Common Ground

“A must read for anyone that loves wine and the uniqueness of Napa Valley.” —Tim Mondavi, winemaker

The Napa Valley stands today at a critical crossroads. In this important new book, acclaimed author Richard Mendelson examines the valley’s exceptional rise in the world of wine and presents his recommendations for managing its most pressing challenges.

Over the past 50 years, the Napa Valley has been transformed from a quiet California farm community into the crown jewel of American wine—and a cherished destination for millions of wine and food lovers from all around the globe. But now an urgent question looms: at what price?

In Common Ground, his third book about Napa, Mendelson explores the history of the region alongside the significant impacts of climate change, wildfires, global tourism, the increasing influence of corporate ownership, while addressing how best to preserve the exceptional qualities of the valley’s landscapes, soil, natural resources, and its quality of life.