California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles (Paperback)

~ (Author), Kirk Irwin (Photographer), Jim Clendenen (Foreword) "From Burgundy to California, the monks did more than build religious monuments..." (more)
Key Phrases: picnic ingredients, tasting counter, logo glass, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Santa Ynez (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Nearly two million people visit Central Coast wineries each year, drawn to the breathtaking scenery and stellar wines of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Due in part to the success of the Oscar-winning movie Sideways, the region has experienced a surge in popularity yet maintains its warm hospitality and low-key atmosphere. This entirely new installment in our popular series is the first illustrated book of its kind on this region. Stunning color photography makes the guide as evocative for armchair travelers as it is functional for those getting ready to hit the tasting rooms.

About the Author

Mira Advani Honeycutt is a Los Angeles-based wine journalist.

Kirk Irwin is a Central Coast-based wine photographer.

Jim Clendenen is the winemaker at Au Bon Climat winery.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; illustrated edition edition (May 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811851672
• ISBN-13: 978-0811851671
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #396,720 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Missing Some Truly Outstanding Wineries, November 16, 2007

By	E. M. Griffith "auntleesie" (Central Coast of California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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While this book has excellent reviews of some of the larger wineries in this area, I was surprised to see the omission of some smaller, very notable wineries on the Central Coast. For example, Per Pacco Cellars in San Luis Obispo isn't mentioned, and they have one of the finest Pinot Noirs on this strip of coastline. Aron Hill Vineyards is another small, family owned winery with a Cabernet Sauvignon that's outstanding, and Cayucos Cellars has a Syrah that's a powerful contender for the perfect wine with a holiday Prime Rib roast.

That said, the reviews given in this book are very informative and extremely well-written. I loved the section about local foods and how that plays a role in your Central Coast wine country tour. The book gives many tips on where to eat, where to find picnic supplies, and lists various events at the wineries highlighted. For those elements alone, I'd love to give this book a higher rating.

My concern is someone planning a trip here will overlook some outstanding, smaller wineries... all of which have tasting rooms, very friendly staffs and remarkable wines. If I may be so bold, buy this book for a list of the bigger wineries, but try to stop all along the way during your stay on the Central Coast to scout out others, and be sure to ask the locals for tips on where to uncover hidden gems.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great helpful book on Central Coast Wineries!, August 19, 2008

By	R. McFarren "McDeadmeat" (Avondale, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was great! Amazing pictures, insightful, informative narratives about various wineries from Santa Barbara up through Paso Robles. Yes, it hits only a fraction of the vineyards in these wine regions, but it gave a wonderful starting place in knowing a little about some of them! We ended up making a point to hit 6 or 7 of these vineyards because of the write ups about the history or uniqueness of them. This book is fairly accurate--Beckman, Clautierre, Eberle, Rideau, etc...all great wineries. Don't take this book for an end-all guide to the only must see wineries, but it's a great starting point!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable and educational read, December 15, 2007

By	Thomas W. Kavanaugh (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are planning a trip to the Central Coast and hungry for information, this is one of the first books to consider. The text is friendly, fun, and easy to read, as author Mira Advani Honeycutt does a wonderful job of teaching without preaching and devoid of pretense. What I find particularly helpful is the way the information is organized and the order it is presented -- breathtaking color photography is the perfect complement to Mira's literary style. A great gift for the Holidays!