by Jennifer Lamb
What’s on my bed-side table these days? Dozens of books from travel to intrigue to historical novels and self-help; all with bookmarks in them from chapters read and devoured. But for the wine lover, here are some of my favorite recent finds.
1. A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
From beer in Mesopotamia to tea in the British Isles and Coke in America, this is an intriguing look at beverages, with a little wine woven through the book, from the Stone Age to the present and how they have affected our culture.
2. To Cork or Not to Cork by George M Taber
As a small winery that bottles half of our wines in Stelvin Screw Caps, I was thrilled to read the technical and historical evolution of the need to move from the monopoly of unreliable tainted corks to a more consistent and dependable closure for fine wines. A great read for anyone who produces, or consumes, fine wine.
3. The Winemaker’s Dance by Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell
One of the most complete, yet approachable, narratives about the historical geology, micro climates, and dedicated winemakers who call the Napa Valley terroir their own. Technical, yet fascinating at the same time, the authors delve into each region and share the history of every nook and cranny of soil and climate through photos and interviews with noted winemakers and viticulturists. You will come out of this book with an educated appreciation for the nuances of wine from “a place”.
4. The Wine Bible – 2nd Edition – by Karen MacNeil
Yes, this is “the Bible” for anyone wondering how wine is produced, classified and appreciated over the centuries from Argentina to Asia, Slovenia to Switzerland and every wine growing region in between. It is an informative, comprehensive and easy reading book as a reference to each region’s history, soil, climate and taste profile, but also the tool of all budding wine Somms who need a one-stop-shopping source of the complete basics of each region’s wine production. 2nd Edition just published and is a Must Have!
5. The Wine Spectator – November 15, 2016 issue
Although I am not a subscriber (I nicked this one from my gym) I could not resist this issue that advertised on the cover “Bonus Inside – Our Very First Issue – April, 1976” as a centerfold. I remember moving to St. Helena a few years earlier, reading those first issues printed on faded newsprint, as though it was Alice’s Looking Glass into a world in which we lived, with local figures and age-old graphics luring one to devour each page (I do the same now with the magazine “Culture” about the varied cheeses, milk sources and makers of the world). Who would have thought there was enough news in the wine industry to justify a monthly newspaper about it?!
Although I am a firm believer that wine should be an education, and not a competition, I am grateful for the growth in the industry and the educational features which wine magazines have given our consumers in order to further understand our art and craft.
My last book suggestion can be used as either a doorstop, (it must weigh in at 20 lbs.!), or the most amazing compilation of facts and history of every wine ever produced in Napa Valley . . . or both!
6. Napa Valley Then & Now by Kelli A. White
Buy this one for the true Napa Valley wine aficionado who has too many wines in their cellar but not enough from Napa Valley! Written by one of the top 10 Somms in the country, this books is 1,233 pages of alphabetized wines with in-depth tasting notes going back several decades, historical references, winemaker photos and vineyards descriptions . . . anything and everything you could want to know. The definitive guide to wines from the Napa Valley.
Jennifer Lamb owns Herb Lamb Winery. Originally from Pasadena, with no prior agricultural background, she attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the early ’70s as an Ag Science major where she raised hogs and farmed row crops. There, she met the Aggie of her dreams, Napa native Herb, who after graduation took her home to his sleepy community of Napa Valley to start a life together in agriculture. Jennifer began forging relationships with the Valley’s wineries and vineyards through her own tour business, Wine Country Tours, in the early ’80s. She then expanded into the Hospitality, Public Relations, and Marketing arms of the industry, where she stayed for more than 20 years. In 2002, she left the corporate wine world to focus her energies and passion on Herb Lamb Vineyards and its labels. Today, you will find her nurturing this cool-climate hillside property that consistently produces some of the finest wines in the Valley.
Cancellations of confirmed in-person course enrollments and workshops are accepted up to 60 days before the start of the course. An administration fee of $50 plus the full cost of the study materials and exam fees will be deducted, and the remainder of the course fee refunded to the payee. Separate WSET exam cancellation/transfer rules apply. Transfers of a confirmed enrollment to another course are accepted 60 days before the course start date with an administration fee of $50.
Cancellations less than 60 days before the in-person course start date or course no shows forfeit any refund/transfer options unless students can provide medical documentation. If medical documentation is provided, students can be transferred to a later course. No refunds will be applied.
Course Transfers cannot be carried forward to the next academic year (which commenced on January 1).
Students are highly encouraged to purchase separate travel insurance.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.