California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide (Sunset Field Guides)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A pick for any California visitor or resident who loves wine and travel.
  • California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide
California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide (Sunset Field Guides)
Peter Fish , and Sara Schneider
Manufacturer: Sunset Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Wine & WinemakingWine & Winemaking | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
CollectingCollecting | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
PacificPacific | West | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | California | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
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  1. Backroads of the California Wine Country: Your Guide to the Wine Country's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures Backroads of the California Wine Country: Your Guide to the Wine Country's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures
  2. California Wine Country: The Most Beautiful Wineries, Vineyards, and Destinations California Wine Country: The Most Beautiful Wineries, Vineyards, and Destinations
  3. Frommer's Portable California Wine Country (Frommer's Portable) Frommer's Portable California Wine Country (Frommer's Portable)
  4. The Napa & Sonoma Book: A Complete Guide, Seventh Edition (Great Destinations) The Napa & Sonoma Book: A Complete Guide, Seventh Edition (Great Destinations)
  5. Matt Kramer's New California Wine: Making Sense of Napa Valley, Sonoma, Central Coast, and Beyond Matt Kramer's New California Wine: Making Sense of Napa Valley, Sonoma, Central Coast, and Beyond

ASIN: 0376069473

Book Description

This user-friendly and highly discerning Field Guide focuses on the Golden States most popular and newsworthy wine regionsfrom Napa Valley to the Central Coast to fast-growing Baja. This full-flavored guide will please the palates and temperaments of beginning and experienced wine enthusiasts alike, with all the breadth and expertise readers expect from Sunset. Based on rigorous in-the-field research by two of Sunset magazines most respected staffers, the recommendations are intentionally selective, rather than comprehensive, directing readers only to Californias best wineries and wine-country travel experiences. California Wine Country has all the bells and whistles of a classic travel guide: compact size, gorgeous maps, concise itineraries, and colorful illustrations. Plus easy-to-follow listings for everything from cant-miss wineries to must-see, off-the-path discoveries. And, of course, all the essentials for planning an exceptional trip: information on lodging, restaurants, routes, destinations, and activities.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A pick for any California visitor or resident who loves wine and travel........2007-06-18

There are plenty of wine travel books on the market, but what makes CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY special is several attributes. First, a coat-pocket-sized appearance with a hard cover lends to take-along tote and easy consultation, especially the numerous maps and charts with display the latest wine country wineries, hotels, restaurants and more. Review of hundreds of wineries from 11 top regions throughout the state also lend to travelers who plan on going beyond the usual Napa/Sonoma Northern California regions. From suggested touring routes to winery web pages, phones, descriptions of wines and more, CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY is a top field guide not to be missed: a pick for any California visitor or resident who loves wine and travel.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

4 out of 5 stars California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide.......2007-05-14

Ordered this book as a gift and received it just before we were heading for visit to California. We decided to keep it and use it for ourselves. We visited areas "off the beaten path" and were delighted to visit some of the wineries highlighted and to find others on our own. Would have liked maps to have given greater detail, but that would be our only quibble.
Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Hearst better understood now
  • Precious Gift
  • ONE MAN'S CASTLE
  • The Biography of a country House
  • Hearst Castle Fans Should Not Miss This!
Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House
Victoria Kastner
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ResidentialResidential | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Specific StylesSpecific Styles | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
United StatesUnited States | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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ArchitecturalArchitectural | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Exhibition Catalogs | Museums | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
CaliforniaCalifornia | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0810934159

Book Description

Newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his legendary California estate occupy a place in the public imagination through Orson Welles's Citizen Kane, but Kane's brooding Xanadu was merely a caricature of Hearst's exuberant castle at San Simeon. This new book sets the record straight and proves that, for once, truth is better than fiction.

Here for the first time is the real story of Hearst Castle, and of the productive 28-year relationship between Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan, who collaborated on the magnificent 165-room estate set on 250,000 breathtaking acres near the remote seaside hamlet of San Simeon, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Drawing on previously unpublished correspondence, and illustrated with never-before-seen historic photographs as well as more than 150 stunning color pictures, Victoria Kastner chronicles the evolution of this extraordinary hilltop, with its two spectacular pools and its astounding collections of fine art and antiques. Sprinkled throughout with stories of the famous parties hosted by Hearst and his companion, movie star Marion Davies, and their celebrated guests, this book brings to life America's most glamorous country house.

259 photographs, 157 in full color, 9 x 113/4"

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Hearst better understood now.......2007-01-29

I enjoyed this book, and the details of his life relating to the building of this wonderful American treasure. I wish there had been more photos showing the details of the fine art and antiques collected from Europe early in this past century. Also it would have been worthwhile to show much more and better photos of the architectural elements of stone moulding, stucco detail, doors, tiles, ceilings, floor designs and iron work.

5 out of 5 stars Precious Gift.......2007-01-11

I actually bought this for a gift for my neighbor,she had been looking for it for a while and she was very excited and said the pictures inside were fantastic.

4 out of 5 stars ONE MAN'S CASTLE.......2006-09-23

Hearst castle is just an amazing tribute to one man's enormous ego. I am glad that it is preserved as a set piece for Hearst, for that is what he intended all along. This book captures the signifigance of the estate, the images are well concieved, though not as crisp as expected, and the text is informative. This certainly is not the definitive book on Hearst Castle, but it is well worth the purchace none the less. If you have any interest in Hearst Castle, or gilded age extravagance in general, then i cant imagine you being disappointed in this book.

5 out of 5 stars The Biography of a country House.......2006-06-25

Fantastic book exceptional pictures and loaded with written details. Usually in a book like this you get one or the other here you get both! A must read and viewed book,a bit spendy but worth every cent!

5 out of 5 stars Hearst Castle Fans Should Not Miss This!.......2003-02-19

A first rate account of the building of "La Cuesta Encantada" with new information I have not found in other Hearst Castle books or by taking the castle tours many, many times since I was a little girl. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to visit the castle again with this new knowledge.
Lee Bailey's California Country Wine Cooking
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Gorgeous looking, and great recipes too!
  • Combination of creativity and beautiful photographs.
Lee Bailey's California Country Wine Cooking
Lee Bailey
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
SpiritsSpirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Food & WineFood & Wine | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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  1. LEE BAILEYS GOOD PARTIES LEE BAILEYS GOOD PARTIES
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  5. Lee Bailey's New Orleans: Good Food And Glorious Houses Lee Bailey's New Orleans: Good Food And Glorious Houses

ASIN: 0517574500
Release Date: 1991-03-13

Book Description

Lee went to California and put together menus that vividly capture the personalities of 23 wineries. There are two trademark special sections: one offers the best recipes from the wine country's most talented chefs; the other, simple guidelines and thoughts on serving wine. 250 full-color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous looking, and great recipes too!.......2002-12-04

Lee Bailey writes gorgeous books, that's the first thing you notice, but once you've tried his recipes, and I have five of his books, you find that all you have to do is open the book, follow his straightforward directions and you have a terrific meal. I rarely even add salt, his recipes are that good. Always my go-to guy for important dinner parties, he outdoes himself in this book adding wine and California style. In this book, he visits top California vineyards to cook with their chefs and their wines. This book is organized with complete menus which is great and saves organizing time, but you'll find yourself picking and choosing anyway since the choices are so good. Get this book and have a party!

5 out of 5 stars Combination of creativity and beautiful photographs........1998-04-03

The receipes expresses creativity and imagination for the busies working women in today's society. His combination of simplicity and freshest ingredients is attractive. Also, Lee's pairing of food and wine leaves the guess work out of receipes. I've thoroughly enjoyed my cookbook over the past few years and looking forward to purchasing others in the future. Thank you
Plant Life in the World's Mediterranean Climates: California, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great overview of mediterranean climates
  • Author's Credentials
  • A thoughtful, beautifully produced book
  • A "must" for horticulralists and gardeners.
Plant Life in the World's Mediterranean Climates: California, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin
Peter R. Dallman
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

South AfricaSouth Africa | Africa | History | Subjects | Books
ChileChile | South America | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
AustraliaAustralia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Botany | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
BotanyBotany | Biological Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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  5. Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style

ASIN: 0520208099

Book Description

This book provides a wonderful overview of the landscapes, vegetation types, and plants of the five regions of the world that have a Mediterranean climate. This climate of mild, rainy winters and dry, warm summers is found in California, Central Chile, the Cape Region of South Africa, the southwestern part of Australia and the Mediterranean Basin. The regions are widely separated and the flora of each is distinctive, having for the most part developed independently. Nevertheless, the plants share remarkably similar characteristics which allow them to thrive in these unusual conditions.
Peter Dallman's non-technical prose is complemented by numerous maps, tables, and figures, and the book is richly illustrated with photographs of landscapes, plants, and flowers. With its detailed information on some of the world's most resilient plant life, this book will serve as an excellent reference for everyone interested in growing drought-resistant plants and as a naturalist's guide to these beautiful and unusual bioregions.
For the growing number of travelers whose vacations focus on learning about and appreciating natural history, Dallman also includes a chapter on planning trips to the five Mediterranean regions.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great overview of mediterranean climates.......2005-09-19

This book is great. It has plenty of pictures, diagrams and drawings. Most of the pictures are not in color, however, which is its biggest downfall. It is not a detailed evaluation of mediterranean climates nor is it a good plant ID book, but provides an excellent overview for both the layman and scientist. It provides informatin on the plants that make the mediterranean climate unique and the typical plant communities that are found in them. It is great for someone who doesn't want to get bogged down with individual species and wants to see how all the parts fit together. I first checked this book out of my local library and felt it would be such a good reference book for work, play and travel that I had to have it. The book uses the most scientific and inclusive use of the term Mediterranean which means you are going to get descriptions of plant communities from San Diego to Sacramento to San Francisco. For those of us that prefer the more exclusive definitions it may come as a shock that San Francisco and Sacramento could be considered mediterranean so I'm warning you now. I am currently using this book to help plan a trip to Australia as a supplement to Lonely Planet's travel guides. This book has inspired me to visit all the world's mediterranean climates at some point in my life and I'm not even a plant lover.

4 out of 5 stars Author's Credentials.......2004-09-21

Peter Dallman, a retired pediatric doctor and docent at Strybing Aboretum in San Francisco, California, spent many years
studying plants and traveling the world to see them where they grow in the Mediterranean climate areas of the world. Prof. Robert Ornduff, the late director of the Univ. of California Botanical Garden, encouraged him to write about these
plants and his travels. The result is a book giving the reader the best armchair picture of the vegetation of a very special part of the world.

5 out of 5 stars A thoughtful, beautifully produced book.......2001-01-02

This book falls into a category somewhere between botany, climatology, and geography; it looks at several different types of "mediterranean climate" around the world, and describes the different vegetational types within each region, explaining (in a scholarly but accessible way) why these plant communities look the way they do.

It's beautifully produced, with both climate maps and full-color illustrations of plants and plant communities. I know of no other book that explains the relationship between geography and botanical ecology this elegantly; it's a lot of fun to browse, and I would recommend it *very* highly to armchair travellers with botanical inclinations.

5 out of 5 stars A "must" for horticulralists and gardeners........2000-02-03

Peter Dallman's Plant Life In The World's Mediterranean Climates covers plants of California, Australia, South Africa and the Mediterranean, and will prove more accessible to general audiences studying plants. Here are photos, charts, and a host of details on plant communities and plant life common to this climate, with chapters providing both individual regional details and links between plants of each area. This is a highly recommended pick not just for specialty libraries, but for general collections.
Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi
  • Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi
  • Great Companion Book
  • MUSHROOMS DEMYSTIFIED
  • why do i need to write a title?
Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi
David Arora
Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
MushroomsMushrooms | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
BacteriologyBacteriology | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
BacteriologyBacteriology | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
CaliforniaCalifornia | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0898151694

Amazon.com

This is the be-all and end-all of mushroom books! Truly an encyclopedia of mushroom facts and lore, lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs, literally everything you need to know about mushrooms, edible or not. Arora has taught mycology for close to twenty years and has hunted and photographed mushrooms across the North American continent. Threaded through the book are his wry and humorous observations and comments, making what could have been a rather dull, "just-the-facts, ma'am" reference book into a really enjoyable read. The stunning photographs of the incredible variety of fungi are fascinating and eye-opening, and while the author gives clear and factual information, the mysterious allure of mushrooms in their countless shapes, sizes and colors is only increased by this huge and delightful book. --Mark Hetts

Book Description

Nothing is more elusive and mysterious than the wild mushroom. David Arora celebrates the gathering and study of wild mushrooms with engaging style, wit and simple terminology. Mushrooms Demystified includes descriptions, photographs, and keys to over 2,000 species. There is a Beginner's Checklist of the 70 most distinctive and common mushrooms plus detailed chapters on terminology, classification, habitats, mushroom cookery, mushroom toxins, and the meanings of scientific mushroom names.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi .......2007-09-19

My son loves this book and has used it several times already. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in studying mushrooms.

5 out of 5 stars Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi.......2007-01-19

Hands down, the best mushroom field guide available. Great pictures and excellent keys. Makes it easy to know what you're dealing with when you find a mushroom.

5 out of 5 stars Great Companion Book.......2007-01-05

This hard to find book is great. Arora did a great job. The keys very good, are easy to use and the descriptions of each mushroom identified in the book are comprehensive and even entertaining. (A dicot' key can be a truly horrid thing.) The illustrations for key features also very helpful. Even for casual reading it is entertaining! The Fifth Kingdom is a great addition to this book for addl info about life cycles.

5 out of 5 stars MUSHROOMS DEMYSTIFIED.......2007-01-03

A VERY GOOD REFERENCE, BUT ALMOST TOO MUCH INFO TO PROCESS FOR THE BEGINNER.

5 out of 5 stars why do i need to write a title?.......2006-11-05

THE comprehensive guide to mushrooms. I own several that I like, and this is probably the best of them. It's large size makes it unsuitable for a field guide, but it's a great resource. Just get "All that the rain promises...," or the Audubon book for a field guide.
A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Resource
  • a must have for naturalists!
  • A must for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Comprehensive and fascinating
  • Not as intimidating as one would think . . .
A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides)
Allan A. Schoenherr
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
RegionalRegional | Geography | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ecology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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  5. Introduction to Water in California (California Natural History Guides, 76) Introduction to Water in California (California Natural History Guides, 76)

ASIN: 0520069226

Book Description

In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan Schoenherr describes a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California will familiarize the reader with the climate, rocks, soil, plants and animals in each distinctive region of the state.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource.......2007-10-02

This book was an excellent resource for my research papers, and for my CA history classes. The details are wonderful! This book is a must read if you plan on majoring in History (in the state of CA) or if you are planning on teaching in California.

5 out of 5 stars a must have for naturalists!.......2007-02-08

This book is a crucial reference for anyone interested in natural patterns, Southen California flora and fauna, and environmental design! Highly recommended! It should be on your shelf! How about we make it required reading for all California residents so everyone can appreciate the natural beauty and brilliance of this great part of the planet?!!

5 out of 5 stars A must for outdoor enthusiasts.......2001-09-07

This well thought out introduction to the natural setting of California is a must for anyone that either lives in the state or is planning a visit. I used this book as a reference in a report I wrote on California's environment. The all emcompassing narratives about flora, fauna, geology, geography and the wonder of California, makes this book priceless! This is by far the most thorough book on California's native environment that I have seen. Augment this book with, Audobon's Guide to California, and you have a history, guide and interesting information about California to make any vacation or field trip into a journey of unfathomable wonder of California and the natural environment that most of us fail to take advantage of and appreciate. This book really is a must have for anyone who considers themselves a Californian.

5 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and fascinating.......2001-08-21

If you have an interest in natural history, especially of California's natural history, this is an excellent book. The reader learns all sorts of fascinating things, practically from page one. It is very comprehensive in its breadth while not requiring high-level courses in geology, zoology, botany, etc. to understand it. The writer does buy into a couple of ideas that I think are influenced more by eco-religion than ecological science, but he attempts to maintain scientific discipline and does not harangue the reader with political axe-grinding. He writes in a readable, objective, tone that doesn't get in the way of the interesting "hard" facts conveyed in a clear, interesting style.

The book is an excellent survey text of natural history, California's in particular. I'm an immigrant to California from the Midwest, and did not have the advantage of learning about my adopted state during my school years. I have been looking for a good comprehensive book explaining the formation of the geography and an explanation of the operation of nature here in this state. This is the best book I have found on this subject since I moved here five years ago.

If you are an amateur naturalist, like myself, even just to the extent of having a fondness for programs like Discovery Channel, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and the National Geographic Specials, you'll like this book. If you're a California parent, the book is really useful for answering the questions kids ask about the world around them.

5 out of 5 stars Not as intimidating as one would think . . ........1999-12-03

Though it's authoritative and thorough, it's also entertaining and very accesible. It belongs in every outdoor enthusiast's "camping box."
Frommer's Portable California Wine Country (Frommer's Portable)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Touristy hot spots
  • Trip to wine country
  • Good Guide
  • Excellent little book
  • A must have on a trip to Wine country
Frommer's Portable California Wine Country (Frommer's Portable)
Erika Lenkert
Manufacturer: Frommer's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Wine & WinemakingWine & Winemaking | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Frommer'sFrommer's | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books
PacificPacific | West | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | California | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
North AmericaNorth America | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
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  1. The Napa & Sonoma Book: A Complete Guide, Seventh Edition (Great Destinations) The Napa & Sonoma Book: A Complete Guide, Seventh Edition (Great Destinations)
  2. Frommer's San Francisco 2007 (Frommer's Complete) Frommer's San Francisco 2007 (Frommer's Complete)
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  5. Lonely Planet Road Trip Napa & Sonoma Wine Country (Road Trip Guides) Lonely Planet Road Trip Napa & Sonoma Wine Country (Road Trip Guides)

ASIN: 0471787396

Book Description

Lush, opulent pinot noir; rich, robust zinfandel; fruity, full-bodied Chardonnay—you can sample them all in California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys, which together comprise one of the world's premier wine regions. Completely up-to-date, Frommer's Portable California Wine Country is a handy guide that will give you proven strategies for exploring the region. Our candid reviews of the top wineries will tell you which tours are worth your time and which wineries offer affordable bottles. You'll also get a beginner's guide to California wines: varietals, recommendations on recent vintages, tips on wine-tasting protocol (how to sniff, swish, and spit like a pro), tips on shipping, and much, much more. And when wine-tasting is done for the day, turn to our candid, complete reviews of the region's fabulous inns and restaurants! The 5th edition has been expanded to include a new section focusing on up-and-coming but off the beaten path northern Sonoma County, including towns like Healdsburg and Santa Rosa.

Free companion podcast available.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Touristy hot spots.......2007-05-04

Just because a travel guide rips into the Mondavi winery as being too touristy does not mean it has any special insights on how to see parts of Napa that are off the beaten path. Mondavi is an easy target. Nevertheless, this guide does have some good info about where to go to get some free drink--and do not worry about wine-drinking protocol. Because if you like it, that's all the counts. The best vintage I ever had was still the '53 Chateau Mouton Rothschild my uncle gave me as a present for getting my doctorate in material science, and I slurped down that bottle while eating a corndog.

5 out of 5 stars Trip to wine country.......2007-03-10

I'm planning a trip to wine country and needed some information, not an encyclopedia's worth. This was concise and will be handy to take with me. It is laid out geographically which will make it that much easier to see the wineries that I want to see.

5 out of 5 stars Good Guide.......2006-05-31

We're not what you'd consider wine snobs and bought this book for the good excuse of checking out wine country which is just a short drive away. It's nice they included restaurants. After all the tasting stops it made our outing complete and we drove home totally content as well as sober.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent little book.......2006-02-25

This small book (only 172 pages) is perfect for planning your next Sonoma/Napa visit. In fact, although I have been many times to Napa, I wanted a new place to stay with a fireplace and jacuzzi bath and privacy. I found a great place in the book called Cottage Grove Inn - with 2 Frommers stars.

Because it is so portable, not all the wineries are listed, so if what you need is a listing of all wineries this may not be your book. However, if you need to find the best in hotels and dining experiences as well as some of the best wineries to discover for yourself, then this little jewel is perfect.

5 out of 5 stars A must have on a trip to Wine country.......2004-03-31

I used this book to plan a short weekend trip to Napa Valley from Los Angeles. This book packed with all sorts of great information for each different wine country city (napa, yountville, etc) from best types of hotels for every budget, nearby attractions, spas, picnic spots, restaurants, etc. And of course a concise review and rating of the wineries in each city.

I found myself taking the bag out of my bag during the trip to read up on different wineries and attractions I wanted to visit.

It is very small and compact so it's easy to take with you too.
Wine Country Architecture and Interiors
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not what I was hoping for........
  • Phenomenal Book
  • Great wine country architecture!!!
Wine Country Architecture and Interiors
Mary Whitesides
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
United StatesUnited States | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:
  1. Napa Valley Style Napa Valley Style
  2. Sonoma Valley Style: At Home in California's Wine Country Sonoma Valley Style: At Home in California's Wine Country
  3. California Wine Country: Interior Design, Architecture, and Style California Wine Country: Interior Design, Architecture, and Style
  4. Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections
  5. Pure California: 35 Inspiring Houses in the New California Tradition Pure California: 35 Inspiring Houses in the New California Tradition

ASIN: 158685464X

Book Description

The rich and varied architectural history of the northern California wine country and the fertile soils that produce abundant vineyards has attracted those who are conscious of preserving the qualities inherent to the area. Wine Country Style takes an intimate look at the lifestyle of nineteen homeowners of the Napa and Sonoma valleys, an area of the country that shuns fast-food restaurants, billboards, and commercial motels. These residents understand that the fine attributes of well-designed architecture are the integration of personal taste with the microclimate and history of their surroundings. People in the wine country today are passionate about the excellent wines produced in the agricultural region in which they choose to live. These inhabitants have personalized the architectural forms that express who they are and how they live, while maintaining the heritage of the area through a variety of styles: Tuscan, French Country, Franciscan Mission, Mediterranean, Modern, Rustic, American Colonial, Victorian, Palladian, Italianate, Asian, with farmhouses, barns, and cottages completing the eclectic blend that comprises the architectural styles of the bucolic wine-making Napa and Sonoma valleys. Yearning for a rural lifestyle in climatic conditions and verdant landscapes much like that in Europe's wine country? Then this is a must-have publication, full of lush photography and descriptive prose, a perfect addition to a home reference library or coffee table. Eminent designer Mary Whitesides has designed everything from interiors and home furnishings to pottery and coffee mugs. Her Peruvian-inspired furniture collections are widely distributed and featured in museums, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, she was one of the four founding members of the Sundance Catalog and a partner in developing the Sundance look, as well as the author of Desert Style, Mountain Style, and Wicker Design for Gibbs Smith, Publisher. She lives in Park City, Utah.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not what I was hoping for...............2007-04-03

I have spent many weekends in Napa Valley and did not feel that this book captured the many beautiful homes and wineries it has to offer. The book was uninspiring and I have not picked up the book once since I first looked at it.

5 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Book.......2005-11-20

Just like all the other books in Whitesides' books, this one is artistic, beautiful, and unique. A Fabulous Book!!

5 out of 5 stars Great wine country architecture!!!.......2005-03-04

We are in the process of building a home and have wanted to incorporate the architecture of Napa Valley in our home. I have purchased several books and this is by far the best depiction of Napa Style!! I highly recommend!!
Oaks of California
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiul book-full of information
  • Beautiful
  • Beautiful and useful
  • If you love California's oaks...
  • A nice book
Oaks of California
Bruce M. Pavlik , Pamela Muick , and Sharon Johnson
Manufacturer: Cachuma Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:
  1. Conifers of California Conifers of California
  2. Trees and Shrubs of California (California Natural History Guides) Trees and Shrubs of California (California Natural History Guides)
  3. Grasses in California (California Natural History Guides) Grasses in California (California Natural History Guides)
  4. Introduction to California Plant Life, Revised Edition Introduction to California Plant Life, Revised Edition
  5. Introduction to California Spring Wildflowers of the Foothills, Valleys, and Coast (California Natural History Guides) Introduction to California Spring Wildflowers of the Foothills, Valleys, and Coast (California Natural History Guides)

ASIN: 0962850519

Book Description

Oaks of California, the first book ever devoted to the state's native oaks, celebrates the unique place of these trees in California's natural and cultural heritage.

Winner of the 1992 Benjamin Franklin Award for best "Regional" book, this title continues to be the definitive popular guide to California's most emblematic tree species.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiul book-full of information.......2007-10-04

The outstanding photographs are sufficient reason to buy this book. However, Oaks of California is a compilation of information that you will find nowhere else. Nature lovers to arborists will find whatever they need. This book will not collect dust on your bookshelf.

4 out of 5 stars Beautiful.......2006-01-31

Living in California oak country, I have searched for just such a book to help learn about these beautiful trees. This is the best information I've found.

4 out of 5 stars Beautiful and useful.......2003-02-18

If you are used to books with line drawing of leaves that make it impossible to use as a reference, then you will love this book. It is a great study as well as a beauty. If you only have one book on the Oaks of California, this should be it. If you have many books on Oaks, this is still going to be one of the most used. Useful and beautiful!

5 out of 5 stars If you love California's oaks..........2002-10-15

this is a magnificent book. I just cannot get over the glory of the native oaks and this book captures that glory well. It covers all native species with a nice amount of detail. The photographs are beautiful. What I actually found the most intriguing was the great history the authors provide on the oaks, and the incredible ecosystem that depends on their existence. The book even provides information on parks and drives statewide where mature native oaks can be visited. I have had this book for many months now and it is one I continually pick up again and again. It inspired me to plant several native oaks at home and take inpeccable care of the one large oak (treasure) that came as an added bonus to a beautiful old home.

5 out of 5 stars A nice book.......2002-05-27

I bought this book, on sale no less, at the Hearst Castle gift shop. I find it to be well written and informative with many pleasing pictures of California's native oaks. For any Californian interested in the natural sciences, this book deserves a place on your bookshelf between Lanner's "Conifers of Califonia" and Dave Arora's "Mushrooms Demystified".
Sonoma Valley Style: At Home in California's Wine Country
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Contrasts and highlights a variety of elegant homes, from restored Mexican adobes to Victorian farmhouses
  • High Quality Writing/Photography/Printing
Sonoma Valley Style: At Home in California's Wine Country
Kathryn Masson
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
United StatesUnited States | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Napa Valley Style Napa Valley Style
  2. Wine Country Architecture and Interiors Wine Country Architecture and Interiors
  3. California Wine Country: Interior Design, Architecture, and Style California Wine Country: Interior Design, Architecture, and Style
  4. Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections
  5. Pure California: 35 Inspiring Houses in the New California Tradition Pure California: 35 Inspiring Houses in the New California Tradition

ASIN: 0847827208
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Book Description

Sonoma Valley: the name alone evokes a wonderful sense of warmth, beauty, and magic. On hearing it, one envisions landscapes of sparkling rivers, verdant, vineyard-banked hillsides, and sunshine―in short, paradise. Having had this dream, those lured by the spell of Sonoma arrive to discover a place far more spectacular than imagined. In Sonoma Valley Style, author Kathryn Masson and award-winning photographer Steven Brooke offer us an intimate tour of this extraordinary place. By way of brilliant, full-color photography and lucid prose, we gain privileged entry into the stunning houses and easy lifestyle of this lush Eden.
Sonoma Valley Style illustrates, in full color, extraordinary, restored and lived-in Mexican-period adobes, 19th-century Victorian farmhouses, early 20th-century craftsman bungalows, modern “California” ranch houses, and contemporary residences on the cutting edge of design.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Contrasts and highlights a variety of elegant homes, from restored Mexican adobes to Victorian farmhouses.......2005-10-12

Author Kathryn Masson is a native Californian with access to some of the finest private homes and gardens in the area: Sonoma Valley Style: At Home In California's Wine Country pairs lovely color photos by Steven Brooke of both exteriors and interiors with Masson's feature of wine country homes and weekend retreats. Each home receives descriptions of the homeowner's goals, collaborations between architects and builders, and review of unique design attributes and challenges. From a historic Craftsman farmhouse to a 21st century interpretation of Arts and Crafts style, Sonoma Valley Style contrasts and highlights a variety of elegant homes, from restored Mexican adobes to Victorian farmhouses.

5 out of 5 stars High Quality Writing/Photography/Printing.......2005-08-26

Sonoma Valley is not far from it's better known neighbor Napa Valley. What that really means is that it's not nearly as crowded with tourists. Still prime wine growing country the first vinyards date from the middle 1800's. It also seems that wine people tend to not be poor. The houses from the old vinyards are classical and elegant. The houses from the new vinyards are not bad either.

In this book you'll see a lot of kitchens with Viking type stovetops. There aren't many stoves from Sears purchased second hand. The book is a description of some of the more elegant houses in Sonoma Valley. It is profusely photographed by Steven Brooke an architectural photographer of reknown. His works include books on Rome, Jerusalem, Savannah, Napa and others. His pictures have a warm, creamy look that I find very inviting. The description that goes with the houses combines descriptive information with history and tales of the people who buile/remodeled them.

The book is about what you would expect of a coffee table book on a region: high quality pictures, high quality writing, high quality printing.

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