At the age of 47, when he a successful publishing executive and living with his wife and four children in an affluent Chicago suburb, John Shafer made the surprise announcement that he had purchased a vineyard in the Napa Valley. In 1973, he moved his family to California and, with no knowledge of winemaking, began the journey that would lead him, thirty years later, to own and operate what distinguished wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. called "one of the world's greatest wineries." This book, narrated by Shafer's son Doug, is a personal account of how his father turned his midlife dream into a remarkable success story. Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley's transformation from a rural backwater in the 1970s through its emergence today as one of the top wine regions in the world, the book begins with the winery's shaky start and takes the reader through the father and son's ongoing battles against killer bugs, cellar disasters, local politics, changing consumer tastes, and the volatility of nature itself. Doug Shafer tells the story of his own education, as well as Shafer Vineyards' innovative efforts to be environmentally sustainable, its role in spearheading the designation of a Stags Leap American Viticultural Area, and how the wine industry has changed in the contemporary era of custom-crushing and hobbyist winery investors.

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Contemporary German cooking couples hearty regional traditions with the subtle, light, and more sophisticated tastes of the modern palate. Jean Anderson and Hedy Würz lead readers from the back roads of Bavaria to the vineyards on the Moselle, from a quaint subterranean tavern in Lübeck to the three-star restaurants of Munich, opening kitchen doors and kettle lids to reveal modern Germany's gastronomic triumphs. With explanations of ingredients, clear instructions, and evocative introductions to the recipes, the cooking of today's Germany is illuminated for American cooks. All the traditional dishes are here, many in their original robust versions and others cleverly lightened by German's new generation of chefs and home cooks. Potato salad, barely glossed with dressing, then greened with fresh chevil; sauerkraut teamed with cod; and pumpernickel reduced to crumbs and folded into an airy Bavarian cream are just a few of the creative new German dishes that nevertheless bow to tradition. A chapter on wine and beer by Lamart Elmore, former executive director of the German Wine Information Bureau, completes the picture of Germany's total gastronomic experience. Germany today is a land of contradictions, a land where meandering rivers run alongside autobahns, where castles and cuckoo clocks coexist easily with high tech, high fashion, and haute cuisine. German food reflects this rich tapestry, and in The New German Cookbook, Jean Anderson and Hedy Würz import and interpret the traditional and the subtle, flavorful, and sophisticated dishes of modern Germany for American cooks.

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As the global wine industry reinvents itself for twenty first-century palates, Washington is poised to become as important and influential as California on the world stage. National and international attention has brought interest in the state's wines to an all-time high. Yet, in just the past few years, a tidal wave of change has rolled over the state's wine industry. To keep wine enthusiasts thoroughly up to date, Paul Gregutt has now completely revised and expanded his critically acclaimed guide to Washington's best grapes, vineyards, wines, winemakers, and wineries. With twice as many winery and vineyard profiles, updated tasting notes, and new recommended producers for each grape variety, this edition of "Washington Wines and Wineries" will continue to be the definitive reference on the subject.

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Tucked into the hills of Humboldt, you'll find The Crown Winery, a family-owned Tuscan-inspired villa surrounded by 50 acres of vineyards, forests, and ponds: $55 ($110 value) for a winery and vineyard tour for two people Includes a wine tasting Be sure to book ahead, as appointments are required Taste berry-infused Strawberry Strut, the semi-dry Chardonel, and popular Royal Red "Great owners of the winery. The tour was great and I would recommend it to anyone. I learned lots about wine and had a wonderful time." - LivingSocial Member The Crown Winery Website

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Non-Vintage by J Vineyards & Winery from Sonoma County, California. 55% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Meunier Celebrating twenty years of winemaking excellence, J Cuvee 20 proudly displays an exceptional, stylish assemblage from cool-climate vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. This J non-vintage Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes follow through to a mix of Fuji apple and grapefruit interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors on the mid-palate. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish. Demonstrating an illustrious combination of yesterday and today, its fresh exuberance showcases layers of depth and complexity.

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Potomac Point invites you to forget everything you thought you knew about dinner-and-a-movie date nights with this romantic deal, which gets you two tickets to an upcoming outdoor summer movie at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford. Watch an illustrious sunset transform the horizon into a tapestry of twinkling stars before making your way into the vineyard to enjoy the featured film of the evening. Want to enhance your viewing pleasure? Bring along a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs. The outdoor movie series takes place throughout the summer on a 16-foot screen with LCD high-definition projection. Wine, cheese boards, and ice cream will be available for purchase, if desired. Movie Schedule Dirty Dancing on Saturday, May 7 Wedding Crashers on Friday, June 17 A Walk in the Clouds on Saturday, July 2 Casablanca on Saturday, July 23 The Blind Side on Saturday, August 13 Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery Website Facebook

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Located just 45 minutes north of Downtown Los Angeles in the small town of Agua Dulce, in the Santa Clarita Valley, this 16-acre vineyard is known for its award-winning wines: $44.99 ($95 value) for a vineyard, winery, and gallery tour for two $79.99 ($190 value) for a vineyard, winery, and gallery tour for four Each package includes cheeses served on a commemorative take-home plate (one plate per two guests), a tasting flight of seven wines, and a vineyard, winery, and gallery tour "Had an amazing time at Reyes Winery! The tasting room staff was very informative, the wine was great, and the vineyards were beautiful! Everybody there was so friendly and we had a relaxing afternoon out." - LivingSocial Member A Sweet Place Owner Robert Reyes - a multi-talented winemaker, artist, and philanthropist - initially purchased and cultivated this tranquil piece of land with plans to produce wine for his family and friends. In 2011 Reyes Winery opened to the public for the world to experience and to savor these great wines grown, produced and bottled by Robert Reyes. Four years and 60+ prestigious awards later, we are offering you a chance to experience these award-winning wines. Start with tastings of seven wines, paired with cheeses that bring out the nuances of the wines. You'll get to taste these celebrated wines, and get a tour of the vineyard, barrel room and Mr. Reyes' art gallery featuring his "Vineyard Series." Don't Miss Out: Reservations are required, and tours are available at 11 a.m, 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays only. Take Note: This offer is not valid December 12 to 13, 2015; February 13 to 14; March 12 to 13, 2016. Reyes Winery Website

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Ros by J Vineyards & Winery from Sonoma County, California. 69% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier This J Brut Rose sparkles with a luminous cool pink hue and exudes delicate aromas of strawberry, nectarine and juicy red apples. On the palate, the wine opens with flavors of cherry, blood orange, citrus peel and the tropical star fruit that are underlined by a bright acidity that keeps the overall impression delightfully fresh with a lively, lingering finish. The wine engages the entire palate with balance wrapped in a refined body of elegance and effervescence.

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Explore and savor the best of American wine and wineries with this simple and elegant guide. Filled with wine pairings and recipes for all seasons and occasions. The Vineyard Cookbook includes more than 60 recipes and 12 multi-course menus, all paired with the optimum wines to accompany each. American vineyards and wineries attract almost 30 million visitors every year, and range in location and variety. The Vineyard Cookbook offers a tour of 32 of the most famous wineries across the country, with highlights of each location's best-selling wines - a great way to discover domestic wines grown locally in your area! Become the wine expert you"ve always wanted to be with the help of Barbara Scott-Goodman, author of many delicious and best-selling cookbooks. Illustrated with full-color photographs.

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Well over 3,000 acres on Long Island's beautiful East End have been planted with European wine grape varieties over the last three decades, and the vineyards are widely credited with keeping this beautiful landscape-officially designated one of the Last Great Places by The Nature Conservancy-green and growing. Add to that the recent praise for wine producers like Bedell Cellars, The Lenz Winery, and Wölffer Estate Vineyards (among numerous others) from sources like the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and Wine Advocate, and it's not difficult to see why the New York Times, in an article on Long Island wines, captioned a photo with the words, Who needs Bordeaux? A tasting of wines from the East End. Like a fine wine, the time is ripe for Long Island Wine Country. Written by the editor of Long Island Wine Press magazine-with a foreword by Louisa Thomas Hargrave, cofounder of Long Island's first vineyard, and sumptuously illustrated by an award-winning photographer-this book takes readers to each of the area's more than forty producers, telling the colorful stories of the wines and the people who make them. Included are profiles of the owners and winemakers, notes on the wines, and essential details for visitors, such as contact information. Interspersed throughout are delicious recipes from the chefs who use the bounty of the region to prepare delicious dishes to pair with these wines, as well as lush color photographs of the natural beauty of the East End and its winemakers, wines, and wineries.

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Head to Emerald Creek Winery for a relaxing day spent visiting the wine production areas, seeing the equipment used to make wine, and learning how the wine is barreled, aged, and cared for. Sample some of the vineyard's wines during your tour, and again during your meal of lunch or dinner. $90 ($130 value) for a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and lunch (tour begins at noon) $110 ($150 value) for a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and dinner (tour begins at 4 p.m.) Both 2.5- to 3-hour sessions include a commemorative glass for each guest; These offers are available for those 21 and older "Gorgeous scenery, delicious wines and excellent knowledge of wine. The winery is beautiful and the staff is first rate. The wine tasting experience was first rate. Must try the Sauvignon Blanc and White Riesling! You will be glad you came to visit this hidden gem, before it gets too popular! This was a terrific romantic day trip from L.A!" - One of More Than 2,800 Facebook Fans Emerald Creek Winery Website Facebook

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Red Wine by Tyler Winery from Santa Maria Valley, California. Bien Nacido is a huge part of the history of Santa Barbara County wine and continues to prove why it has been so successful. This bottling is from the western edge of the vineyard and is made up exclusively of clone 667. The bottling is bright ruby-red and extremely flashy.

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Red Wine by Robert Young from Sonoma County, California. Red Winery Road Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in various hillside sections of the famous Robert Young vineyards. The aim for Robert Young is to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon made from grapes perfectly ripe - not over ripe with high sugars, not under ripe, which can deliver slight vegetative components to Cab.

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Red Wine by Lange Winery from Willamette Valley, Oregon. This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is an assemblage of Northern Willamette Valley vineyard sites and is a fine example of expert blending by our winemakers. In Lange Winery's true classique style, this wine is imminently approachable and fruit-forward upon release.

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Red Wine by Lynmar Winery from Sonoma County, California. The 2012 Quail Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir displays heady aromatics of cherry cola, ripe strawberries, baking spice, and sandalwood. The voluptuous mid-palate expresses pitted cherries, rose petals, and cardamom. The extended finish highlights fine tannins, surrounded by caramel, black tea, boysenberry, and ripe plum.

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Red Wine by Hahn Winery from Central Coast, California. This wine opens with lovely aromas of black cherry, cassis and raspberry. On the palate the soft grip of tannins melds with flavors of plum, dark chocolate and mocha. The finish is smooth and pleasing. The fruit for this Merlot was grown in superb Central Coast vineyards, most of which were located in Monterey County.

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White Wine by Lynmar Winery from Sonoma County, California. The Quail Hill Vineyard Chardonnay has bright and effusive aromatics of ripe peach, orange peel, brioche, and honeysuckle are present on the nose. The expansive mid-palate blends star anise, nectarine, and lemon custard accents. Lush acidity focuses the supple finish of honeydew, pineapple, and stone fruits.

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White Wine by Santa Barbara Winery from Central Coast, California. The grapes for this wine come from a variety of vineyards that Winemaker Bruce McGuire has selected over the years for their quality and consistency. Many are from the same blocks year after year. Cool climate Chardonnay is balanced with those from warmer vineyards. The result is a wine that is bright and flavorful with a great deal of fruit intensity. We consider this our trademark Chardonnay, a wine we have consistently produced year after year.

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White Wine by Bravium from Central Coast, California. Rosella's Vineyard is one of the most renowned plantings in the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is owned and farmed by Gary and Rosella Franscioni. Originally planted in 1996, Rosella's has ten acres of Chardonnay, split between Dijon clones 76 and 96. Two acres are allocated to Bravium. The estate's close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool, Region I climate. The growing season here is one of the longest in California, allowing for full flavor development on the vine. In the winery, whole cluster Chardonnay was gently pressed and fermented in a combination of French and Hungarian oak barrels - most of which had been seasoned for four years. Assemblage was accomplished in May with bottling two months later in July. The wine was not fined and completed a full malolactic fermentation, allowing it to be bottled unfiltered, retaining all of the wine's inherent character and complexity. Sales of this wine benefits Sip & Give. Sip & Give features a variety of worthy charities that are funded based upon your wine purchases and votes at sipandgive.com.

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White Wine by Bernardus from Central Coast, California. Santa Lucia Highlands' two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting new vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys' Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting new star of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. We have chosen a block planted with two selections of the highly-regarded Wente clone of Chardonnay which is known for its small clusters of tiny grapes. This clone, along with the highest quality farming practices, provides us with a very intense wine exhibiting the finest quality of flavors and aromas. On the nose we find scents are of ripe peach and baked green apple, accented by notes of creme brulee. The palate is highly focused with concentrated flavors of candied citrus fruits, caramel, toasty oak and hints of mineral supported by a crisp, refreshing acidity.

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The table has been set to enjoy a bottle of Chardonnay or Sauvignon blanc paired with some cheese. A beautiful trellis decorated with green grapes and ivy leaves, provides a little shade for the wine tasting table. A glass of white wine has been poured and is ready to be shared with friends. Let this personalized ornament commemorate a trip to Sonoma or Napa where a wonderful time was spent wine tasting at the beautiful wineries. A wine connoisseur would love to hang this on their Christmas tree this year!

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Red Wine by Bernardus from Central Coast, California. The Santa Lucia Highlands are known as one of the premier Pinot Noir appellations of the world. One reason for this lofty reputation is Rosella's Vineyard. Gary Franscioni planted his home ranch, named for his lovely wife, in the heart of the Highlands. Gary's home vineyard is planted with a selection of the best available Pinot Noir clones and farmed with unparalleled passion and attention to detail. We at Bernardus are fortunate to have access to three small blocks: 2 planted with clone 777, and the third with the celebrated Pisoni clone. Each block is individually monitored for ripeness in order to hand-pick each clone at its perfect ripeness level. The grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small individual fermenters using specially selected yeasts. Once fermentation and pressing are complete, each lot is aged separately for 10 months in the finest French oak barrels. Each barrel is evaluated individually and the final selection is made through a lengthy series of tasting trials. The robe of our 2011 Rosella's is a deep crimson. On the nose we find aromas of candied red cherry fruits along with notes of oak and spice. The palate is very full and complex, exuding flavors of red cherry and berries, accented by notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This is a beautifully intense wine that will age wonderfully for many years to come.

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Red Wine by Baker Lane from Sonoma County, California. A cooler than normal growing season in 2010 led to rigorous crop adjustments in the Estate vineyard. This allowed the winery to produce beautiful fruit with mature flavors, albeit not very much of it (1.5 - 2 tons an acre were the season's meager yield). The spicy fruit profile that is the Estate vineyard signature distinguishes the unfolding aromatics, while dark fruits, crisp acid and tannin components, and an elegant 13 degrees of alcohol form the palate impression. The wine was aged in 400 L Kadar puncheons (20% new) and was bottled after a 17-month elevage in Barrel.

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Red Wine by Bernardus from Central Coast, California. Santa Lucia Highlands' two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting new vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys' Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting new crown jewel of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. We have chosen two Pinot clones: the celebrated Pisoni clone and Dijon clone 667, from this wonderful new vineyard. The 2011 Soberanes is deeply color with an exuberant nose of brambles and wild berries. The palate is very intense and full-bodied, exhibiting flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and spice, and a long solid finish. The structure of this superb wine insures its ageability for many years to come.

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Red Wine by Johan Vineyards from Willamette Valley, Oregon. The goal behind the Estate bottling is to make a wine that is representative of the whole farm. If the winery were to harvest all of their Pinot Noir grapes and make one wine this is the wine it would be. They achieve this on a micro scale by selecting small parcels of fruit from every combination of rootstock/scion, slope, soil profile, and vine age on the property. They then vinify, age, and bottle this wine separately from our other lots. This bottling is always the most representative of the growing year. It incorporates every element of the farm for better or worse. It is the most accurate representation of Johan Vineyards' terroir.

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Red Wine by Willamette Valley Vineyards from Willamette Valley, Oregon. As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine is deep ruby in color and opens with vibrant aromas of bing cherry, blackberry and cocoa with a hint of earthiness. Flavors mirror aromas with a fruit-forward and sweet entry, juicy mid-palate that flows into a soft, well-rounded finish accented by bright acidity. Peak drinkability 2016 - 2019. Because of its unique structure, this is the wineries most versatile food wine, pairing with everything from pizza and barbeque to Thai and sushi.

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Red Wine by Furthermore from Russian River, California. This Sebastapol based vineyard is the estate vineyard for Freeman Vineyard & Winery. This popular wine leads with enticing aromas of red cherry pie glaze, cranberry and rose petals that lead into cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with sandalwood and baking spice notes. These harmonizing flavors hang on through a lengthy and silky finish

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Red Wine by Soter Vineyards from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Tony Soter (Soter Vineyards) has long been committed to sustainable farming. Planet Oregon is his chance to make wines for a broader audience and make a bigger positive impact on the planet. His mission is simple: to craft and bottle delicious young Pinot Noir that is fresh, silky and suggestive of Oregon summer fruits. cherries and berries of all kinds. Grapes are sourced only from Certified Sustainable vineyards and bottle in a Certified Sustainable winery.

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Red Wine by La Crema from Russian River, California. For more than 30 years, La Crema Winery has won awards, accolades and loyal fans for its unmistakable Sonoma County style. Winemaker Elizabeth Grant-Douglas brings her expertise in cool-climate wines, earned through her tenure at wineries in both Canada and Washington, to the Sonoma County wines in her care. For this exclusive Barrel Lot, Elizabeth hand-selected each Pinot Noir clone and will age it in 100% French oak for approximately eight months. Collectors pay attention: This Pinot-perfect site, combined with a winemaker who truly understands the vineyard, produces Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs with classic qualities of forest floor, earth and spice.

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Red Wine by Ghost Block from Napa Valley, California. The Pelissa vineyard is located on Oakville Crossroads directlybehind the family winery, creating this Estate grown & produced Zinfandel. With Napa Valley elegance, this single vineyard Zinfandel offers layers of complex aromas and flavors. Bursting with bright, dark fruits and hints of vanilla, black pepper, and violet undertones. This wine is balanced with intricate oak essences. A smooth, luscious, and velvet finish that coats your palate will keep you sipping for more.

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