Product Description

The Wine Roads of Texas is the premier guide to wines made in the nation s fifth-largest wine producing state. In his foreword, Robert Mondavi sees distinct parallels between the wine industries of Napa Valley in the 1950s and Texas today. Actor Fess Parker, a native Texan who remains active in the Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, makes other observations in a second foreword. Notes Parker: "I know that the character of my fellow Texans, the intensity of their persistence and vision for quality have already prevailed over those who said it couldnt be done--that you can't make world-class wine from grapes grown in the soils of the Lone Star State."

For the second edition of this book, the inspiration for the three-part PBS series of the same name, Austin wine writer Wes Marshall scouted new wineries from Big Bend s Davis Mountains to the bayous of East Texas, from Dallas to Del Rio, from Galveston to Lubbock. This time there were nearly twice as many wineries to visit. Marshall met the vintners, listened to their stories and carefully tasted more than 1,000 wines to pick the best. He clues you in with: maps and directions to 82 Texas wineries, plus the dramatic stories of their origins, survival and growth; where to find food, shelter and fun on 22 wine trips through Texas; Picks of the best Texas wines; and tips on how to taste wine.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #328643 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 232 pages

Review
Dont look for too much wine snobbery in this companionable book. Its focus is on fun and enjoyment of wine, Texas style. --San Antonio Express-News

In his breezy, conversational style, Marshall gently educates and entertains, but never intimidates. --Austin Chronicle

Makes it easy for the reader who may not be familiar with the myriad wine grape varietals, winemaking techniques, etc. The Wine Roads of Texas is a good read. --Houston Chronicle

Makes it easy for the reader who may not be familiar with the myriad wine grape varietals, winemaking techniques, etc. The Wine Roads of Texas is a good read. --Houston Chronicle

Wine Press Award --Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association

About the Author
During the dot-com boom, Wes Marshall's hometown of Austin developed a thirst for fine wine. He wangled a job with a newspaper covering wine, and one day was asked to cover Texas wine. Under duress, he visited a few wineries and was shocked to discover good wines. In due course came the first edition of The Wine Roads of Texas, which won an award from the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association and inspired Austin PBS affiliate KLRU-TV to create a three-part documentary with the same name. Was was an executive producer for the series, distributed nationally by PBS. In addition to his column in the Austin Chronicle, he is a special contributor to the Dallas Morning News and writes regularly for the San Francisco Chronicle, Wine Country International, Imbibe, Wines and Vines and Salud!. He also writes about classic films, home theater equipment and opera for Soundstage!.

Customer Reviews

There are many reasons to like this book
This book is highly informative, entertaining, and (must be) the definitive guide book for visiting any or all Texas wineries.

The informative aspect is not limited to a textbook about Texas grapes, wines and wineries, though it certainly could be used that way. It is much more. The Introduction is an excellent summary for novice or seasoned wine lovers--telling us about varieties of Texas grapes, terminology people use to describe wines and wine-making, and, of course, much information about how to taste wine so you can compare one wine with another and converse with others about wines if that is something you want to do.

Marshall dishes out detail so neatly that you hardly realize how much you are learning while you are engrossed in the stories of the wine-makers, their passions, and their products. Some of the difficulties they describe make you want to cry, but most are more humorous than defeating.

It is not surprising that Robert Mondavi would be so complementary about Marshall and his book. I think it is a book that readers will want to tell their friends about before they buy Texas wine or visit the wineries. I will keep it handy when in Texas as a useful reference book.

An entertaining read and a useful guide book
There are many interesting things to do in Texas, but who knew visiting wineries might be one of them? I heard about this book from a friend and ordered two copies, one for me and one as a gift. Wes Marshall gives us an entertaining read, not just facts and figures. There are interesting little stories about the various wineries that make you not only want to try the wines, but visit the wine makers on your next vacation.

I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.

a must have
This is by far the most thorough account of touring the Texas wine country you will find. I was completely impressed at the detail provided for each and every winery including a description each of the wines they produce. Also includes lodging and restaurant recommendations along the way.