The informative aspect is not limited to a textbook about Texas grapes, wines and wineries, though it certainly could be used that way. It is much more. The Introduction is an excellent summary for novice or seasoned wine lovers--telling us about varieties of Texas grapes, terminology people use to describe wines and wine-making, and, of course, much information about how to taste wine so you can compare one wine with another and converse with others about wines if that is something you want to do.

Marshall dishes out detail so neatly that you hardly realize how much you are learning while you are engrossed in the stories of the wine-makers, their passions, and their products. Some of the difficulties they describe make you want to cry, but most are more humorous than defeating.

It is not surprising that Robert Mondavi would be so complementary about Marshall and his book. I think it is a book that readers will want to tell their friends about before they buy Texas wine or visit the wineries. I will keep it handy when in Texas as a useful reference book.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


An entertaining read and a useful guide book  Nov 22, 2002 By Kevin Wilson
There are many interesting things to do in Texas, but who knew visiting wineries might be one of them? I heard about this book from a friend and ordered two copies, one for me and one as a gift. Wes Marshall gives us an entertaining read, not just facts and figures. There are interesting little stories about the various wineries that make you not only want to try the wines, but visit the wine makers on your next vacation.

I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:


a must have  Aug 28, 2005 By S. Jones
This is by far the most thorough account of touring the Texas wine country you will find. I was completely impressed at the detail provided for each and every winery including a description each of the wines they produce. Also includes lodging and restaurant recommendations along the way.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


This is essential Texas wine tour book  Dec 31, 2007 By Mr. Mac "Mr. Mac"
We started touring Texas wineries before we knew of his book, and we wish we had had it in the beginning. There is a short article on each winery, arranged by region, that includes basic information as address, phone, web site, etc as well as a small location map. We have found that the book makes the trip much more enjoybalbe knowing more of the background of the winery and the vintner. Some of these vintners are real characters as well as being hardy pioneers. The book begins with a general history of the wine industry in Texas and an introduction to the varietals grown in Texas. Although only briefly mentioned, T. V Munson from Dennison is very important to the wine industry history in Texas as well as France. The musemum in Dennison is worth a visit especially since its future is in doubt. If you want to tour the wineries, don't go without this book. It is not the complete history, but he certainly makes the trips more interesting.


A primer for Texas wine lovers  Oct 07, 2009 By C. A. Buster
Interested in Texas wines and vineyards?
This is a good primer, albeit somewhat out of date.
The author, well versed in the system of grapes-to-bottle, focuses on local interests and the personalities of the grape growers and winemakers.
And it is interesting to compare the data in the book with actual contemporary information to see how the industry is maturing.