There are nearly 1,400 known varieties of wine grapes in the world—from altesse to zierfandler—but 80 percent of the wine we drink is made from only 20 grapes. In Godforsaken Grapes, Jason Wilson looks at how that came to be and embarks on a journey to discover what we miss. Stemming from his own growing obsession, Wilson moves far beyond the “noble grapes,” hunting down obscure and underappreciated wines from Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, France, Italy, the United States, and beyond. In the process, he looks at why these wines fell out of favor (or never gained it in the first place), what it means to be obscure, and how geopolitics, economics, and fashion have changed what we drink. A combination of travel memoir and epicurean adventure, Godforsaken Grapes is an entertaining love letter to wine.

"Meticulously researched history…look[s] at how wine and Western civilization grew up together." —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post Because science and technology have opened new avenues for vintners, our taste in wine has grown ever more diverse. Wine is now the subject of careful chemistry and global demand. Paul Lukacs recounts the journey of wine through history—how wine acquired its social cachet, how vintners discovered the twin importance of place and grape, and how a basic need evolved into a realm of choice.

Reclaim your attention, productivity, and happiness with this “captivating, informative and beautifully written” book by learning how to keep your focus on one familiar task at a time (Nate Berkus). Modern life is full of to-do lists, all-consuming technology and the constant pressure to be doing and striving for more. What if you could train your brain to focus on one thing at a time? What if the secret to better productivity involved doing less, not more? Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness, The Twelve Monotasks provides a clear and accessible plan for life in the twenty-first century. Practice resisting distractions and building focus by doing the things you already do—like reading, sleeping, eating, and listening—with renewed attention. For example, the next time you go for a walk, don’t try to run an errand or squeeze in a phone call, but instead, notice the cool breeze on your face and the plants and birds that may cross your path. Immerse yourself in the activity and let time melt away, even if you’re only actually out for 20 minutes. Notice how much clearer your head feels when you return home. This is the magic of monotasking. With monotasking you will: Become more productive Produce higher quality work Reduce stress And increase happiness. Thatcher Wine’s The Twelve Monotasks will help you do one thing at a time, and do it well, so you can enjoy all of your life!

The Rough Guide to Switzerland is the ultimate travel companion to this clean and idyllic country with detailed coverage of all the top attractions. From the medieval streets of Bern to the stunning views of Lake Geneva and the iconic Matterhorn to the best spots to enjoy sensational alpine scenery, discover Switzerland's highlights inspired by dozens of colour photos. You'll find practical advice on getting around by train, bus, boat and car whilst relying on up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels, bars, clubs, shops, restaurants and resorts for all budgets. The Rough Guide to Switzerland includes expert guidance on a host of outdoor activities, from summer hikes to skiing and snowboarding, colour sections on 'cheese and chocolate' and 'mountain excursions', and a crucial language section with basic words, phrases and handy tips for pronunciation. Explore every corner of Switzerland with clear maps and expert backgound on everything from the country's folklore, music, alpine flora and fauna to the roots of Switzerland's neutrality. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Switzerland

A guide to Switzerland, providing background on the history, people, and culture of the country; featuring maps and information about places of interest; and including practical travel tips on topics such as climate, dining, transportation, accommodations, and attractions.