Starley Talbott

Their history, motivation and simply their stories - Starley Talbott learned all this and more about people and their vineyards while writing “Along the Grapevine Trail.”

The Platte County author, who has been writing most of her life, features several people and their vineyards throughout Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska in her book.

Although raised in the Little Bear community, Talbott graduated from Chugwater High School. She has been back Platte County for two years.

Talbott is married to Beauford Thompson. He also graduated from Chugwater High School. Although the two went down separate paths years ago, they met again at a high school reunion in 2004 and later married.

Talbott said that her husband is the reason she became interested in grapes.

Another Chugwater graduate sparked Talbott’s interest in grapes. Carol Eckhart, at the same class reunion, told Talbott and Thompson that she was going to plant a vineyard.

In her book, Talbott highlights various vineyards by going into their historical background and what motivated these people to start their own vineyards.

“And I go into the actual technical aspects of planting grapes,” she said.

Local vineyards featured in her book include the Sage Hill Vineyard in Chugwater, Table Mountain in Huntley and Bass Farm in Torrington.

In her book “Along The Grapevine Trail”, a list of all the vineyards and wineries in Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska is available.

“So people can still visit the ones that aren’t necessarily featured,” she said.

Readers will also be greeted by 88 color photographs throughout the book. Talbott herself took most of the photographs.

Talbott belongs to the Western Writers of America, a nationwide organization.

She also is a charter member and past president of Wyoming Writers and a member of Women Writing in the West.

Talbott will be a speaker at the South Dakota Book Festival in Sioux Falls Sept. 26-28.

One of her major writing accomplishments includes her story “Sister Stella Seams Serene”, which was chosen to be published along with a collection of stories for the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corpse. This publication will be available in 2011.

Talbott wrote “Sister Stella Seams Serene” after volunteering in the Peace Corpse in South Africa in 2001.

A book signing for Talbott’s book “Along The Grapevine Trail” will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Stampede Steakhouse in Chugwater. An additional book signing will take place at the Wheatland Mercantile Book Nook from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sept. 6.