Travel Writing About Napa Valley

Tuesday, February 28th 2023

The Napa Valley wine region in California has inspired many travel writers to write about its scenic beauty, wine-making process, and culinary delights. Here are a few acclaimed travel writing pieces about Napa Valley:

  1. "The Road to Burgundy: The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France" by Ray Walker: While not solely about Napa Valley, this memoir by Ray Walker describes his journey from working in a tech job in California to becoming a winemaker in France. His passion for wine is infectious, and his descriptions of the wine-making process in both Napa and France are vivid and informative.

  2. "The New California Wine: A Guide to the Producers and Wines Behind a Revolution in Taste" by Jon Bonné: This book by wine expert Jon Bonné is a comprehensive guide to the wineries and vineyards of California, including Napa Valley. It offers a detailed history of the region and its wines, as well as insights into the people and culture that have made Napa Valley one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

  3. "A Wine Journey along the Russian River" by Steve Heimoff: This book follows wine critic Steve Heimoff as he explores the wine region of the Russian River, which includes parts of Napa Valley. He offers a personal perspective on the wine industry, as well as detailed reviews of the wines he tasted along the way.

  4. "Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer's Tour of France" by Kermit Lynch: While this book is not specifically about Napa Valley, it is a classic of wine writing that offers insights into the wine industry in general. Lynch's descriptions of the vineyards and wineries he visits in France are both entertaining and educational, and his love of wine is contagious.

  5. "The Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine" by George M. Taber: This book tells the story of the famous 1976 blind tasting competition in Paris that pitted California wines, including those from Napa Valley, against French wines. Taber's account is both thrilling and informative, offering insights into the wine industry and the way it has changed over the past few decades.