Vineyards in the Sky: The Life of Legendary Vintner Martin Ray

This Book chronicles the life of Martin Ray, the tempestuous keeper of the flame of fine winemaking at a time in California history when quality was at it's lowest ebb. Whilst honing his craft at the Paul Masson winery (and later at what would become Mount Eden Vineyards), Ray campaigned tirelessly for varietal labeling and enforcement. He was mercurial, at times offensive and always in possession of a personal magnetism that drew many a famous personality of the time to his Vineyard In The Sky. The book struck me as a script for an epic 40's movie, equal parts Ayne Rand and John Steinbeck, the latter having a bit part in the Martin Ray saga. A must read, it brings to life a vital piece of California winemaking history and the tremendously negative impact of prohibition on the fine wine industry.