Sep 30th, 2008 · The Steinbeck classic was banned and burned in a number of cities, including Kern County, Calif. — the endpoint of the Joad family's fictional migration West. Rick Wartzman, the author of Obscene In The Extreme, says the ban was politically motivated.
Aug 12th, 2008 · Japanese fruit is big business. You may recall the square watermelon — it won't roll around in the fridge — and can cost close to $100. A new premium fruit has made its debut in Japan: the Ruby Roman grape. Each tomato-colored grape is a little smaller than a pingpong ball — and costs about $26.
May 22nd, 2008 · Would you like some grapes with your pesticide? Consumers and farmers will soon be on their own when it comes to finding out which pesticides are being sprayed on everything from corn to apples. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to stop publishing its national survey tracking pesticide use.
Feb 12th, 2008 · In the vineyards of the Penedes Valley, makers of the sparkling wine known as "cava" are taking steps to address the effects of climate change on their product. They are adding nutrients to the soil, using satellites to monitor vineyard conditions and trying new grape varieties.
Dec 21st, 2007 · Aside from critics and fans, few today have heard of the '60s rock band Moby Grape. Why? Bad advice, bad breaks and bad behavior are three short reasons. Now that a label is reissuing the group's first five records, other old problems still stand in the way.
Aug 6th, 2007 · In France's Bordeaux wine region summers have been hotter, harvests have been earlier and grapes have been sweeter. Some winemakers welcome a warmer climate; they are getting more great vintages. Others are more wary, but say they can adapt.
Aug 6th, 2007 · As the temperature and the wine-producing competition heats up, Spanish winemakers, Torres wine, have headed for the cooler fields of the Pyrenees Mountains to grow grapes that can withstand changes in climate and the wine industry.
May 21st, 2007 · On a recent airline trip, commentator Andrei Codrescu found himself subjected to a loud-mouthed fellow passenger, who kept trying to offer grapes to the people next to her. He concocted a mental picture of this annoying person -- only to find out that while she is cursed with a bad voice, the passenger is speaking loud because her elderly parents she's traveling with are hard of hearing. Codrescu feels shame.