The Vineyard

by Idwal Jones, Robert Mondavi (Foreword)

Set in the Napa Valley at the turn of the century, this novel beautifully evokes the characters' love of the land and the rhythms of life lived close to the earth and its seasons. Spirited Alda Pendle is the daughter of a viticulturist who has taught her his craft. When he dies, leaving her without property, her skills make her indispensable to the solitary owner of one of the old vineyards in the valley. The novel provides a vivid history of winemaking in California to the Prohibition era.

295 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 1973

Reviews

[Shelbstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very Steinbeck-esq, as Jones weaves the people's working relationship with the land (vineyards) with their lives, loves, and trials with family and other farmers. Its' reality is a hard one, made more touching through the development of true love relationships, vivid, hilarious and real time characters, and poetic writing. Definitely recommend.

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting novel depicting Napa Valley soon after California's historical place in wine began (turn of the 20th century). The era, setting, relationship between grower and vine are beautifully conveyed.

Unfortunately, I found Idwal Jones (author) to be lacking in his sense of time. From one paragraph to another the story could jump five years without warning or segue. I would still recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Californian history, wine, or working on the land. I simply wish Idwal had a better editor. For a better written novel set in California around a similar time in history read the great East of Eden (Steinbeck).

[Gary Land · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this novel on my shelf for many years and finally got around to reading it. I grew up in the Napa Valley, the setting of this minor classic of California literature. Not knowing much apout grapes and winemaking I found the novel somewhat slow going, but the story of how a determined woman and her foster-son pursued over some forty years the acquisition of a vineyard that their family had lost many years before was very interesting. The volume begins in the late nineteenth century and ends with the coming of prohibition; I would like to know what happened to the family in the 1920s but that is something we will never know.

[Cheery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Napa Valley 1890-1920. The central figure is a knowledgeable and hardworking female. She grows grapes and seeks to hybridize them to create an exceptional fruit. Story shows the disparity of class, wealth, and race. The joys and challenges of farming are shared with the reader. An enjoyable read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a vineyard myself just a few miles away from the book's setting, I knew I had to read "The Vineyard." It was true to the rhythms of the land, the perils and uncertainty. After reading this I was even more respectful of all the work that has been done by those who came before us.

[CFAITC]

Set in the Napa Valley at the turn of the century, this novel evokes the characters' love of the land and the rhythms of life lived close to the earth and its seasons.