Tasting the Good Life

George Gmelch is Professor of Anthropology at the University of San Francisco and Union College. He is author of 11 books and numerous articles, many of which have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Psychology Today, Society, and Natural History.Sharon Bohn Gmelch is Professor of Anthropology at the University of San Francisco and Roger Thayer Stone Professor of Anthropology atUnion College. She is author of 7 books, including Nan: The Life of an Irish Travelling Woman, The Tlingit Encounter with Photography, and Tourists and Tourism.

"This ethnography is a winner. Written by Napa Valley insiders George and Sharon Gmelch, it reveals both sides of the renowned wine tourism industry, paying attention to the visitors and to the voices of key local people. Tourism scholars and wine and food tourists alike will find it enlightening."—Nelson Graburn, University of California, Berkeley"Because of its natural beauty, temperate climate, and fine wines, Napa Valley is a major attraction for visitors. . . . This book offers a look at how wine tourism in Napa Valley developed, how it affects the local population, and what the future might hold. It is a fascinating read."—Michaela Rodeno, retired CEO, St. Supery Winery"I just finished it, and am recommending it to all our friends who are interested in wine. It's a wonderful book—I learned a lot. It has everything: an interesting subject, broadly treated; good design and good editing; a sense of humor; smoothly written oral histories by pros. And, best of all, the Gmelches have written a book with intellectual heft that's accessible to the general reader."—Susan Jakab, retired editor, Johns Hopkins University"I applaud the Gmelchs' even-handed and thorough approach to tackling this complex topic. . . . Tasting the Good Life does an excellent job of identifying not only the economic benefits of well-planned tourism development and defined constraint in a genuine American icon such as the Napa Valley, but it also explains clearly the benefits that are received by the residents who shape the character of this special place. Well done!"—Clay Gregory, CEO, The Napa Valley Destination Council"Even-handed and thorough....Well done!"—Clay Gregory, CEO, The Napa Valley Destination Council"Opens a new chapter on California's celebrated Napa Valley...presenting both the economic benefits to, and the negative social impacts on, those who live and work in 'Eden'."—Rue Ziegler, California Heritage Research Group"Tasting the Good Life is an interesting and readable consideration of what tourists are doing to us—and what we think of ourselves. October 6, 2011"—Napa Valley Register"Tasting the Good Life is a fine study of wine and what it offers people, highly recommended. August 2011"—Midwest Book Review"An excellent book for all tourists, winery managers, and city or region planners.August, 2011"—Winesworld's Magazine

• Introduction: Tasting the Good Life1. The Napa Valley—a Brief History2. The Tourism of Taste3. Consuming Place: Napa's Culinary Terroir4. From Vine to WineVineyard Foreman: Juan MartinezVineyard Manager: Jim LincolnWinemaker: Pam Starr5. Touring and TastingWine Educator: Ellen FloraTasting Room Consultant: Craig RootTasting Room Server: Jim McCulloughSalonnier: Shawn LaRueWine Tour Guide: Don Partier6. Food and Fine DiningThe French Laundry: Thomas KellerThe Front of the House: Salvador Aguilara and Josefina GonzalesNapa Valley Cooking School: Barbara AlexanderFrom Back to Front of the House: Edgar Bonilla7. Napa's Other PleasuresWine Train: Melodie HiltonMassage: Claude SmithHot Air Ballooning: Joyce BowenBike Tours: Brad DroppingArt Gallery: Paul Thoren8. Tourism, Quality of Life, and the Future of NapaAcknowledgmentsNotesGlossaryBibliographyIndex