Strong Wine

"The definitive biography of 'the father of California viticulture, ' an intriguing and compelling book, at once scholarly and entertaining. Haraszthy's checkered career (full of magnificent successes and allegations of scandalous misbehavior) intersects with topics central to an understanding of 19th-century California."--James L. Rawls, Diablo Valley College
"This fine biography . . . is a balanced, well-written account of a truly remarkable if reckless entrepreneur."--The Journal of American History

Introduction; 1. The young noble; 2. The little estate in the south; 3. To America; 4. A 'city' on the frontier; 5. A traveler's tale; 6. A home on the prairie; 7. An American Cincinnatus; 8. News from far away; 9. Across the plains; 10. And on to the promised land; 11. A genial climate; 12. Pillars of the community; 13. Drawing a line; 14. An Indian 'War'; 15. The legislature; 16. Las Flores and crystal springs; 17. A house of gold; 18. Called to account; 19. In the vineyards; 20. Bacchus loves the hills; 21. A bold proposal; 22. Mission to Europe; 23. An offical rebuff; 24. Taking stock; 25. The largest vineyard in the world; 26. Restless again; 27. Tangled vines; 28. A very sad place; 29. The final frontier; Afterword; Notes; Bibliography; Index.