The Accidental Vineyard - by Richard A Moran (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In a story reminiscent of A Year in Provence and We Bought a Zoo, a spontaneous drive from San Francisco to wine country leads a harried corporate executive and his family to a dilapidated 19th century Victorian home.

They set out to return the house to its former grandeur--a journey that yields much more, ultimately restoring their hope for a well-rounded life.

Consulting with internationally known CEOs and participating in high-stakes projects with millions of dollars and thousands of jobs on the line, Rich Moran knew the rule: there's no room for error--no fumbling, misgivings, or delays.

While attempting to lull a crying son to sleep, a wrong turn on a drive through Sonoma County sets him and his family on a life-changing adventure. They can't resist a promise-laden 19th century home, looking past its rotting wraparound porch and leaky roof. When a good neighbor shows up with grapevines, the transformation of the property grows to include planting a vineyard and making wine.

Before long, the family of city slickers morphs into country mice and joins an unexpected menagerie of people and critters in the shadow of Mount Saint Helena.

Filled to the brim with all the eccentric follies you expect from a chance undertaking turned passion project, The Accidental Vineyard is a raucous, tender-hearted tale of planting the seeds of your passions and cultivating the life you want.

Review Quotes

"From clueless beginnings to unexpected victories, Moran captures the spirit of Peter Mayle as he and his family restore an old house and plant a vineyard. With heart and humor, he tells a journey you won't soon forget."

--Frances Dinkelspiel, New York Times Bestselling Author, Tangled Vines

"In The Accidental Vineyard, Richard Moran manages to combine historic preservation, wine-making, family dynamics, global consulting, and inspiration into one story. Bravo!"

--Jonathan Dahl, former Editor, the Wall Street Journal's Weekend Edition

"For anyone who ever dreamed of retreating to the country and owning a winery, this is the book for you."

--Joel Gott, Owner and Founder, Joel Gott Wines

"Imagine Silicon Valley meets wine country in Moran's hilarious depiction of country life. The book is a charming description of what happens when following a dream."

--Garen Staglin, Cofounder, Staglin Family Vineyard

"Restoring an old house and planting a vineyard is not for the faint of heart. For the Moran family, it's a recipe for adventures and laughter. This is a beautiful story of transitions and hope."

--John Fetzer, former CEO, Fetzer Vineyards

"Over the counter at the Bakery I have seen and heard every possible wine country story. No one captures the real story better than Rich Moran in The Accidental Vineyard. A must read."

--Karen Mitchell, Founder, The Model Bakery, St. Helena, CA

"Holy Sites attract pilgrims. Some arrive for a dose of religion before returning home with treasured memories. In The Accidental Vineyard, Moran shows us that California wine country is a shrine with its own gang of interesting characters and apostles. The book is an inside look into 'living the dream.'"

--Adam Gordon, Wine Country Japanese Wagyu Rancher and Film Studio Developer

"In The Accidental Vineyard Rich Moran is anything but a snooty wine snob--he is funny, humane, authentic, and unpretentious, with a down-to-earth perspective on how Wine Country really works and a deep appreciation for its agricultural and social traditions."

--Jesse Duarte, Editor, St. Helena Star

About the Author

Besides being a winemaker and a preservationist, Richard Moran's background includes serving as a CEO, a college president, a venture capitalist and an author he is an authority on workplace issues and hosts a weekly radio program on KCBS, "In the Workplace" and has written ten books about management. Rich has also served as a director on public and private corporate boards. He lives in California's Wine Country.