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Beyond Jefferson's Vines: The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia
For 30 years, Thomas Jefferson grew grapes in his Monticello vineyards in hopes of producing fine wine --but to no avail. Today that has completely changed. Virginia wine now has a reputation as some of the best in America, with increasing sales and more wineries (nearly 200) welcoming an ever-larger number of visitors. Richard Leahy, a former editor for Vineyard & Winery Management magazine, has written the essential book on Virginia wine, covering its history, interviews with the state's top winemakers, and updates on the latest industry developments.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 9, 2020
Finally read this cover to cover. On the plus side it covered many regions in Virginia and identified wineries well known and lesser known in each. As a result we checked out Granite Heights no more than 35 minutes away and are glad we did. The book was written in 2014 and made some predictions that have proven accurate in the six years since, most notably the rise in popularity of Petit Verdot and Tannat in Virginia vineyards.
The book is self published and could have used a more thorough editing. It also spent quite a bit of time providing directions from one winery to the next. That might have been useful in a pre-GPS era but now serves as a somewhat unnecessary distraction.
The book is self published and could have used a more thorough editing. It also spent quite a bit of time providing directions from one winery to the next. That might have been useful in a pre-GPS era but now serves as a somewhat unnecessary distraction.
May 28, 2019
Amanda and I enjoy visiting Virginia wineries, particularly when we get to meet & learn from the owners. Additionally I had the good fortune to work on several pieces of wine-related legislation when I served in the House of Delegates. This book does a good job of sharing some Virginia wine history and can be a helpful trip planner. Highly recommended if you are just getting to know Virginia wine, but helpful also to “veterans.”
January 16, 2017
This was a really thoughtful gift and I gained more knowledge than from several oral presentations at Virginia wineries! I know it will be my go-to throughout 2017.
December 23, 2012
I wanted to read this book because it was A) a thoughtful gift to me, and B) describes the industry in which I work. Leahy conducts interviews with a lot of knowledgeable, interesting people and that is this book's only strength.
Having worked in the Virginia wine industry since 2009, much of the information is outdated by at least two years, while some interviews of newer wineries are more current. Leahy neglected to have the facts checked on at least two wineries I've worked at.
The author is clearly enamored with certain vineyards, which merit in-depth analysis and essentially free advertising. Other wineries and vineyards don't fare so lucky, and are merely mentioned as a stopping point, or a few wines are mentioned in one breath. Quite a number of wineries are neglected entirely. This would be acceptable if this book was simply a non-fiction analysis of the industry, however many sections read like a guidebook.
BJVs has the disorganization of a "Gonzo" style, sans the emotional realism. Leahy isn't quite clear if he's writing a non-fiction book (as the title and interviews would suggest) or a travelogue. Despite Leahy's detailed driving directions, there is one map in the book (showing the AVAs), and not a single map showing individual wineries.
Though I respect the work Leahy put in to traveling and conducting the interviews, the lack of coherence in this book was simply frustrating and unprofesional.
Having worked in the Virginia wine industry since 2009, much of the information is outdated by at least two years, while some interviews of newer wineries are more current. Leahy neglected to have the facts checked on at least two wineries I've worked at.
The author is clearly enamored with certain vineyards, which merit in-depth analysis and essentially free advertising. Other wineries and vineyards don't fare so lucky, and are merely mentioned as a stopping point, or a few wines are mentioned in one breath. Quite a number of wineries are neglected entirely. This would be acceptable if this book was simply a non-fiction analysis of the industry, however many sections read like a guidebook.
BJVs has the disorganization of a "Gonzo" style, sans the emotional realism. Leahy isn't quite clear if he's writing a non-fiction book (as the title and interviews would suggest) or a travelogue. Despite Leahy's detailed driving directions, there is one map in the book (showing the AVAs), and not a single map showing individual wineries.
Though I respect the work Leahy put in to traveling and conducting the interviews, the lack of coherence in this book was simply frustrating and unprofesional.
March 5, 2015
Great book on the Virginia wine industry, starting with the history of Virginia wine and the direction the industry is going in the state and nationally/internationally. After his look at the history and direction, a large portion of his book contained a personal tour of wineries throughout the state, as well as facts about the industry from his tour.
A full review is up at vawineuncorked.com and coming shortly to playingjokers.com.
I do recommend getting the newest edition of the book (November 2014) for more up-to-date information and expanded resources. And definitely enjoy with a nice glass of VA wine (perhaps a Viognier)
A full review is up at vawineuncorked.com and coming shortly to playingjokers.com.
I do recommend getting the newest edition of the book (November 2014) for more up-to-date information and expanded resources. And definitely enjoy with a nice glass of VA wine (perhaps a Viognier)
July 8, 2016
This book encompasses a vast wealth of knowledge for those interested in Virginia wine and viticulture. A testament of where we've been and where we're going.
Great read with all the information you need to know to visit Virginia wineries. I wish the online version came with the added glossary of terms that my hard copy did; when I started reading this I was fairly new to Virginia wine and it helped to elevate my tasting experience.
Great read with all the information you need to know to visit Virginia wineries. I wish the online version came with the added glossary of terms that my hard copy did; when I started reading this I was fairly new to Virginia wine and it helped to elevate my tasting experience.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews