Where have I been? Writing.

Lately I've been bad, neglecting my blogging duties for several months. But my excuse is good: I was writing the manuscripts for two new books about food in wine country.

The first edition of "Food Lovers' Guide to Napa Valley" will be available soon in major bookstores, and it can also be pre-ordered on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, among other online booksellers.

Following quickly on the heels of the Napa Valley book will be the companion book called "Food Lovers' Guide to Sonoma," for the best places to dine in Sonoma County, along with an in-depth chapter about farmers' markets, farm stands, produce growers, cheesemakers, and the other food purveyors that make Sonoma County such a desirable place to visit. This book can also be pre-ordered at the major online bookseller sites.

Both are published by Globe Pequot Press, also the publisher of the "Insiders' Guide to California's Wine Country," which I've written for them for many years.

Book signings are likely in my future, and I will announce them here when I know more.

While I was working on the new books, my article about two ambitious women and their start-up company appeared in the Napa Valley Register. Read it here: http://tinyurl.com/44mg8e7