ROB CRISELL

My new book, California Avocados: A Delicious History, is the first and only book on the fascinating 175-year history of the avocado in California. When avocados first arrived from Mexico in the early 1800s, few Americans knew what to make of them. Intrepid settlers in California were among the first to embrace the savory green fruit, sparking a century-long love affair that transformed the state into “Avocado Land.” From battling over the best avocado varieties to coaxing the public into trying the fruit by devising delicious recipes, Golden State growers created a global phenomenon. My book explores how California’s favorite fruit became one of the most famous and iconic foods of the twenty-first century. As part of my exhaustive research on the subject, I interviewed more than 30 growers, distributors, aficionados, and academics throughout California. The book features 45 color photos and another 100 + black and white, as well as recipes, trivia, and helpful appendices. It is both comprehensive and enjoyable to read. 

If you’d like to receive a copy for possible review, please contact Phil Olsen at [email protected]; 970-218-9310; or Jenni Tyler at [email protected], or you can reach out directly to me at [email protected]; 951-551-5338. The book is currently available for pre-order at Amazon at https://a.co/d/dhvHtQx and through Arcadia Publishing. 

I am also the author of “Temecula Valley Wineries” (Arcadia Publishing 2023), among other works.

Thank you to Fielding Buck and Nick Koons for the wonderful article about “Temecula Valley Wineries” in the Press Enterprise this weekend. It helps get the word out about our fabulous local wineries and the book I wrote about them. And thanks to all of you who have let me know that you are enjoying your book! For those of you who want to order, get your book on Amazon!

Why an author says Temecula Wine Country is a unique grape-growing spot

It’s finally here! Today, my new book “Temecula Valley Wineries” officially goes on sale on Amazon and at stores near you. Thank you to all of you who have already gotten your copy and let me know you enjoyed it. There are SO many people I need to thank for their contributions to this book, especially Rebecca Farnbach, Peter Poole, Phil and Carol Baily, the staff of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, De Portola Wine Trail, the winery owners and winemakers of Temecula, and many others. The sales sheet below gives details on how to order multiple books. You can order single books via Amazon. Salute!