Fog billows gently across Monterey County's north coast, a white blanket tucked up against the hills of Aromas. Beneath its protective shroud, fishing boats gently rock, artichokes thrive, and shorebirds build nests along Elkhorn Slough. In this muffled landscape of fertile loam crisscrossed by sloughs, settlers built four distinct communities. Juan B. Castro subdivided his family's rancho to found Castroville, now known as the artichoke capital of the world. Captain Moss and Cato Vierra opened a port, a sea gate to a premier agricultural area. Moss Landing later hosted whalers, a salt works, canneries, and a power generation plant. John Porter's ranch was a safe haven for Chinese immigrants. Their apple-drying businesses spearheaded Pajaro's development as a central rail-shipping point with several produce-packing companies. Aromas pioneers judged their valley well suited for growing apricots. Drifts of white blossoms buried Aromas in spring, while summer's vistas were golden with trays of drying apricots.

Fog billows gently across Monterey County's north coast, a white blanket tucked up against the hills of Aromas. Beneath its protective shroud, fishing boats gently rock, artichokes thrive, and shorebirds build nests along Elkhorn Slough. In this muffled landscape of fertile loam crisscrossed by sloughs, settlers built four distinct communities. Juan B. Castro subdivided his family's rancho to found Castroville, now known as the artichoke capital of the world. Captain Moss and Cato Vierra opened a port, a sea gate to a premier agricultural area. Moss Landing later hosted whalers, a salt works, canneries, and a power generation plant. John Porter's ranch was a safe haven for Chinese immigrants. Their apple-drying businesses spearheaded Pajaro's development as a central rail-shipping point with several produce-packing companies. Aromas pioneers judged their valley well suited for growing apricots. Drifts of white blossoms buried Aromas in spring, while summer's vistas were golden with trays of drying apricots.

An indispensable tool of the wine enthusiast, Hugh Johnson's Pocket Encyclo- pedia of Wine 2001 is thoroughly revised to provide the most up-to-date information. This 24th edition of the world's bestselling wine book gives expert help in choosing a wine for every occasion and every budget. With current information on more than 6,000 wines, growers, and regions worldwide, the Pocket Encyclopedia is packed with advice to assist your selection of wine, whether in stores or restaurants, for cellaring, or for special events. Extensive coverage -- from re-emerging Eastern European regions to the newest additions in the United States -- will introduce even the experienced oenophile to little-known finds, while detailed entries clarify information for the novice. Johnson names the top-valued wines from every country and highlights those to drink in 2001, with predictions for wines to watch for in the future. Also included are regional maps, label guides, and vintage charts, along with fascinating entries on the history, production, and appreciation of wine. Hugh Johnson's Pocket Encyclopedia of Wine 2001 is the peerless standard of wine guides, a crucial addition to the library of every wine lover, enthusiast, and connoisseur.

A comprehensive reference guide to Pinot Noir wine in North America, including historical and viticultural background and profiles of six dozen prominent pinot producers in California, Oregon, British Columbia, New York, and elsewhere.