Compass American Guides: California Wine Country, 5th Edition (Full-color Travel Guide) [Paperback]

Fodor's (Author), John Doerper (Author), Constance Jones (Author), Sharron Wood (Author), Robert Holmes (Photographer), Charles O'Rear (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Full-color Travel Guide | Publication Date: September 4, 2007

Fodor’s. For Choice Travel Experiences.

The guide that has it all–spectacular photography, evocative prose, insider tips, and detailed color maps to help you make the most of your trip. Written by longtime local residents, Compass American Guides California Wine Country, 5th Edition provides in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of one of America’s most spectacular destinations! Follow your Compass to “get” there.

•Discover the state's top wine regions: renowned Napa, welcoming Sonoma, and the up-and-coming Central Coast. Sip your way through the tasting rooms both on and off the beaten path. Star ratings highlight our favorite spots.

•Day-long driving itineraries steer you through the best of each region. A wine-tasting how-to helps you sip like a pro, and timing tips reveal the best strategies for visiting the wineries.

•Follow our lead for indulging. Splurge on a memorable meal---or choose from our recommended picnic spots. Find an intimate inn or a luxe resort. Browse through tempting shops in Healdsburg or slip into one of Sonoma's decadent spas.

Visit Fodors.com for more ideas and information, travel deals, vacation planning tips, reviews and to exchange travel advice with other travelers.

What the critics say about Compass American Guides:
“Lushly illustrated and intelligently written.” —National Geographic Traveler

“The most literate and elegant series of guides ever written about North America.” —Jan Morris

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In terms of comprehensiveness of coverage, the very accessible format, and the enthusiastic tone, this series remains one of the best on the market." –Booklist
 
"Fodor's super-informative guidebooks are known for accuracy and attention to detail…" –The Sacramento Bee
 
"The Fodor's guides are notable for their ratings of sights, restaurants, shops, accommodations and attractions." –Chicago Tribune
 
"The great detail, infectious spirit, and attractive format are distinguishing traits of these guides, which are entries in one of the top series in the business." –Booklist
 
"Fodor's can help you plan the perfect adventure" –The Arizona Republic
 
"Always thoughtfully written and easily readable, Fodor's travel guides have become a must-have when traveling to unfamiliar destinations" –Mid South Magazine
 
"Widely recognized as the gold standard of mainstream travel" –Honolulu Advertiser

About the Author

Author John Doerper has worked as a food and wine columnist and editor for numerous publications. His articles about food, wine, and travel have appeared in Travel & Leisure and Pacific Northwest magazine, among others. John is the author of several Compass America guides, including Coastal California, Oregon Wine Country, and Washington Wine Country.

Updater Constance Jones, formerly a Fodor's senior editor, relocated to California's Central Coast wine country in 2004. She has since contributed to several Fodor's guides, explored many dozens of vineyards, and inaugurated at least one bocce court.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Compass America Guides; 5 edition (September 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400017831
• ISBN-13: 978-1400017836
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,061,156 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wine Country Must, June 30, 2008

By 

Jared R. Moise (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compass American Guides: California Wine Country, 5th Edition (Full-color Travel Guide) (Paperback)

We just spent a week in Napa Valley and this book did not leave our car the entire trip. This book covers the major areas of Napa (St. Helena, Calistoga, etc), Sonoma, other popular wine regions in Cali, though a majority is dedicated to Napa. It essentially includes the highlights and must sees as well as some "off-the-beaten-path" wineries. It's also evident the writer visited each and every winery mentioned there is a spot on description (full paragraph) of the wineries which includes details about the atmosphere, a brief history, what to expect at tastings, etc. It's also loaded tips and suggestions for wine country - biking trails, scenic drives, tasting room etiquette, etc.

This is definately recommended for first timers.