• Hardcover
• 107 pages, 40 color plates
• Book Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.7 in
• Publisher: Greg Young Publishing; New Edition (2020)

Released autumn of 2016
A chronicle about the American Viticulture Areas of California accompanied by visually stunning paintings capturing AVA beauty by gifted painter, Kerne Erickson. The eloquent and expressive narrative by author and winemaking devotee, Jerry Stroud, compliments the artwork.

The book includes
Jerry's interview with Sonoma County icon, Helen Bacigalupi.

Greg Young, Publisher
Jennifer Pechette, Managing Editor

"Along The California Wine Trail" is a story about the American viticulture areas of California accompanied by visually stunning paintings that capture the trail's abundant bounty of beautiful scenery. The eloquent and expressive narrative by author and past assistant winemaker, Jerry Stroud, compliments the artwork. Jerry explores California's most prosperous American Viticultural Areas: the North Coast AVA, the Sierra Foothills AVA, the Central Coast AVA, the South Coast AVA and the Central Valley. Distinguished by geographic features and defined boundaries, these large wine appellations encompass many smaller appellations, each with their own distinct terroirs that give California grapes and wine their unique flavors and aromas. "Along the California Wine Trail" explores the fascinating attributes of these areas, leading the reader along a very unique experience among the vineyards, and terroirs that are influencing wines today. This epic journey reveals the challenges, triumphs, and hardships experienced by those past immigrants, and present pioneers who have contributed to the industry's success. Each chapter takes the reader along inland roads, through valleys, over hillsides, and steep coastal ranges where we find ourselves in awe of the vineyards abundance.

The book will be illustrated by Kerne Erickson, known throughout the world for his Retro Realism travel paintings, this time he has turned his eyes on his home state of California, and specifically on the intriguing landscapes devoted to viticulture. His previous works traveled the world; this current series travels up and down the state visually stopping at representative AVA's from each region. Several years work has resulted in a collection of original, never before seen or exhibited paintings that capture the visual drama that takes place throughout the state.

These are not just a collection of vineyard scene paintings. This is a body of work that celebrates the basic process of planting, growing and surviving on planet earth. Looking at these paintings, one can sense Erickson's mastery of light and color.

Author Jerry Stroud takes the reader along inland roads, through valleys, over hillsides, and steep coastal ranges where we find ourselves in awe of the vineyards abundance. Come along with Jerry on this trail of adventure as he explores Along the California Wine Trail and reveals the challenges, triumphs, and hardships experienced by those past immigrants, and present pioneers who have contributed to the industry's success. Beautifully illustrated by world renowned artist Kerne Erickson.

Quotes

"Jerry Stroud's eloquent narrative embodies the timeless experience of first entering our Adobe Cellar — the history, the story, and the passioned sustainment of our premium Port legacy. His writing reflects a sense of the soul that gives life to every bottle."
— Peter Ficklin
     Winemaker and Co-owner
     Ficklin Vineyards


"This voluptuously illustrated and poignantly phrased mural is not another picture book to adorn and gather dust on a coffee table.
This is a genuinely rich story book in the spirit of Earl Thollander and other great romantic story tellers who peered into the soul of the places which spoke loudly to them on a personal level. Just wow!
Outstanding, Jerry. We will be ordering for Christmas gifts and tasting room sales.
Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your journey and journal."
— Ray and Tammy Krause, Vinificators
     Westbrook Wine Farm Vineyard and Winery


"...very well written, thoughtful, and thought provoking. A great divergence from typical 'wine writing'."
— John Alban
     Owner, Alban Vineyards, Pioneer and co-founder of Hospice du Rhone


"You have to be commended and complimented for a superb job. I have read many wine blogs, wine journals, and wine travelogues, but your compilation and marriage of 'heart-felt' conversations highlighted with Kerne Erickson's paintings, exhibit an incredible synergy, much like a great wine and food paring. This symbiosis is only possible through your exemplary weaving of 'story-telling' prose. Kudos."
— Michael Blayloc
     Wine Maker Quady Winery


"It is a beautifully done publication and both the writing and artwork are wonderful"
— Geoff Rusack
     Owner Rusack Winery, Catalina Island Wines


"It is amazing, I love it and we will have it in the tasting room!....It is to me, one of the best and most current wine books on California".
— Nancy & Bill Greenough
     Owners Saucelito Canyon Vineyard & winery


"Erickson's sophisticated color and design sense and his highly personal painting language assure him a well deserved place in American art history."
— Gordon McClelland
     California Art Historian, Curator


"Anyone in California needs this book on their Coffee Table...It is a Homerun! Well written , informative..."
— Richard Hirsh
     Owner, Cielo Farms Winery, Malibu