Dying on the Vine

Explore the captivating history of viticulture with Dying on the Vine by George Gale, published by the University of California Press in 2011. This insightful hardback spans 336 pages, chronicling a remarkable 150 years of scientific battles against phylloxera, the grapevine's most notorious adversary. Gale meticulously details the devastating biological and economic impact of this tiny, root-sucking insect that first invaded southern France in the 1860s. As it spread across Europe and traversed oceans to Africa, South America, Australia, and California, the consequences were profound and far-reaching. This book is an essential read for those interested in the history of agriculture, pest management, and the resilience of the grapevine. Delve into the intricate world of viticulture and discover how the fight against phylloxera shaped the future of winemaking.