Customer Review: Finally, a comprehensive book on all kosher wines!

When I was growing up, kosher wine reminded me of cough syrup - sweet, but nonetheless something to be avoided.

However, kosher wines today compete with some of the finest wines in the world and the list continues to grow. Furthermore, kosher wines are being produced world-wide and Israel is leading the way.

Although there are books which do discuss Israeli wines in detail, this has been the first book I have come across which discusses all kosher wines.

Mr. Rosenberg has taken a "dry" subject and made it very palatable. He does an excellent of explaining all of the technical aspects of what makes wine kosher, as well as all of the variaties of grapes and which wine goes best with other foods. Finally, he provides an easy to follow rating system for many brands of wines.

If you can't tell a cabernet from a chablis, and haven't a clue what mevushal is, this book is for you.

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From the bucolic vineyards of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino valleys in the north to the exciting architecture, history, and scenery of Santa Barbara in the south, California's wine country offers a variety of pleasures. Among such pleasures are delicious meals set in the warmth and hospitality of bed & breakfasts and country inns. Owners and chefs from the leading B&Bs and country inns in California's wine country have generously shared their most requested, mouth-watering recipes, often with make-ahead or timesaving tips. A travel guide as well as a cookbook, this book gives engaging descriptive anecdotes and pertinent travel information. California Wine Country Bed & Breakfast Cookbook and Travel Guide will help you discover a bed & breakfast that is perfect for you.

Customer Review: Wonderfully delicious

The Arbor House Casserole was the best breakfest I have ever made. I made it in a muffin pan so that I could serve it individually rather then in slices. My guests loved the taste. Will try other recipes and let you know.

Customer Review: Test and Taste of Time!

I am not a lover of "recommendation books," and usually prefer to experiment and find my own "jewels" and "coal." But, in this case, I am happy to report, I was wrong. This book has given me many a wonderful taste of "B&B cuisine" and a delightful weekend or two. Buy this book and enjoy its many delights!

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Customer Review: Secrets from the Wine Diva

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys drinking wine and wants to know a little more about how to buy it, order it, and/or pair it with food. The wine diva makes it easy to understand with a few simple tips, and lots of great examples.

Customer Review: Bravo, Wine Diva!

I drink wine but I have never known anything about it... Because I love to throw parties and plan events, I decided it was time to learn. I picked up this book and wow, what a great little resource! I learned so much and had a fun time reading it. Being an avid reader, I love how the author phrases everything and how she organized the sections. Not only is it a good guide but it is also a good read. Now I know how to order wine at dinner, wine for a party and I am not afraid to try new varieties... I definitely recommend this book for anyone- from wine lovers to beginners.

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The French word, terroir, is used to describe all the ecological factors that make a particular type of wine special to the region of its origin. James E. Wilson uses his training as a geologist and his years of research in the wine regions of France to fully examine the concept of terroir. The result combines natural history, social history, and scientific study, making this a unique book that all wine connoisseurs and professionals will want close at hand. In Part One Wilson introduces the full range of environmental factors that together form terroir. He explains France's geological foundation; its soil, considered the "soul" of a vineyard; the various climates and microclimates; the vines, their history and how each type has evolved; and the role that humansfrom ancient monks to modern enologistshave played in viticulture. Part Two examines the history and habitat of each of France's major wine regions. Wilson explores the question of why one site yields great wines while an adjacent site yields wines of lesser quality. He also looks at cultural influences such as migration and trade and at the adaptations made by centuries of vignerons to produce distinctive wine styles. Wilson skillfully presents both technical information and personal anecdotes, and the book's photographs, maps, and geologic renderings are extremely helpful. The appendices contain a glossary and information on the labeling of French wines. With a wealth of information explained in clear English, Wilson's book enables wine readers to understand and appreciate the mystique of terroir.

Customer Review: All you ever wanted to know about wine and geology in France

This is an amazing book. I first encountered it in the library of a tour barge through Burgundy in France. I learned so much about the "terroir" of the burgundian wines that I ordered a copy for myself as soon as I got home. If you ever wanted to know just what the French mean by the word "terroir" as applied to wines, then this is the book for you. Wilson combines the geology, geography, wine variaties and even a bit of history for every major and even minor wine region of France. There is an introduction that introduces the major geological and wine terms used in the book. After that, you can go to any section (Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone, etc.) and discover just how the mixtures of soil, climate, geography, and the underlying geology interact to produce the distinctive wines of France.

Customer Review: A text for geologists, not wine lovers

Do not buy this book if you are expecting an easy read, perhaps expanding on the "terroir" writings of Matt Kramer of Wine Spectator fame. This book spends little space discussing the actual liquid that in contained within a wine bottle. What you get instead is an in depth examination of the geology which causes differences in the finished product. The feeling that the "product" is wine, seems to have no joy to the author. To me, that is what ruins this book. I get the feeling that if the author would have had as much enthusiasm writing upon the impact of different wavelengths of light on the lima bean. Not that this book didn't accomplish what the author set out to do. Just know what you are buying.

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Nestled within the lush landscape of Northern California's wine country, Sonoma County has a unique and rich heritage of food and wine production that is recognized worldwide for its stellar quality and admirable craftsmanship. In SONOMA, editor/art director Jennifer Barry, acclaimed Bay Area photographer Robert Holmes, and writer Mimi Luebbermann take a scenic, culinary journey through Sonoma's meandering back roads, visiting notable wineries, food producers, restaurants, and outstanding holiday destinations. Appealing to cooks and travel enthusiasts alike, SONOMA illustrates the extraordinary bounty this part of the country has to offer. Featuring 40 regional recipes contributed by Sonoma chefs and food purveyors that highlight local artisan food products such as specialty cheeses, olive oils, quality farm produce, livestock, seafood, and baked goods, SONOMA is an inspirational keepsake that will provide pleasure for years to come.

Customer Review: great gift

We bought this book as a thank-you gift for some friends who took us through Sonoma Valley and showed us the sights. It was a perfect way to remember fondly the time we spend together there--the photos are beautiful and the recipes (though I haven't tried them!) look great.

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Comprehensive coverage of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais and Napa & Sonoma wine country. 2nd Edition will feature expanded coverage north to include Mendocino County, including Fort Bragg, Mendocino & Ukiah.

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This book contains the ingredients, method of preparation and administration, indications, and contraindications for over 200 authentic Chinese medicinal wines and longevity elixirs as well as sources for the ingredients used. Because the administration and preparation of these wines is easy and patient compliance is high, these formulas are perfect for use as adjunctive remedies for acupuncturists.

Customer Review: from the Medical Herbalism journal

Should we use the alcohol tincture form of Chinese herbs? Bob Flaws, a leading educator in traditional Chinese herbalism has reviewed the use of alcohol preparations of Chinese herbs from classic texts as well as modern medical usage. Recipes and dosages given in detail. Readers will need a basic knowledge of the terminology and concepts of Chinese medicine. To answer the question at the top, alcoholic preparations of Chinese herbs are usually taken in much greater volume than tinctures are in Western herbalism, and only when the medicinal effects of the alcohol -- warming and stimulating -- are also sought.

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Customer Review: Pocket guides: Clake vs. Jhonson

Since 2006 I have been buying the Jhonson's guide, this year (2008) I tried Clarke's since his book on Australian wines is superb. The guide turn to be a disapointment, I didnt find a couple of top Rioja (LAN) & California (Avalon)producers, it is layed out in a wierd order so it takes long to find the wine you look for. In the front cover it says that Wine Spectator rates it above Jhonson's for easy of use, not true. I gave it away and bought my 3rd Jhonson's guide.

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