Reflections of a Vintner: Stories and Seasonal Wisdom from a Lifetime in Napa Valley

About this book

A compendium for wine lovers: Prominent vintner Tor Kenward shares a lifetime of great wines famous friends deep knowledge and insider insights. Foreword by Robert M. Parker Jr. and Thomas Keller Reflections of a Vintner recounts the lessons learned relationships forged and observations made from an insiders nearly 50-year journey through the burgeoning wine industry in Napa Valley. From the mid-seventies when there were less than 50 wineries to the present with over 800 Tor Kenward shares his recollections as the region became a world-class wine destination. Following the calendar year each chapter opens with the challenges and opportunities a winemaker faces that monthin the vineyard winery tasting room and out on the road. In addition to the wine knowledge Kenward imparts the vintner shares stories of his friendships with legends of the modern American food and wine scene including Julia Child Andr Tchelistcheff Andy Beckstoffer and Robert Mondavi among others. Kenwards hard work as a vintner was recently acknowledged and celebrated. In the October 2021 Judgment of Napa held 45 years after the historic Judgement of Paris TOR Cabernet was judged to be #1 outscoring legendary Bordeaux chteaux Napa Valley and international peers by leading critics and sommeliers. TOR wines coveted by connoisseurs worldwide received seven perfect 100-point ratings from leading critics for their 2018 Napa Valley wines. An iconic winemaker Kenward has written taught and lectured on wine most of his adult life. What he is most often asked about are not facts or numbers about his wines but the stories behind them. These are stories of inspiration and wisdom that shaped his journey. With Kenwards impressive connection to Napa Valley and his legacy of creating inimitable wines Reflections of a Vintner offers entertaining insights into an often intimidating and complex but highly enjoyable world. Includes black-and-white illustrations