A Moveable Thirst: Tales and Tastes from a Season in Napa Wine Country

By Rick Kushman and Hank Beal

A rollicking wine country travelogue paired with the only comprehensive guide to Napa's public tasting rooms Hank Beal is a wine pro-the executive wine buyer at an upscale supermarket chain. Rick Kushman is an ordinary joe-a guy who enjoys wine but doesn't know a lot about it. Together, Hank and Rick set out to visit all 141 public tasting rooms in Napa during the course of a year. The result is A Moveable Thirst -an engaging, often hilarious book that's one part Sideways, one part Frommer's. The first part recounts their uproarious adventures on the road as Rick learns to sniff and spit like a true oenophile (but never stops asking stupid questions). The second part offers the most complete and detailed guide ever published to Napa's wine rooms. For wine lovers and the more than 5 million people who visit Napa every year, A Moveable Thirst is a great read and an indispensable guide.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471793868
• ISBN13: 9780471793861
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Only thing missing is the accompanying glass of wine

Fabulous book. Loved the details about the visits and winemakers. Read it and took notes and learned a bunch. Not only do you get to virtually visit the vineyards and wineries but you get to learn about the all the seasons of the wine year. I was on the edge of my chair waiting for them to visit a place I'd been to - or to persuade me to visit one I hadn't considered. I've been to Napa on vacation 4 times but this will be my companion the next time. The only thing missing was a glass of wine to go with it. And maps - please add maps.

Great book!!!

This book is part travelogue and part travel guide. I bought several books to help prepare and plan for my Napa trip. I felt that this one was by far the most useful, informative and entertaining. As stated in the book, Napa has over 140 public tasting rooms. It's very difficult to say that they are "good" or "bad" because it all depends on your style and what type of experience you are looking for. There is something for everyone and this book helps to convey not only the tangible facts of each winery (i.e. address, directions, cost, hours of operation, etc..) but also successfully conveys the "feel" and personality of each so that you can match the wineries to what typoe of experience you are looking for. I think this book gave a very different perspective. Thanks Rick and Hank!

The only wine book you'll need!

By far, this is the one that will have a lasting shelf/glove compartment life. It is written in such a whimsical and witty style that you can't help but turn the pages for more. Pour yourself a glass and enjoy this celebration of wine, celebration and discovery!

The Perfect Guide to Napa

My wife and I used the book on our trip. It is a wonderful tool and is entertaining as well. You felt like you had insider info on winereis and the people who work there. I hope they do a book on Sonoma, Central California and Oregon

Dreaming of the Napa Valley? - This Book is Great!

A Moveable Thirst is a funny and very informative look at wine tasting in the Napa Wine Country. For those of you who love wine, Rick Kushman has the unique ability to make you feel like you are in the tasting room, walking around - meeting people and completely enjoying yourself. This is a must read for veteran wine lovers as well as those who would like to learn to taste and appreciate great wine. Kushman and Beal are hilarious as they tour the famous through the obscure. I can't wait to follow some of their footprints.