Beyond Jefferson’s Vines
Author Richard Leahy outlining his new book Beyond Jefferson’s Vines to Virginia wine media at Paradise Springs Winery Sunday 3/25
Beyond Jefferson’s Vines
Richard G. Leahy has written on Virginia wine since 1986. Now, with his forthcoming title Beyond Jefferson’s Vines, (Sterling Epicure/May 1, 2012) Leahy, regional editor for the Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America, has written the essential book on Virginia wine, covering its history, interviews with the state’s top wine industry members and members of state government, with updates on the latest industry developments.
11/24/13: Dana Milbank writes on Virginia wine in Washington Post, mentions Beyond Jefferson’s Vines;
Newsflash 4/16: Interview of Richard Leahy by Lois Lindstrom of “The Bookman’s Corner” on Arlington Independent Media now available at this link: http://bookmanscorner.com/programs.html
“Richard G. Leahy’s book provides an excellent overview of the emergence of Virginia as a serious wine producer. ..All in all, Beyond Jefferson’s Vines – The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia is a most entertaining book on the Virginia wine success story, written by an eminent expert of Virginia wine.” – Christian G.E. Schiller, “Schiller-Wine blog” 12/11/12
“Leahy has an encyclopedic knowledge of winemaking along the East Coast, and he uses it to add perspective… it is an engaging discussion of a wine community that is beginning to achieve its potential, by an ardent and knowledgeable champion.” –Dave McIntyre, The Washington Post, 12/5/12
“Richard Leahy’s publisher found the perfect author [for the subject]. I suppose there might be a couple of people who know more about Virginia wine than Leahy does, but they haven’t come forward yet. “Beyond Jefferson’s Vines” ($19.95, Sterling Publishing) reflects this knowledge — it’s comprehensive, authoritative, and complete. Those of a technical bent will find thorough discussions of terroir and grape growing and wine making techniques, while those who want the broader picture (as well as suggestions for Virginia wine tours) will get that as well.” –Jeff Siegel, www.thewinecurmudgeon.com
“Richard G. Leahy’s Beyond Jefferson’s Vines: The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia begins where Thomas Jefferson left off. For 30 years, Jefferson unsuccessfully attempted winemaking in Monticello. Today, Virginia is considered promising land to grow grapes and make wine. Beyond Jefferson’s Vines gives an insider’s tour of the Virginia wine region, from when Jefferson established his Monticello vineyard to the modern-day wine experiment. While the book chronicles Virginian wine progress over the last 30 years, it also offers insight on the do’s – but mostly don’ts – of eighteenth-century wine. Leahy includes interviews with Virginia’s top wine industry members, and updates on the latest industry trends. Inviting you to experiment with Virginia wine, Richard G. Leahy’s Beyond Jefferson’s Vines: The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia, is available in stores and online for $20.” –Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Lifestyle Blog, http://bluelifestyle.wordpress.com/
Few wine books are written with the kind of attention to detail and research that serve as the foundation for Beyond Jefferson’s Vines. Richard Leahy has very obviously poured his heart and his time into this book. The reward for readers is a kind of travel writing that will serve them well on their maiden voyage through one of the country’s truly exciting wine regions. Leahy reminds us of the heritage embedded in Virginian soils, and that history pervades the evolution of Virginia wine from ambitious failure to breakthrough success. “– Evan Dawson, author of Summer in a Glass, and Managing Editor, New York Cork Report
“Nobody has a better grip on the historic and modern Virginia wine industry than Richard Leahy, who brings a lifetime of studying and tasting wine and living in the heart of Virginia wine country to this project.” — Sandra Silfven, The Detroit News
”There hasn’t been such an informative, in-depth, and interesting discussion of Virginian wine since Thomas Jefferson first planted vines at his beloved Monticello. A great read and practical guide for oenophiles looking to learn more about some of the wonderful wines made on America’s East Coast.” — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, The World Wine Guys, Entertaining and Lifestyle Editors, Wine Enthusiast magazine
“Richard Leahy has woven a rich tapestry of Virginia’s wineries and winemakers. If Jefferson could peruse this book a satisfied smile would surely grace his countenance because his dream of quality Virginia wine has been fulfilled. This volume will be referenced often for those seeking to better understand the Old Dominion’s wine ascendency. A riveting and rewarding read.” — John Hagarty, www.Hagarty-on-Wine.com
“Richard Leahy masterfully captures the past, present and future of a wine region that has grown dramatically in recent years. Pour yourself a glass of a favorite Virginia wine and follow Leahy as he tastes his way through Virginia wine country. Wine aficionados at all levels who want to know more about this emerging wine region will find Beyond Jefferson’s Vines to be indispensable.” – Warren Richard, www.VirginiaWineTime.com
As reported in The Hook magazine, 6/7-13/12; http://www.readthehook.com/104029/after-jefferson-history-virginia-wine
For author-signed copies, view the schedule on the right for where and when I’ll be appearing in the next month or so.
