“Chasing Cynthiana details the history of the elusive Norton/Cynthiana grape, a native American fruit whose story was largely obliterated by the popularity of California wine. . . . Lynn Hamilton’s book is a must-read for wine lovers and students of American history. You will wish you had a glass of Cynthiana wine in hand while reading this intriguing narrative.”—Amanda Bochain, chef and food writer
“Chasing Cynthiana opened my eyes to the lost world of American wines. Lynn Hamilton connects this lost history to the ways climate change imperils traditional winemaking today. She also takes a close look at the winemakers who have been on the frontlines of the climate crisis for decades. . . . This book offers us a roadmap to a sustainable future for winemakers and drinkers alike. (And poses the important question: Is mead finally making a comeback?) Chasing Cynthiana is a powerful, informative read for anyone who underestimates the labor, time, and centuries of knowledge that go into a bottle of wine—or mistakenly think the best ones must have ‘Napa’ or ‘Bordeaux’ on the label.”—Alexis Ancel, sustainable food systems consultant
