'Sooner or later, nearly everyone who cares about wine and food comes to Sonoma' - so begins this lively excursion to a spectacular region that has become known internationally as a Locavore's paradise. Part memoir, part vivid reportage, "Field Days" chronicles the renaissance in farming organically and eating locally that is unfolding in Northern California. Jonah Raskin tells of the year he spent on Oak Hill Farm - working the fields, selling produce at farmers' markets, and following it to restaurants. He also goes behind the scenes at Whole Foods. In this luminous account of his experiences, Raskin introduces a dynamic cast of characters - farmers, chefs, winemakers, farm workers, and environmentalists. They include such luminaries as: Warren Weber at Star Route Farm, the oldest certified organic farm in Marin County; Bob Cannard, who has supplied Chez Panisse with vegetables for decades; Sharon Grossi, the owner of the largest organic farm in Sonoma; and, Craig Stoll, the founder and executive chef at Delfina in San Francisco. Raskin also offers portraits of renowned historical figures, including Luther Burbank, Jack London, and M.F.K. Fisher. "Field Days" is a heartfelt celebration of the farm-to-table movement and its cultural reverberations.

The first complete guide to English Sparkling Wine. Endorsed by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). This book covers everything there is to know about English Sparkling Wine and is the perfect companion for the connoisseur and amateur alike; explaining the background to winemaking in the UK, detailed guides to vineyards large and small, all the award-winning wines from each vineyard and the stories behind Britain's leading winemakers, plus a complete directory of English sparkling wine vineyards in the United Kingdom. The Rydon Guide to English Sparkling Wine is the complete guide to English Sparkling Wine. Beautifully designed and photographed and with exclusive input from award-winning vineyards across the country including: CASTLEWOOD a boutique vineyard nestled beneath the ancient hill fort of Musbury Castle, RIDGEVIEW and NYETIMBER leading the explosion of award-winning English sparkling wines produced across their sites in the South Downs, SHARPHAM from its stunning site in the South Hams in Devon, the LECKFORD ESTATE including the Waitrose Farm championing the best of British produce, COATES & SEELY served in royal palaces and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and new producers such as celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE from the vineyard at the historic Grade II listed Georgian LYMPSTONE MANOR overlooking the beautiful Exe estuary.