We’ve been contemplating how reading shapes our worldview by adding nuance, depth, and breadth to it. Though we may not consider ourselves avid readers, our insatiable hunger for knowledge often leads us to browse the shelves of local bookstores, selecting one or two tomes to savor while indulging in a tasting.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a curator from a well-known East Coast library. Our time together inspired us to share a list of books you might find enticing to read before visiting Napa Valley.
- “The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty” by Julia Flynn Siler – This book offers a captivating insider’s look into the Mondavi family, one of the most influential families in the Napa Valley wine industry. It delves into scandals, betrayals, victories, rivalries, and ambitions, blurring the lines between fact and fiction across four generations.
- “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil – Consider this book essential reading for anyone entertaining clients. It provides a comprehensive yet digestible introduction to wine, enabling you to engage in fluid and enjoyable conversations without coming across as pretentious.
- “Napa: The Story of an American Eden” by James Conaway – Immerse yourself in the history and evolution of Napa Valley through this captivating narrative. Conaway’s exploration traces Napa’s journey from a rural farming community to a globally renowned wine region, offering valuable insights into the region’s key figures and its modern aristocracy. An updated edition is overdue to acknowledge the new wave of wine pioneers shaping the region.
- “Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste” by Bianca Bosker – Join Bosker on her journey from wine novice to certified sommelier as she delves into the world of wine. While wine tasting may seem elitist from the outside, Bosker unveils an underground world of tastings and exclusivity that few experience firsthand.
- “Sideways” by Rex Pickett – This humorous novel, famously adapted into a hit film, follows two friends on a wine-tasting road trip through California’s wine country, including the Santa Ynez Valley, akin to Napa. It’s a delightful read that sets the perfect mood for wine exploration, ideally enjoyed by the poolside with a glass of bubbly or Sauvignon Blanc.
- “Wine People” by Michelle Wildgen – Released in 2023, this novel offers a glorious insider perspective on being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the challenges of achieving success against all odds.
We eagerly anticipate your visit. Each of our guests is cherished, and we strive to make every wine-tasting trip to Napa an unforgettable experience.
With warm regards,
The Javys
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