RICHMOND, MARCH 28–Beyond Jefferson’s Vines debuted today for trade sales at Wineries Unlimited, through the Wine Appreciation Guild.

Author Richard Leahy was on hand to autograph copies of the book for Virginia wineries placing a minimum order of 20 books, and sold 5 such orders for 100 books sold altogether between 11:30 and 3:30.

Customers included Chris Pearmund of Pearmund Cellars and Winery at La Grange, Jon Corcoran of Corcoran Cellars, Kendra Kinne of the Winery at Bull Run, Brian Roeder of Barrel Oak Winery, and Kirk Wiles of Paradise Springs Winery.

The author is taking book orders for the trade through this website, and also scheduling book signings at Virginia wineries; please e-mail the author for more information.

Kirk Wiles of Paradise Springs Winery (right) holds his autographed copy

Brian Roeder of Barrel Oak Winery holding an autographed copy of BJV

Kendra Kinne (right) from the Winery at Bull Run and a colleague after placing an order

This author, who has written on Virginia wines since 1986, has just had his solo work Beyond Jefferson’s Vines published by Sterling Epicure of New York, which publishes Kevin Zraly’s wine books.

Copies of the hardcover book arrived in time for a media release and book signing which took place at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA on Sunday, March 25th. Virginia wine writers/bloggers and other guests enjoyed a fine lunch accompanied by Paradise Springs wines from the 2010 vintage, listened to the author give a brief introduction to the book, and received autographed copies of the book from the author. Afterwards, they all enjoyed tasting samples of the Paradise Springs wines from the difficult 2011 vintage, presided over by winemaker Rob Cox with co-owner Kirk Wiles attending. The group were impressed with the purity of fruit and balance of the wines, considering the problematic nature of the 2011 vintage.

Attendees included: Virginia wine bloggers Dezel Quillen of “My Vinespot”,  Mary Ann Dancisin of the Virginia Wine Guide, Frank Morgan of “Drink what YOU like”, Warren and Paul of “Virginia Wine Time”; Dave and M.J. of “Swirl, Sniff, Snark”. Also attending was noted Virginia member of the American Wine Society Dave Barber, Sterling editor Carlo DeVito, and Chris and Janina Parker of New Horizon Wines, a company that exports Virginia wines to the U.K.

Photos of the event can be viewed on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.343432332374316.94913.100001226557161&type=3

Beyond Jefferson’s Vines is over 200 pages in length, in hardback format with a strikingly attractive cover, with a foreword by blogger and Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre, and will be available in Barnes & Noble stores in Virginia by early April 2012 at $19.99.

For review information, public book signing schedule and for access to the tasting notes supplement, please link to “Beyond Jefferson’s Vines” on the navigation link above; http://www.richardleahy.com/beyond-jeffersons-vines/.

For a review by Virginia blogger John Hagarty, please visit http://www.hagarty-on-wine.com/OnWineBlog/?p=5960