!

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