Book Reviews - "Santa Barbara County Wineries" & "San Luis Obispo Wineries"

Janet Penn Franks, photographer, author, historian and winelover, has published another great wine book just in time for the holidays.  In her new book, "Santa Barbara County Wineries," Janet profiles 50 of the area's premier wineries and six wine-tasting venues (including our affiliated wine bar - Tastes of the Valleys in Solvang) offering wines from an additional 26 local wineries.

Janet's photographs argue for keeping this book close at hand for periodic escapes to the wine country.  But the custom recipes on each winery's page argue for keeping it in your recipe library.  I've opted for the latter, as Janet has also made the photographs from her book available as high-quality wall prints for your escapism needs (see them here).

But that doesn't help with the third place you'll want this book - when I'm tasting at Central Coast Wineries I want a copy in my car as well.  The book is a valuable resource for trip planning.

"Santa Barbara County Wineries" is a partner to Janet's first wine book - "San Luis Obispo County Wineries" - and each follows the same format, providing readers with:

A wine-centric history of each area and of each winery (not surprising, as Janet is a historian by both training and passion!)

Details on the AVA (American Viticulture Area)

Signature recipes for pairing with wines from each profiled winery

Location, tasting-room hours, winemakers' specialties, and contact information

A glossary of wine terms

Lodging suggestions

For any fan of the emerging Central Coast wine region, I suggest buying both!  $39.95 per book.  Purchase Santa Barbara County Wineries here, purchase San Luis Obispo Wineries here.

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Great gift idea - This brand new book, signed by Janet!

JANET PENN FRANKS BOOK SIGNING

• Where - Tastes of the Valleys wine bar Solvang, CA (click for directions)
• When - Saturday, December 8th, 8:00 - ???
• Come enjoy some wine while you meet Janet and talk about her wonderful new book.  Janet is also an enjoyable authority on Central Coast history.
• Must be 21 to enter.  Wine will be sold by the taste, glass or bottle.

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Hope you can make it!

Dave Chambers, Wine Merchant

Dave@SidewaysWineClub.com

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