Kevin Zraly's American Wine Guide: 2008 (Paperback)

~ Kevin Zraly (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

“Americans are drinking more wine now than they ever have before,” noted Kevin Zraly, and that burgeoning interest led him to create the first edition of this sparkling guide, devoted solely to American wines. The only book to cover vineyards from all 50 states (yes, including Alaska!), it quenched our need for advice on this booming, underserved subject. Now it’s revised, and this new “vintage” is better than ever, with even more information for wine lovers to savor. Everything previously included is still intact—the fascinating history and background details, the magnificent spreads with maps of the wine-growing areas, the handsome labels, the fact boxes on each state, the great wine selections from Kevin (many at under $15). But now each state-by-state entry will include enhanced coverage of vineyard tours, existing wine trails, and how to purchase wine, as well as Kevin’s always-entertaining and informative personal anecdotes. There’s also greatly expanded information on six of the top ten wine producing states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, and Michigan. And the volume looks fantastic too, with an improved trim size and paper that makes it easier to use. Of course, all the wine lists and recommendations are completely up-to-date.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140274403X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402744037
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #767,788 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 Interesting but Not what I expected, January 2, 2008

By	David Ross "Cook, Chemist, Nurse" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

This is a much smaller book which incorporates some of the material from Zraly's Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2008 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course) but is limited to American Wines only. The information on the most important American wine growing states (California, Washington. Oregon and New York) and grape varieties is often word-for word identical between the two books.

The unique feature of this book is the state-by-state description of wineries, growing regions, wine trails, and the grapes grown in all 50 states. For example Delaware has only 2 wineries (the least of any state) while California has more than 1600 wineries. Even Alaska has six wineries and Hawaii has four. Wyoming, which Zraly describes as having the lowest wine production of any state has three wineries. There are expanded though still short descriptions of the 5th through 10th place wine producing states (Pennsylvania, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, and Michigan) that don't appear elsewhere. Zraly writes in an entertaining and easy to read style here as elsewhere and the illustrations are crisp and pleasant.

Individual wines are not reviewed or rated and only wines from California, Washington and Oregon are recommended in this book due to the limited availability of wines from other states. The list is the same here as in "Wine Course". In short this book was not what I expected since the only unique material is the state-by-state review of wineries and grapes. His hardcover "Wine Course" covers more much more information making it a better value and better suited for most readers interested in learning about wine. The limited scope and simple format make this an accessible "teaser" book for the complete wine novice however. It is also useful as a guide for hard core wine tourists of lesser known growing states and those interested in the wine industry in these states.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A guide every wine consuming American MUST have, August 27, 2007

By	Eric Behnke "Eric" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are a fan of wines you will enjoy this book. The American Wine industry has been on the rise for years now and this book covers every detail of American wines. The state by state breakdowns of the states outside of the top five wine producers are somewhat limited, but by far the most information you will find anywhere for American wines. A MUST read!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Brief Guide - but assumes too much, February 17, 2008

By	Mark Greenaway (Canberra Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an Australian with little knowledge of the American Wine Industry this guide is a terse introduction to some basic facts and figures. However, it tells me little about the respective qualities of the different states or areas. Also the lists of suggested wines and makers is short and restricted to a couple of states. Yes, this is a small format book, but it could have done a much better job. The views of the author suggest he is well-known and respected. If this is the case - maybe he is resting on his laurels, maybe he needs to rethink and restructure this guide, so that it is more useful to a wider audience.