Discovering Washington Wines: An Introduction to One of the Most Exciting Premium Wine Regions (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Washington State, long known for its apple and rainy climate, it fast becoming famous for its world-class wines and vineyards..." (more)
Key Phrases: cult wines, vinifera vines, vinifera grapes, Walla Walla, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Discovering Washington Wines" celebrates, and gives an overview of, the state's wine industry, from primary growing regions to grape varieties. -- Alaska Airlines Magazine, December, 2002

"Discovering Washington Wines" is a good introductory guide that provides the background on the past and present of the industry. -- Wine Press Northwest, Spring, 2003

Seattle author Tom Parker's "Discovering Washington Wines" is a handy primer for the budding oenophile. -- Seattle Magazine, December, 2002

Product Description

Washington has become the epicenter of a major wine boom and is now the second largest producer of wine in the United States after California. In a relatively short period of time, the superb premium wines produced by the state’s award-winning wineries have attracted recognition from experts around the world. Many wine connoisseurs see the future of American wine in the Pacific Northwest, and specifically in Washington State.

DISCOVERING WASHINGTON WINES is the first consumer-friendly guide to Washington’s wine growing regions, profiling notable wineries and emerging "cult" vintners.

DISCOVERING WASHINGTON WINES is filled with useful information for the wine enthusiast, including history, maps, illustrations, a glossary of wine terms, and a complete list of all wineries in the state. This completely new book explains the essential facts about Washington wines in a compact, highly readable volume and makes an ideal introduction to the subject. It is a must for wine lovers, regional history and travel fans, and those who enjoy creating their own "wine country" tours.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Raconteurs Press (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971925852
• ISBN-13: 978-0971925854
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #540,921 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent book, but some errors, March 4, 2006

By	Naomi J. Pollack (Bellingham WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an easy read, and informative, though not nearly as detailed as some other books on Washington's wines which are available for comparable prices.

I was bothered by the erroneous maps printed in the sections describing each of Washington's A.V.A.'s. These maps showed the Yakima River flowing south and east of the city of Yakima. In actuality, the river does go through Yakima, and extends north beyond Ellensburg.

I wonder how much the authors really know about Washington wines, and how much care they put into their research, if this type of error slipped by them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mighty Fine Handbook, January 10, 2004

By	randall katz (Seattle) - See all my reviews

We've just ordered two more copies of Mr Parker's very useful and informative book, both for friends in Europe with educated palates who frequently journey to the Northwest for vacations. The book provides an interesting history of wine production in our state as well as quick-reference educational bits about wine types and other specifics. Maps, along with listings of dozens of wineries-- with addresses and websites-- are handy for visitors and residents as well. We enthusiastically recommend this guidebook!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful, Informative & Entertaining Guide, October 29, 2002

By	"tr_hardy" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This very attractively produced book serves as a terrific guide to the wines of Washington. I'm pretty much of an ignoramus when it comes to wines in general so I learned a great deal from this book and appreciated the non-exclusive tone of the writing, but feel sure there is ample depth here for the winoscenti. In addition to learning my Syrah from my Viognier I enjoyed the section on the history of the wine industry in the area and especially on the production and elements of winemaking.

My favorite segment of the book may be the extensive appendix full of all kinds of great material in addition to the useful glossary and list of resources and directory of Washington wineries. The appendix includes indispensable advice on pairing wines with food, tips on selecting wineglasses, and how to remove corks from champagne and sparkling wine bottles.

Now I'm waiting eagerly in hopes the author will start work on "Discovering Washington Beers."