The equivalent to two years of viticulture school!

I agree that this text could use an update, especially on the newer varieties of grapes which have been developed in the past decade, however this text will make you a vintner if you read it in depth and acquire some "hands on" experience to go with it. The text is high quality print, and mine is covered with plastic and accompanies me often in the vineyards. It's focus is on the California industry but it is also a good guide for the northeastern USA and rest of the world.

Excellent general overview of viticulture

Although this book could use an update, it is an excellent general reference on U.S. grape growing practices and common problems, written by experts in the field. It is a well written technical book with many black and white photos and a good bibliography. I found the style very readable and not too difficult for a novice to follow, though some sections (e.g. the section about diseases) needed a little extra time. A must for anyone seriously thinking of putting in a vinyard.