Catalogue

David G. Howell is a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California.

This item was nominated for the following awards:

IACP Crystal Whisk Awards , USA, 2005 : Nominated

"This beautifully written and illustrated account of Napa's landforms, their history, and their relation to winemaking blends real science with a very special culture. Wine enthusiasts will have a whole new set of conditions to ponder, and some new things about the land to learn.--Donald Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief,Science "The Winemaker's Dancereveals the complexity of what lies beneath the familiar landscape of the Napa Valley. It is a revelation for both the enophile and the neophyte wine drinker. It is a useful and insightful addition to the library of anyone who cares about California wine."--David Graves, co-founder, Saintsbury Winery "A page-turner on wine and geology? Here it is. Engaging, lucid, substantive, with colorful characters, brand-new theories and the momentum of a detective story--The Winemaker's Danceis hard to put down. Anyone who has ever suspected that there's more to a glass of wine than mere grape juice will want to accompany Swinchatt and Howell on a fascinating trip to the heart of Napa Valley terroir."--Rod Smith, wine writer for theLos Angeles TimesandWine & Spirits magazine

"This beautifully written and illustrated account of Napa's landforms, their history, and their relation to winemaking blends real science with a very special culture. Wine enthusiasts will have a whole new set of conditions to ponder, and some new things about the land to learn.--Donald Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief, Science " The Winemaker's Dance reveals the complexity of what lies beneath the familiar landscape of the Napa Valley. It is a revelation for both the enophile and the neophyte wine drinker. It is a useful and insightful addition to the library of anyone who cares about California wine."--David Graves, co-founder, Saintsbury Winery "A page-turner on wine and geology? Here it is. Engaging, lucid, substantive, with colorful characters, brand-new theories and the momentum of a detective story-- The Winemaker's Dance is hard to put down. Anyone who has ever suspected that there's more to a glass of wine than mere grape juice will want to accompany Swinchatt and Howell on a fascinating trip to the heart of Napa Valley terroir."--Rod Smith, wine writer for the Los Angeles Times and Wine & Spirits magazine

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'The Winemaker's Dance' explores the Napa Valley in California, one of the premier regions in the world for viniculture. Covering the geology, history & environment of the valley, the authors consider the various elements that make the valley such a force in wine production.

There is a saying among winemakers that "great wine begins with dirt." Beginning from this intriguing premise,The Winemaker's Danceembarks on an eye-opening exploration of "terroir" in one of the greatest places on earth to grow wine--California's Napa Valley. Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell weave a tale that begins millions of years ago with the clash of continental plates that created the Napa Valley and go on to show how this small region, with its myriad microclimates, complex geologic history, and dedicated winemakers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of winemaking and the only comprehensive book that covers Napa's geology, history, and environment,The Winemaker's Dancewill help wine enthusiasts better understand wine talk and wine writing and, most importantly, wine itself. The Winemaker's Danceis animated by the voices of Napa's winemakers talking about their craft. The book also contains two driving tours through the valley that highlight the landscapes and wineries discussed. An array of unique illustrations--including shaded relief maps overlaid with color aerial photographs--provide a new and illuminating look at the region: its bedrock, sediments, soils, sun, wind, and rain. The expansive narrative considers how these elements influence wines from particular vineyards and how specific winemaking practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the winemaking industry today. Unraveling the complex relationship between the people, the earth, and the vines of Napa Valley,The Winemaker's Dancebrings the elusive concept of terroir to a broad audience, adding a vibrant dimension to the experience of the valley's wines. It also provides insights that enhance our understanding of wines and winegrowing regions the world over.

There is a saying among winemakers that "great wine begins with dirt." Beginning from this intriguing premise, "The Winemakers Dance "embarks on an eye-opening exploration of "terroir" in one of the greatest places on earth to grow wine--Californias Napa Valley. Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell weave a tale that begins millions of years ago with the clash of continental plates that created the Napa Valley and go on to show how this small region, with its myriad microclimates, complex geologic history, and dedicated winemakers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of winemaking and the only comprehensive book that covers Napas geology, history, and environment, "The Winemakers Dance "will help wine enthusiasts better understand wine talk and wine writing and, most importantly, wine itself. "The Winemakers Dance "is animated by the voices of Napas winemakers talking about their craft. The book also contains two driving tours through the valley that highlight the landscapes and wineries discussed. An array of unique illustrations--including shaded relief maps overlaid with color aerial photographs--provide a new and illuminating look at the region: its bedrock, sediments, soils, sun, wind, and rain. The expansive narrative considers how these elements influence wines from particular vineyards and how specific winemaking practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the winemaking industry today. Unraveling the complex relationship between the people, the earth, and the vines of Napa Valley, "The Winemakers Dance "brings the elusive concept of terroir to a broad audience, adding a vibrant dimension to the experience of the valleys wines. It also provides insights that enhance our understanding of wines and winegrowing regions the world over.

There is a saying among winemakers that "great wine begins with dirt." Beginning from this intriguing premise, The Winemaker's Dance embarks on an eye-opening exploration of "terroir" in one of the greatest places on earth to grow wine--California's Napa Valley. Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell weave a tale that begins millions of years ago with the clash of continental plates that created the Napa Valley and go on to show how this small region, with its myriad microclimates, complex geologic history, and dedicated winemakers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of winemaking and the only comprehensive book that covers Napa's geology, history, and environment, The Winemaker's Dance will help wine enthusiasts better understand wine talk and wine writing and, most importantly, wine itself. The Winemaker's Dance is animated by the voices of Napa's winemakers talking about their craft. The book also contains two driving tours through the valley that highlight the landscapes and wineries discussed. An array of unique illustrations--including shaded relief maps overlaid with color aerial photographs--provide a new and illuminating look at the region: its bedrock, sediments, soils, sun, wind, and rain. The expansive narrative considers how these elements influence wines from particular vineyards and how specific winemaking practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the winemaking industry today. Unraveling the complex relationship between the people, the earth, and the vines of Napa Valley, The Winemaker's Dance brings the elusive concept of terroir to a broad audience, adding a vibrant dimension to the experience of the valley's wines. It also provides insights that enhance our understanding of wines and winegrowing regions the world over.

A pair of geologists tell the geological and environmental history of Napa Valley, with an emphasis on terroir, or how geology, soils, topography, and microclimate influence the kinds and quality of wines produced in different parts of this world-class, internationally known wine region.

A pair of geologists tell the geological and environmental history of Napa Valley, with an emphasis on terroir, or how geology, soils, topography, and microclimate influence the kinds and quality of wines produced in different parts of this world-class, internationally known wine region. This book provides a completely new view of a familiar place.