Hidden Napa Valley

Skimpy on insider secrets about""hidden Napa Valley"" but bursting with beautiful photographs of the region's natural beauty, Walker's gift book pays tribute to the wine lovers' paradise. The photographs, which are organized by season, are overwhelmingly vibrant, depicting brilliant fields of mustard in the Carneros region, voluptuous bunches of zinfandel grapes on the vine at Peter Franus Vineyard, the rolling hills of Long Vineyards and bursting sunflowers at the St. Helena Farmer's Market. Quotations about wine and the region's splendor break up the flood of images; among the contributors are Napa historian James Conaway, food connoisseur M.F.K. Fisher, vintners Robert and Margrit Mondavi and travel writer Jan Morris. In addition to the images of nature, there are photos depicting the wine-making process (including shots of wine cellars), as well photos of the region's historic buildings (like the 1884 Rhine House at Beringer Winery) and its upscale hotels and restaurants.