New Wine Book Looks Interesting
Its press release claims Once Upon a Vine is, “What’s been missing from the wine bookshelf.” I have to admit that it does seem like a nice break from the volumes of reference materials often associated with the wine scene. It’s probably best to let them explain the book themselves:
Once Upon A Vine shares the stories of 24 winemakers…Not a wine tasting guide, not a tour book, not a wine education course, this book offers a whole new way to open the cellar door for anyone with any interest in wine. Once Upon A Vine uncorks true life stories, sagas about choices made, luck, hope and dreams realized that can both inspire the reader - and clarify the choices at the wine shop. “When you know a winery’s secret story,” Reynolds concludes, “you’ll always remember the wine.”
I like the fact that the stories all check in at under 10 pages, and are divided into six categories (ranging from Strong Women to Bootstrap). There is one troubling issue. It appears to only be offered through its own, private website: www.OnceUponAVineTheBook.com. Neither it nor any other work by Judy Reynolds is available at Amazon, and a news search turned up a bunch of nothing. Jane Seymour wrote the forward, if that means anything to you. I’m not completely sold, but will probably give it a look.
Update: I was contacted by the author herself (see her comment on this post) and she has promised a copy of the book to JohnnyWino. She is indeed selling the book independently, but does carry some hearty credentials. I’ll be sure to keep you updated. There’s still some time left to order a copy for your favorite oenophile before Christmas!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Hi Johnny,
Thanks for posting info on Once Upon A Vine: The Secret Stories of California’s Artisan
Wineries. I’d love to send you a copy. What address should I send it to?
Yep, I’m a bit under the wine establishment radar… I’ve interviewed hundreds of California wineries and winery founders over the past 19 years as the sole newsletter writer for
the 5 wine clubs under the California Wine Club umbrella. This year alone I’ll write
more than 100 newsletters.
I thought it would be fun to choose some of my favorite stories and go a bit deeper with them, with Once Upon A Vine, a book I financed and published myself. The book launch was last Sunday in Palm Desert; I shared some stories, the wineries donated wine, we had a blast! And nearly 100 books sold.
The book is my way to invite wine off its pedestal so people, from the just curious to the connoisseur, can cozy up to it, and open the cellar door in a fun and friendly way. From the Madrigals, who began their winery with just a pair of pruning shears, to Lane Tanner, who was pushed through the cellar door by Fate and Andre Tchelistcheff, to Greg LaFollette, the Sonoma County Pinot Noir guy who I call the Grape Whisperer — they are all unique, sometimes funny, poignant and — well, where should I send the book and you can see for yourself!
Best,
Judy Reynolds