Wild Sonoma
Exploring Nature in Wine Country
With its stunning illustrations, Wild Sonoma will entertain oenophiles and naturalists as they visit Northern California’s wine country.
This book is compelling in suggesting that, after you’ve sampled a juicy cabernet or an oaky chardonnay, the natural world still awaits you. Dozens of wine country destinations are listed, alongside details for six easy day excursions and practical tips for beginner naturalists.
The zesty narrative reviews the forces that shape this landscape, including the geology of its famed soil. Hundreds of colorful photographs and watercolors depict its wildlife, too, while its descriptions of birds, plants, insects, and mammals highlight piquant facts, as about the “anti-freeze” that enables mourning cloak butterflies to hibernate, and the fence lizard’s “third eye,” which functions like a solar cell. While some of the mentioned species are unique to California, including Anna’s hummingbird and the coast redwood, many others are ubiquitous. Fascinating insights about the American robin, bumblebee, and garter snake will enrich nature hikes wherever you live.
Earthy and balanced, smooth on the tongue, and with a buttery finish, Wild Sonoma is an appealing, opulent introduction to the natural wonders just beyond the tasting rooms and terraces of Northern California wine country.
Reviewed by
Kristen Rabe
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
