Vineyards flourish in Temecula because of the ideal climate. The name Temecula is taken from Luiseno words that mean where the sun and earth were created. At an altitude of 1,500 feet, the filtered sunlight and an ocean breeze that drifts through a gap in the mountains coax the decomposed granite soil of Temecula Valley to produce high-quality grapes for premium wines today just as they did over a century ago. From the time the Spanish padres entered the valley and made sacramental wines and French and Italian immigrants brought vines from the Old World, its grape harvests were unknown to the rest of the world. In 1967, Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo came from Hollywood to plant the first commercial vineyard, followed by Ely Callaway, who built the first commercial winery in 1974, and soon the Temecula Wine Country was home to 14 wineries. The annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, started in 1983, draws as many as 50,000 attendees.

As early as the 1840s, French settlers brought their knowledge of wine to Washington's Walla Walla Valley. The highly fertile soil and abundant water were perfect complements to their Old World winemaking traditions, halted only by Prohibition and the historically unmerciful weather conditions. A century after the first settlers arrived, the area's wine industry reestablished itself when new pioneers like the Italian Pesciallos and Leonettis opened wineries in the early and mid-1900s, a trade that continues to thrive today. Discover the southeastern portion of the Washington Territory along Lewis and Clark's trail in a whole new light with the trailblazing vintners of the Walla Walla wine industry. Taste the history in every glass with wine writer and Walla Walla native Catie McIntyre Walker as she unearths the valley's transformation from Wild West to world-class wine region.

As early as the California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century, the first settlers of Sonoma County recognized that the rich soil and unique array of climates of the region's valleys were particularly conducive for the ages-old livelihood of viticulture. Beginning in 1857 with Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma became one of the preeminent winemaking regions in the world. Chronicled here in over 200 vintage images is Sonoma's wine producing history, covering its many wineries, vineyards, towns, and townsfolk that grew up alongside the development of this fantastic agricultural enterprise.

The first Sonoma Country venture was Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857 by the eccentric Count Agoston Haraszthy. Since then, and over the course of the next 150 years, hundreds of wineries would dot the landscape; while some succeeded and lasted through the years, others fell in the face of life's trials, including earthquakes, wildfires, and Prohibition. Covering three centuries of award-winning winemaking, this new book captures in photographs the history of some of the world's most famous wineries, their proprietors, workers, and families, including those from Korbel, Geyser Peak, Simi, Sebastiani, Pedroncelli, Orr, Seghesio, and Ravenswood.

Situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in the state, the Napa Valley Wine Country is home to many of California's premiere wineries. As the Native California population of the area declined, more and more of the land was transformed into an agricultural community, with viticulture quickly winning out. One of the unique features that has been defining California's wine history from the earliest days of its Spanish heritage has been both the variation of the vintages and the vintners. One need only to read the names of these visionaries and wineries to gain a sense of the diversity: Beringer, Far Niente, Beaulieu, Charles Krug, and Inglenook. The picturesque setting of the roaming vineyards, along with the attractive quality of the estates and tasting rooms, has made the Napa Valley wineries one of the most popular and fast-growing tourist destinations in the state of California. In this new book, America's most celebrated wine-producing region is presented for visitors and wine connoisseurs alike, using over 200 vintage images to showcase the area's heritage, Golden Age, and incredible expansion. Alongside these photographs are collages of the famous wine labels and illustrated maps.

Oenophile Tom Russ presents the remarkable story of Dr. Konstantin Frank, the father of Finger Lakes wine.

Dr. Konstantin Frank forever changed the palate of American wine. Forced from his home in Soviet Ukraine during World War II, he was astounded by the terroir when he arrived in the Finger Lakes region. Against popular notions, he believed that the vinifera grapes that produced some of Europe's and California's finest wines would prosper in New York. He proved his detractors wrong, and by sharing his knowledge freely with others, Konstantin's innovativeness has allowed the region to produce some of the world's finest Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other varietals. Four generations of Franks have continued his legacy, and their winery has won record numbers of prestigious awards every year.

Texas's 350-year wine story is still reaching its savory peak. Spanish colonists may have come to the state to spread Christianity, but under visionary Father Fray Garcia, they stayed and raised grapes. Later immigrants brought their own burgundy tastes of home, creating a unique wine country. When a North American pest threatened European vines, it was Texan scientist T.V. Munson who helped save the industry overseas. When Prohibition loomed stateside, Frank Qualia's Val Verde Winery in Del Rio survived by selling communion wine and is now the longest-operating bonded winery in the state. Today, tourists flock to Texas vineyards, and the state sells more wine every year. Join local experts Kathy and Neil Crain and sample the untold story of Texas's wine industry.