New Book in Series, 'San Luis Obispo County Wineries' Features California's Best Wineries

(PRWEB) June 6, 2008 -- Hundreds of gorgeous, inspiring photos grace this first-of-the-series book, "San Luis Obispo County Wineries," which highlights the world-renown wineries of California's Central Coast. The lavishly illustrated book from author and photographer Janet Penn Franks makes the tour of the county's many early and newly established wineries easy, fun, and informative. San Luis Obispo County Wineries is currently available throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $35.00.

San Luis Obispo County's world-renowned wine country presents residents and visitors with an unforgettable adventure in wine tasting. Dozens of picturesque tasting rooms set among vineyard-covered valleys and rolling hills offer guests a feast for the eye and award-winning vintages to please the palate. "I am pleased to present this first-of-the-series book, San Luis Obispo County Wineries," said Franks, who has also published the second-of-the-series release, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WINERIES, as well as several Web-site pieces and numerous magazine articles on Central Coast architecture and history. "Wine tasting has significantly increased in popularity during the last decade so my goal was to offer comprehensive and user-friendly guides that outline the Central Coast wineries."

San Luis Obispo County Wineries profiles 60 of the region's premier wineries and features the history of area winemaking, which highlights many old wineries that are now world-renown for their world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Roussanne, Viognier and sparkling wines and port. "San Luis Obispo's first vineyards were planted more than 200 years ago when the King of Spain sent Catholic priests to colonize rugged Alta California," said Franks. "The grapes were used to make sacramental wine." During the past ten years, Central Coast Wine Tasting has become a huge industry and sampling the region's offerings makes for the perfect California Wine Tour. Wine tasters of any level--novices to aficionados--can enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with its miles of uncrowded beaches while sampling the many fine wines this spectacular region has to offer. Both informative and inspiring, San Luis Obispo County Wineries offers the following helpful guidance:

* Gives an informative history of area winemaking

* Explains AVA (American Viticulture Area) designations

* Outlines the setting and history of each profiled winery

* Pairs selected wines with signature recipes from each winery

* Lists winery locations, tasting-room hours, winemakers' specialties, banquet facilities, and contact information

* Offers a glossary of wine terms

* Provides lodging suggestions for visitors

To purchase a signed copy of San Luis Obispo County Wineries, click http://www.janetpennfranks.com.

About Janet Penn Franks:

Janet Penn Franks is a journalist, photographer, and historian who specializes in features and books about California's Central Coast. She is the author of Santa Barbara County Wineries?(Central Coast Press, 2007), San Luis Obispo County Wineries?(Central Coast Press, 2005), and San Luis Obispo: A History in Architecture?(Arcadia Publishing, 2004), and has published several Web-site pieces and numerous magazine articles on Central Coast architecture and history. Franks earned a degree in art history from the University of California, Irvine, and lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband, John. The couple has two grown children.

For an interview or more information, contact:

818-742-5880

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