American Winescapes The Cultural Landscapes Of America's Wine Country [Paperback]

Winescapes are unique agricultural landscapes that are shaped by the presence of vineyards, winemaking activities, and the wineries where wines are produced and stored. Where viticulture is successful it transforms the local landscape into a combination of agriculture, industry, and tourism. This book demystifies viticulture in a way that helps the reader understand the environmental and economic conditions necessary in the art and practice of wine making. Distinctive characteristics of the book include a detailed discussion of more than thirty grape cultivars, an overview of wine regions around the country, and a survey of wine publications and festivals. Peters discusses the major environmental conditions affecting viticulture, especially weather and climate, and outlines the special problems the industry faces from lack of capital, competition, and changing public tastes.A Geographer's Appreciation of America's Wine Country -- Grapevines -- Major Cultivars in American Vineyards Today -- American Environments for Wine Grapes -- American Wine Making Comes of Age -- Wien Regions and Wine Labels -- American Viticultural Landscapes -- Seasons, Ceremonies, and Wine-Judging Events -- The Viticultural Area as a Working Landscape -- Communicating About Grapes and Wines -- America's Viticultural Future