FineWineCountry.com
Sep 05 2009
Teachers, these time-saving student packets feature multiple-level reproducibles for direct student use. Included are activity sheets, quizzes, vocabulary activities, unit tests and much more for an indepth study of the story. (This is NOT the paperback novel.)
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Sep 04 2009
The only comprehensive, international resource of its kind, published annually and recommended by leading food and wine publications and organizations. Contains detailed descriptions of more than 1,000 schools, colleges, culinary apprenticeships, cooking vacations, and wine programs worldwide. Divided into two sections: one for career programs and one for recreational programs.
Customer Review: Shaw Cooking School Guide
Wonderful reference guide to all cooking schools. Great for professional and just-for-fun classes!
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Sep 01 2009
Customer Review: A great classic of beer and wine making!
This book is an all-time classic on this subject.
While designed for the amateur, it also takes you beyond that level, in detail. Great advice and instructions for fantastic wines, beer, and also champagne. All in one neat little package, easy to read and use.
Also perfect for novices who don't have a lot of space.
Dover (publishers) were particularly good at this type of book, and have the reputation for quality.
My favorite chapters: "The Showing and Judging of Wines" and "Your Queries Answered."
Highly recommended, as a real bargain investment, for all new-comers, hobbyists, students of brewing, and beyond.
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Sep 01 2009
The essential insider's guide to exploring the Central Coast's wineries, restaurants, recreation, culture, and accommodations.
The Central Coast is internationally recognized as one of the natural treasures of the West, offering craggy cliffs, ancient redwoods, and endless beaches to explore. This book, written by fourth- and fifth-generation Californians, takes travelers to some of the most sought-after destinations, including shops, inns, restaurants, and wineries known only to the locals—until now.
With a down-to-earth appreciation for their own stomping grounds, the authors write as enthusiastic guides, eager to share what they know and love about the region. Rich in detail, covering everything from the autumnal monarch butterfly migration to opera festivals, the best honky-tonk blues joints to fine dining steeped in tradition and elegance, this book homes in on an eclectic selection of what makes this strip of coastline one of the most desired destinations in the world. 60 black & white photographs, 6 maps, index.
Customer Review: A great destination indeed
Most people, when they think of California, probably think of Los Angeles, San Francisco, perhaps San Diego. But the bulk of the state remains more or less unspoiled wilderness, farmland, and charming small towns, and this guide takes you through what may be one of the most accessible examples of that fact. (There are currently 20 more volumes in the Great Destinations series, which you can see at http://www.countrymanpress.com.) The so-called "Central Coast" stretches from Santa Cruz (now almost a bedroom community for the Frisco Bay area) down through Santa Barbara (unfortunately the book doesn't include much information on the latter) and is notable for its scenery, wineries, history, quirky shopping opportunities, and delicious eats. The authors live and work in the region and their expertise is obvious. They begin with a look at the history, fauna and flora, and general geography and character of this 300-mile stretch, then devote separate chapters to the principal divisions of the southward drive--Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo and the Santa Ynez Valley--plus one on the wineries that have recently come into prominence there. Each chapter includes a local map, lodging suggestions (mainly small inns and B&B's), idiosyncratic places to dine (with prices ranging from "inexpensive," up to $15, to "very expensive," $50 or more), bakeries, coffeehouses, farmers' markets, and purveyors of frozen desserts, a long section on culture (architecture, cinema, gardens, historic places, walking tours, kid stuff, museums, music, nightlife, and stage), another almost as long on recreation (beaches, bicycling, bird-watching, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, surfing, tennis), shopping (everything from books to fashion), and seasonal events arranged month-by-month. There are phone numbers for everything that has one, and many websites listed too. A closing chapter provides general information on things like banks, hospitals, and the general trends of the weather, plus a bibliography of suggested reading. There don't seem to be a great many guides that focus on this oddly out-of-the-way (considering that it lies smack-dab between the state's two most famous cities) region, but if you want to find a place in California where you can enjoy a laid-back, relaxing stay, this is the book to get to plan your trip.
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Aug 31 2009
From the bestselling authors of Wine For Dummies, a different way to choose and enjoy wine
Because the choices in a wine store or on a wine list can seem limitless or intimidating, wine drinkers often stick with what they know, such as Merlot, or go with the choice made by a wine critic or a waiter. This appealingly straightforward and unintimidating guide will help wine drinkers discover what they like and make informed choices. The authors identify 12 wine styles, or taste categories, including four for red wine and four for white wine. For each style, the authors detail how it tastes, where it comes from, grape varieties that are common for the style, and a few recommended wines. The style "Soft, Fruity Red Wines," for instance, includes U.S. Merlots, Beaujolais, Burgundies and other Pinot Noirs, and southern Italian reds, among other wines. Complete with tips on pairing wine with food and a pull-out wine wheel to help readers remember the styles, this is the refreshingly different book wine drinkers have been waiting for.
Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Master of Wine, and Ed McCarthy, Certified Wine Instructor (New York, NY), are among the best-known, most widely respected wine experts in the United States. They have appeared frequently in the media, including on television's Food Network and CNNfn, and have written seven wine books in the For Dummies series.
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Aug 30 2009
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Aug 29 2009
Customer Review: A jolly good introduction to the world of wine
This is an entertaining, informative overview of basic wine knowledge. It is an excellent beginning point for a budding oenophile or anybody who just wants to learn about wines. Lively music evokes imagery of each country whose wines are featured. Additionally, there is a helpful booklet with maps of the most important and newly-emerging wine regions. Accept Julian Curry's accent and manner of speaking and you will be well enriched and ready to confidently walk into any wine shop or order from any wine list by the end of the fourth CD.
Customer Review: Content filled CD
I bought this to learn more about wines while in the car. It is good, but not overwhelming. Some sections are overflowing with content that is hard to absorb while driving and some sections are slow. Since it is the only CD I could find, I rate it as much better than nothing. I know more now than when I started.
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Aug 28 2009
Nicholas Faith’s first wine book, The Winemasters, was published in 1978 and won the André Simon award. He is the author of Mitchell Beazley’s Classic Wine Library Cognac, which won the Gourmand Best Spirit Book 2004, as well as other well-received works on Champagne and on major Bordeaux châteaux.
Customer Review: A fascinating history, not a "drinker's guide"
I recently got "into" cognac and ordered this book to further my understanding of this ambrosial elixir. While not quite what I'd hoped for, the book turned out to be much more interesting than I had expected.
The book starts with an overview of the making of cognac, including information about the geography of the Cognac region and how it influences the quality of the brandies produced in the various sub-region This is followed by a detailed history of the region and the drink. I found Nicholas Faith's writing about the trials and tribulations of Cognac to be to be quite engaging. At the end, there is a short section on the enjoyment of cognac, followed by a listing of cognac houses and very terse comments on their various cognacs (just a few words each).
My only disappointment is that I was hoping for more a "drinker's guide" to Cognac with detailed reviews, something along the lines of the books the late Michael Jackson wrote about beer and whiskey. I'm thinking that Cognac (Mitchell Beazley Drink) might be more what I was looking for, so I'll order it next.
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Aug 26 2009
In this groundbreaking new book, wine authority Marguerite Thomas both defines the East Coast Wine Country and conveys all the exciting developments in this fast-growing region.
Customer Review: Offers the reader a wealth of reliable information
Compiled and written by travel writer and cookbook author Marguerite Thomas, Touring East Coast Wine Country: A Guide To The Finest Wineries offers the reader a wealth of reliable information concerning lodgings, touring programs, fine restaurant dining, trivia details of specific interest to the vacationer and wine connoisseur looking to enjoy a relaxing and engaging trip along New England, New York State, the Mid-Atlantic States or Virginia. A welcome and highly recommended trip and travel planning resource, black-and-white photographs enhance this succinctly presented guidebook.
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