Once Upon A Vine by Judy C. Reynolds
Release date: 2009 / 173 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Every glass of wine has an intriguing story to tell. Once Upon A Vine invites everyone who has ever savored a sip of wine to venture on a secret and magical tour behind the cellar door…
First line: “Every winery has a story.”
Review: When my husband saw Once Upon A Vine on the kitchen counter, he remarked “Well, that’s right up your alley!” Two of my passions, story-telling and wine, together at last! And Vine was a pleasure to read. The author, Judy C. Reynolds, presents 24 vignettes of wine-makers from California – how they found their way into the world of wine-making and why they have stuck with it.
See if these excerpts doesn’t hook you:
“Though Ross and Jennifer Halleck divorced years ago, the family continues to thrive amid the vines of their one-acre Pinot Noir vineyard. ‘It’s going to provide the funds for our three sons’ college,’ Ross says. In truth, it is providing much more than that.”
“Up on the crest of a hill, you could see them running, a girl on a horse galloping through the oaks as the late afternoon sun turned meadows golden. A horse and 457 acres can heal an array of aches and pains for a lonely teenager in turmoil. Susan Meyer never forgot that.”
Honestly, beyond a treat for wine lovers, this book is also for people who are searching for a fulfilling life, too. Each vignette concisely presents an individual or two who have found a passion-filled life of hard work and great rewards. I did not finish the book wanting to own a vineyard, however! The long hours and unpredictability of any farmer’s life is not for the faint of heart. However, reading about those who love this life – fortunately! – and bring so much joy to so many (including myself) was gratifying.
My husband’s company is based near San Francisco so we have enjoyed touring Napa Valley. Well, I have enjoyed sampling wine country – since my hubby does not enjoy wine, he serves as the long-suffering designated driver! This book has provided a long list of lesser known wineries to try on our next visit – complete with an index at the back listing addresses and tasting room hours.
I also learned a bit, too! My palate yearns for the robust Cabernets and intense Zinfandels, but struggles to appreciate Pinot Noir, made so popular after the movie Sideways. Well, it turns out that it is quite difficult to find a cheap Pinot Noir worth its salt! Good to know! And since I love a glass of wine almost daily, I do not spend more than 10 dollars on a bottle. Looks like I should stick to what can be made well cheaply! 
What a clever premise for a book, and one that I would enjoy. I plan to add this to the TBR list. Thanks for the great review.
This really sounds like a great read!
TSS: Tommy Gun Tango by Brant Randall/Bruce Cook
Ive been thinking of buying this book for a few weeks now. What made ma interested is the twist of the story,my friend used to read this novel and gave me an idea about the story.Thanks for the great review!