Earlier this fall, writer Alexis Swanson Traina was flying high … signings, parties, accolades … all for her recently released first book, From Napa With Love. The tome featured luminaries from the titular region—the winemakers, the chefs, the artists and more—toasting the beloved valley.
Within only two weeks, the celebrating abruptly ceased … four huge wildfires has engulfed acres of Northern California, including her cherished Napa. In a story for SF Chronicle, the author recounts that frightening transition.
“‘For almost 10 days, the valley’s ridge perimeters were ablaze,’ recalls Traina, whose family moved from Naples, Fla., to San Francisco and established their Swanson Vineyards winery in Oakville. ‘I basically abandoned promoting the book. It was possibly the worst-case launch scenario in publishing history.’
“So Traina, who spends weekends at her Oakville home, was astounded when, in mid-November, her editor called with news that the book is in its second printing.
“‘Napa and Sonoma remain bucket-list destinations and could not be more relevant now,’ she said. ‘Ninety-nine percent of the wineries and restaurants we all love are intact and open for business. Now we’re about recovery. My hope is the book reinforces Napa’s magic, created by the personalities and talents who make Napa so special.’
Read more about From Napa With Love here.
