Wine in print

Wines & Vines, Nov, 2008

Some readers will be surprised to learn that there are now 52 wineries in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In her book, Wineries of Wisconsin and Minnesota, Patricia Monaghan groups them into 10 geographic sections she refers to as "wine tours." Each section is prefaced by a map and a one or two-page introduction, which usually includes information on soils, topography and suggestions on other area attractions.

A 50-page introduction covers the basics of territory, terroir, grape varieties and the challenges of growing them up north. The historical background includes a section on Agoston Haraszthy and another on Elmer Swenson and his breeding program. One of the most interesting parts of the book is a short biography of Andrew Volstead, the son of Norwegian immigrant farmers who was born in southeastern Minnesota, went to law school, was elected to Congress, became chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and was somewhat unjustly vilified after the start of Prohibition, when the Volstead Act was named for him.

The author, Patricia Monaghan, is a member of the interdisciplinary faculty at DePaul University in Chicago. Her book is well written, interesting and accurate. It is highly recommended.

Wineries of Wisconsin and Minnesota, by Patricia Monaghan. xii + 193 pages. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Historical Society Press. Softbound, $24.95. (May be ordered for $24.95 plus a $5.00 shipping charge from the Minnesota Historical Society Press, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55102-1906.)