The Winemaker’s Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley

There is a saying among wine makers 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 micro climates, complex geologic history, and dedicated wine makers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of wine making 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 wine makers 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 wine making practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the wine making 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 wine growing regions the world over.