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The Tangled Vine:Winegrowing in Nova Scotia
a review by lfw:
I am a person living in Peterborough and testing out two Kentville (Nova Scotia) Research Station varieties for hardiness and suitability to Central Ontario. The vines were just planted in 2004, which was the summer from hell here.
This of course gave me incentive to purchase, by mail, this book - a history of grape growing in Nova Scotia. I have found the book to be very interesting, and focused highly on the pioneering spirit shown in what was previously considered an "off" area for winegrowing.
The Tangled Vine shows that determination, individual initiative, and (eventual) government support can cause miracles to happen. Vines are popping up all over the place, with rugged individuals in effect betting the farm that the "experts" were wrong. When enough of these people succeed, I am sure that the "experts" will be able to explain why, after the fact...
The Tangled Vine is well worth the $24 Canadian ($20 plus shipping) I spent. I do not know any of the principals, but many of the people mentioned are part of the Growwine Internet Listserver and have been telling other cool to cold climate growers their adventures since before the turn of the century. It is really nice to see them recognized in a published book. It will be even better to see customers recognize them by purchasing wines from their vineyards and wineries!
To order this book, send a cheque or money order (and your mailing address!) for $24.00 to
blue frog inc.
P.O. Box 89
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Canada B4V 2W6
Please forgive my amateurish review of a book which deserves better! - but tell 'em the fat boy sent you!!
My only squabble: I know of a grape grower in Gambo, Newfoundland who can take away Cape Breton's claim to furthest east vineyard in North America! {See Dark Cove Cottage Farm and Winery
Larry Paterson, Peterborough, Dec. 28, 2004
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